Grateful- The Grace of Giving
November 15, 2015 Series
Grateful
Generous- Showing a readiness to give more of something more than is strictly necessary or expected.
Matthew 10:8 (NIV) Freely you have received, freely give.
Sacred Resources: God has given us certain resources in life for us to steward.
1. Time 2. Energy 3. Money
Common Statements about generosity:
In the Kingdom wealth is measure by generosity and poverty by greed.”
The Macedonian church, Poor Rich people.
2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NLT) I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 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. 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. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 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.
Excelling in the grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (NLT) 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. 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.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 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. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
1) Cheerfully- The attitude of generosity
“You must Decide”“
“Not Reluctantly”
“Nor Under Pressure”
2) Consistently- The Lifestyle of Generosity
2 Corinthians 9:11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
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.
“The goal in the kingdom is not that we would be blessed but that we would be a blessing.”
3) Sacrificially
2 Corinthians 8:3 (NLT) 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.
Developing a Generous Spirit.
1- Give thanks
2- Give something
3- Give Sacrificially
4- Give Now
4. Give Continually
