Genesis 1:22 (NLT) Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply.” Genesis 1:29 (NLT) Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NLT) God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
“We partner by planting.”
3 seeds every person has: 1. Time 2. Talent 3. Treasure
Matthew 6:21 (NIV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
We want to be generous: 1. Because we want to be like Him.
“You can give without love, but you can’t love without giving.”
2. Because we are blessed. Matthew 10:8 (NIV) Freely you have received, freely give.
Genesis 12: 2 (NLT) I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.
The Macedonian church, Poor Rich people. 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NLT) 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
“In the Kingdom, wealth is measured by generosity and poverty by greed.”
2 Corinthians 8:7-9 (NLT) 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Growing in generosity 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need.Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
1. Cheerfully 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.
2. Consistently 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NLT) On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned.
Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.
3. Sacrificially 2 Corinthians 8:3 (NLT) They gave not only what they could afford, but far more.
God doesn’t need your money; He wants you.
“In generosity, sacrifices are more pleasurable than painful!”
Developing a Generous Spirit 1. Give Thanks 2. Give Something 3. Give Sacrificially 4. Give Consistently 5. Give from this day forward
