The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
Week 8: Chapter 7 — Becoming a Hilarious Giver
Read Chapter 7 of The Treasure Principle. Primary Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7; Psalm 37:4; John 10:10.
Previewing Week 8 of The Treasure Principle
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 9-week guide when you’re ready.
Alcorn closes with a vision of the end goal — not merely a disciplined giver, but a hilarious one, a person in whom generosity has become so natural and joyful that it looks almost reckless to the world.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.The word translated 'cheerful' in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is the Greek word hilaros — from which we get 'hilarious.' Alcorn builds his closing chapter around that word. What does 'hilarious giving' look like in practice? Have you ever met someone whose generosity looked hilarious — almost absurd — to outside observers?
2.Alcorn argues that the pursuit of happiness and the pursuit of generosity are not competing goals — they are the same goal. Generous people, he says, are simply happier. Does your own experience confirm or complicate this claim?
3.He describes giving as a 'grace' — something God works in us, not merely something we work up in ourselves (2 Corinthians 8:7). What is the difference between trying harder to be generous and asking God to grow generosity as a grace? Which has been more characteristic of your approach?
a.What spiritual habits or practices does Alcorn suggest can cultivate a generous heart over time?
b.If generosity is a grace and not just a discipline, what does that mean for how you pray about it?