Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth?
Material blessings are tangible - spiritual blessings may not be as evident to others.
We want to believe that God loves us and that may be easier when we are not suffering from lack of money - particularly when non believers appear to be prospering financially.
Since there is not always a lot of teaching about the practical ways to actually abide in God - to walk and talk with HIm daily - to know his presence and more importantly, his constant love and concern for us, we are susceptible to those who tell us that if we believe, we will see physical manifestations - i.e., increased wealth, health, and other physical blessings.
Churches - the physical buildings - can be very expensive to build and to maintain. Staff is also expensive. So we are asked to give sacrificially. It sweetens the asking to tell people you "can't outgive God" who will surely reward you tenfold for your ever larger donations.
We love because He first loved us. We have to truly experience God's love before we can give it away. And we can't do that by focusing on the gifts - we have to abide in the Giver.