#3 - Keep the Change

Keep the Change  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
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Title: "Being Rich Toward God: Living a Generous Life"

Introduction:

Before we delve into today's sermon, let's briefly recap the lessons from the previous weeks in our series, "Keep the Change."
We've learned about biblical money principles, honoring God with our finances, and the importance of stewardship.
Today, we continue this journey by exploring what it means to be rich toward God.
As we dive into this topic, let us remember our main statement:
"Generosity isn't something God is demanding from us, it's something He is inviting us to."
With this in mind, let's discover the richness of a generous heart.

Point 1: The Heart of Generosity

Generosity is more than just an act; it's a matter of the heart.
The Bible teaches us the profound concept of giving from the heart.
It's about willingly offering our time, talents, and resources out of love and gratitude.
In Luke 21:1-4 , we find an inspiring example of generosity in the story of the widow's offering.
Luke 21:1–4 NIV
1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
She gave her last two coins, all she had, as an act of faith and devotion.
Jesus commended her, saying she had given more than all the wealthy individuals because she gave from her heart.
Pastor Charles Spurgeon once said, "True charity is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring."
Generosity is about addressing not only immediate needs but also the underlying issues that create them.
Generosity starts with a transformed heart.
When we grasp the depth of God's love and grace in our lives, we can't help but overflow with a desire to bless others.
It's about looking beyond ourselves and seeing the needs of those around us.
Generosity is an expression of our love for God and our love for our neighbors.

Point 2: Sowing and Reaping

2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
The principle of sowing and reaping is prevalent in both the natural world and the spiritual realm.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6, we're reminded that "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
Consider the story of a farmer.
When he sows only a few seeds in his field, he can expect a meager harvest. However, when he generously scatters seeds throughout his fertile land, he reaps an abundant bounty. In the same way, when we sow our time, talents, and resources generously into the lives of others, we can expect a bountiful harvest of blessings and joy.
Pastor John Bunyan wisely observed, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."
God blesses our generosity, and when we sow generously, we can expect a bountiful harvest not only in material blessings but also in spiritual growth.
Generosity is not about occasional acts of giving but about cultivating a heart of generosity and making regular, intentional investments in God's work.
Through our giving, we support ministries that share the gospel, serve the less fortunate, and build God's kingdom on Earth.
Generosity is a divine partnership.
When we generously invest in God's work, He multiplies our efforts, allowing us to impact lives beyond our imagination.
This principle not only applies to finances but also to our time, talents, and love.
As we give generously, we create a ripple effect of blessing in the lives of others.

Point 3: Investing in Eternal Treasure

Matthew 6:19–21 NIV
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Our world often emphasizes the accumulation of wealth and possessions.
However, in Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus challenges us to shift our focus from earthly riches to eternal treasure.
He teaches us that worldly wealth is temporary and can be lost, but treasures stored in heaven are imperishable.
Imagine two friends, Alex and Ben. Both had successful careers, but Alex constantly pursued material wealth, buying extravagant possessions and seeking prestige.
In contrast, Ben chose to invest in helping those in need, supporting missions, and volunteering his time to serve the community.
Tragically, Alex's wealth could not buy him happiness, and he felt empty.
On the other hand, Ben found joy and fulfillment in his acts of kindness.
When they both faced the end of their lives, Alex realized that his wealth remained behind, while Ben had stored up treasures in heaven through his generosity.
Pastor Randy Alcorn beautifully articulated this truth, saying, "You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead."
Acts of kindness, charity, and generosity are investments in eternal treasure.
When we care for the needy, support missions, and extend love to others, we are storing up rewards in heaven that will last for eternity.
Our lives on Earth are but a brief moment compared to the eternity that awaits us.
Investing in eternal treasure means prioritizing the things of God above the things of this world.
It means making choices that align with God's kingdom values rather than the values of society.
The more you invest in the things that matter to the heart of God, the more your heart is gonna beat for the things of God.
Your heart always follows where you give.
Every moment of every day you have a choice to make, to spend what God's given you, your time, your talent, your resource, or to invest it.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, being rich toward God is a lifestyle that reflects a heart filled with generosity.
It's about giving willingly, sowing generously, and investing in eternal treasure.
As we live out these principles, we experience the richness of a life aligned with God's heart.
Let us summarize our key takeaways:
Generosity flows from the heart, driven by love and gratitude.
Sowing generously leads to a bountiful harvest, both materially and spiritually.
Investing in eternal treasure through acts of kindness and charity is the path to lasting fulfillment.
I challenge each of you to embrace a lifestyle of generosity, to be rich toward God, and to store up treasures in heaven.
As you go about your week, seek opportunities to sow generously and invest in eternal treasure.
Remember, "Generosity isn't something God is demanding from us, it's something He is inviting us to."

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound lessons on generosity we've explored today.
May these truths take root in our hearts and transform us into generous givers.
Help us to see opportunities to sow into your kingdom, to invest in eternal treasure, and to reflect your love to the world.
Bless us with hearts overflowing with gratitude and generosity. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Talk it Over

Certainly, here are two to three questions for each level of conversation starters based on the sermon:

Start Talking:

1. Do you believe that generosity is a vital aspect of a Christian life? (Yes or No)
2. Have you ever experienced a moment where someone's act of generosity impacted your life in a meaningful way?
3. Can you recall a simple act of kindness you witnessed recently, even if it was from a stranger?

Start Thinking:

1. What does generosity mean to you personally, beyond just giving money or material possessions?
2. How do you think your understanding of generosity aligns with the idea that it's an invitation from God rather than a demand?
3. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong desire to be more generous. What motivated that feeling, and what did you do about it?

Start Sharing:

1. Share a personal story or experience where you witnessed the transformational power of generosity, either in your own life or someone else's.
2. Has there been a moment when you found it challenging to be generous, and what did you learn from that experience?
3. Discuss a specific area in your life where you can increase your generosity, whether it's with your time, talents, or resources. What steps can you take to make this happen?

Start Doing:

1. Choose one practical way you can be more generous this week and commit to it. It could be volunteering, helping a neighbor, or supporting a charitable cause. Share your commitment with the group.
2. Consider reviewing your financial giving habits. Are there adjustments you can make to sow more generously into God's work or support a cause close to your heart?
3. Take time to pray and ask God to reveal opportunities for generosity in your life. Keep a journal and record how you've acted upon these opportunities over the next week. Share your experiences with the group during your next meeting.
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