Go The Extra Mile

It’s easy to get caught up in stuff. I like stuff. Especially techie, new stuff. Since November I have gone through 2 different pairs of earbuds and about 3 mag-safe chargers. Our hearts are naturally geared towards consumption. We have a desire for the accumulation of things. Most of the time it’s things we don’t need to impress people we don’t like or don’t even know. Greed and envy all lead to loneliness and depression. But God has given us the antidote.

Illustration:

What are some of your favorite parts of movies? Is it when some takes what they want no matter the consequence? Is it when a character moves forward with their goal no matter the pain or injury it may cause others? Or is it the times that the hero gives more of themselves than they thought possible? When then the hero gives up their comfort, freedom, life, for those they love? When does your heart come alive? It’s important to pay attention to those moments. Because God created out emotions to reveal something deeper to us.

THE TENSION:

Let’s make this a bit more real. How does it feel when you talk to someone, and they really understand you? I don’t mean some surface mask, but they speak to your core. What about the times you and your friend laugh so hard that your stomach hurts and you almost black out? Maybe you’ve seen the video of a man in Botswana giving his life to Jesus and that moment moved you. Maybe you are asking right now, “how does this connect to generosity?” I’m glad you asked.

THE TEXT:

Many times, we are caught in a very clever trap that the only way to be generous is with money. And though that maybe one way we can be generous, it is not the only way. Money just happens to be the easiest way to show it. Jesus spoke a lot in these things called parables. Parables are stories with deeper, spiritual meanings. This is one of my favorites…

John 3:16 NLT

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Let’s unpack this a bit.

THE TEACHING
:

God showed us His generosity in not only sending His Son to us, but giving His Son for us. Think about that? Jesus was willing to die for us before we knew we needed someone to do that for us.

Romans 5:6–12 NLT

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

Jesus us His love and forgiveness to show us the true meaning of generosity.

Generosity is giving without expectation of return. And there are 4 primary area we can do this.

Time- We all have time. If you are honest, you make time for the things that are important to you. Some examples of being generous with our time are listening to a friend when there are “funner” opportunities available, going out of your way to take the new kid home after youth, building a Lego set with your young brother or sister. Anything that is spending time in a way that benefits another person more than you.

Treasure-This is the most common. Our money can be powerful when used properly. Being generous doesn’t have to wait until you have a ton of money, it can start now. Jesus tells the story of a woman who gives almost everything she has. On the surface it doesn’t seem like much. But Jesus said she gave more than anyone that day. Buy someone behind you a coffee, give the money in your pocket to Speed The Light, whatever it might look like. Be creative!

Talent- “I don’t have any talent.” Talent means abilities. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor who needs their weeds pulled. Maybe you could babysit for you youth pastors so they can go out. Maybe you can help that junior higher with their math homework or give that kid who doesn’t have any friends a ride home from school. Do you have a skill or talent? Use it, develop it, grow it. Participate in Fine Arts, go to college, get better at what you are gifted at and use it for God’s glory. Sell painting to fund missions, write books that share the gospel through fiction, whatever it may be.

Forgiveness- We should be generous with our forgiveness because Jesus has been so generous with us.

THE THREAD:

God showed us this through Jesus. In Matthew 18 Jesus said that God had given Him all authority on Heaven and Earth. He then gave it to the disciples to pass along to us. The Bible speaks over and over about God’s great generosity towards us. The greatest is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He GAVE!!!” From Genesis through Revelation God has shown great generosity towards His people.

THE TAKEAWAY:

Here are 3 ways to be generous this week:

1)Time- Take someone to lunch you have never talked to before. Pay for them and listen to their story. Ask questions.

2)Talent-Ask your pastor if there is someone in the church that need errands ran for them or yardwork done.

3)Treasure- If you aren’t tithing, start. If you are, give 5% more to missions.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Leader note: Here you are welcome to break into small groups, have a response time or pray and dismiss. Which fits your normal pattern. I will include a general prayer to pray over your students.

Jesus,

Thank you for every student and leader here. May we each have Your heart of generosity. Show us what it means to reach beyond ourselves with whatever resources you have blessed us with. In all things Jesus make us more like you.

In Jesus name….AMEN