05.30.2021 | GENEROSITY
GENEROSITY
Acts 11:27-28 (NIV) – “During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)”
Acts 29-30 (NIV) – “The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.”
Acts 2:43-45 (NLT) – “A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.”
1. Deal with Selfishness
What does money mean to you?
Security/Be Safe, Provided For
Enjoyment/Prodigal Son – Have a Party!
Status/Appearance
Control/Power
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (NLT) – “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need.”
Deuteronomy 15:9 (NLT) – “Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the Lord, you will be considered guilty of sin.”
2. Deal with Giver’s Remorse
Deuteronomy 15:10 (NLT) – “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.”
Colossians 3:23 – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
3. Develop a Generous Heart
Deuteronomy 15:14 – “Apply liberally: Give him a generous farewell gift from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. Share with him some of the bounty with which the Lord your God has blessed you.”
Acts 20:35b – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT) – “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
Matthew 6:21 (NLT) – “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Luke 16:10-11 (NLT) – “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?”
4. Develop a Grateful Heart
Deuteronomy 15:15 (NLT) – “Remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you! That is why I am giving you this command.”
Matthew 10:8b (NLT) – “Give as freely as you have received!”
Discussion Questions:
1. Reflect on the meaning of money in your own life. Which of these four best describes your relationship with money?
a. Security/Be Safe, Provided For
b. Enjoyment/Prodigal Son – Have a Party!
c. Status/Appearance
d. Control/Power
2. Share an example of selfishness in your life.
3. Considering the above questions, talk about your biggest obstacles to giving and being generous.
4. Have you ever felt “giver’s remorse”? How can you fight this off in times of difficulty?
5. Have you ever thought about generosity as being connected to stepping into more of what God has for you?
6. What is the next step in your life toward becoming more generous?