Break The Power of Debt

Small Group Discussion Guide

Based on the teaching by Dr. John Avanzini

1. SERMON RECAP

Dr. John Avanzini shared a powerful account of a life-changing encounter with God in Abba, Nigeria, where he received a message about financial freedom and the true purpose of the offering. He explained that the tithe, while essential, places a believer only "one step ahead of the birds" through addition, whereas a Spirit-led offering unlocks multiplication — thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold increase. He challenged the congregation to recognize that consumer debt is the primary barrier keeping American Christians from hearing and responding to God's voice in the area of finances.

2. KEY SCRIPTURE

Mark 4:24-25 (KJV)

"And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."

3. ICE BREAKER

Think back to when you were a child — what did you believe about money and where it came from? Did your family talk about money openly or keep it a private subject?

4. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Understanding the Tithe vs. The Offering Dr. Avanzini drew a clear distinction between the tithe and the offering, describing the tithe as belonging to God already and the offering as the believer's own money surrendered back to God. How does that distinction change the way you personally think about what you put in the offering plate each week?

2. The "Understanding" Principle Dr. Avanzini pointed to Mark 4:24 and emphasized that the word "hear" carries the deeper meaning of "understand," arguing that the measure of understanding a person brings to their giving directly affects their financial harvest. What would it look like practically for someone to grow in their understanding of biblical giving rather than simply giving out of habit or obligation?

3. The Debt Problem He described consumer debt as a kind of "cattle prod" that makes people flinch and shut down whenever the topic of money and giving comes up in church. Do you think that rings true in your own experience or in the broader culture? Why do you think debt has such a strong emotional hold on people, even believers?

4. Hearing God in the Offering Dr. Avanzini recounted how, after his encounter in Nigeria, he began teaching people to ask God specifically what amount to give in the offering rather than deciding on their own. What would it require — spiritually and practically — for someone to genuinely pause before giving and ask God what He wants them to give? What might make that feel uncomfortable or even strange?

5. The Nigeria Account and Obedience He described the dramatic offering in Abba, Nigeria, where people ran forward to add money because they had not initially obeyed what God had spoken to them about giving. He also noted that God told him He cannot multiply disobedience. What does that principle stir up in you personally? Have you ever sensed God prompting you toward a financial step and pulled back? What happened?

6. Moving from Addition to Multiplication Dr. Avanzini described three levels of financial relationship with God — the tithe (addition), the offering (multiplication), and the steward (everything belonging to God). Which of these levels most honestly describes where you are right now, and what feels like the next step for you?

5. APPLICATION CHALLENGE

Before the next time your group meets, set aside five quiet minutes before your next church service or giving moment. Write down the amount you were planning to give, then pray and ask God specifically whether that amount is what He wants from you. Write down whatever impression comes to mind, even if it feels uncertain. Bring your notes to the next group meeting and share, if you are willing, what the experience was like — not necessarily the amount, but whether asking God felt natural or awkward, and why.

6. PRAYER POINTS

• Pray that each group member would develop a growing sensitivity to God's voice in the specific area of financial giving, and that fear, habit, or debt pressure would not drown out what He is saying.

• Pray for practical wisdom and courage for anyone in the group who is currently carrying significant debt, that they would find a clear and realistic path forward rather than feeling hopeless or ashamed.

• Pray that the congregation as a whole would move from viewing the offering as a routine church activity into understanding it as a genuine act of partnership with God that carries real spiritual and material consequences.

7. MEMORY VERSE

Mark 4:24 (KJV)

"Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall be given."

Leader Note: Dr. Avanzini acknowledged that some of these ideas feel unfamiliar or even unsettling, particularly for people carrying financial stress. Create space for honest, unhurried conversation. The goal of this discussion is not to pressure anyone toward a specific giving decision but to help each person think more carefully and prayerfully about the connection between obedience, understanding, and God's provision in their lives.