Growing in Generosity

[Series Introduction] When it comes to genuine generosity my mind wanders to the words of Jesus in the book of Acts. Where Christ says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Blessings come when you and I choose to live opened-handed and give away our material goods to others for God’s glory.

In our new series Generous, we will be taking five weeks to grow in our understanding on generosity with our time, talents, and treasures. Our purpose of this series is by the end of it you all will all cultivate this practice of giving and become more blessed people.

[Announce text] We, we turn our Bibles to a time when the Jerusalem church was experience a serve famine. Apostle Paul was trying to bridge the relational divide between the Jewish and Gentile church, so the Paul writes his second letter to the church of Corinth about this famine relief offering that they already pleaded to give. You will find this in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

[Scripture introduction] Before Paul gets to Corinth, inspires the wealthy Christians who live there to grow in their generosity not only for the benefit of the believers in Jerusalem, but for their own spiritual condition. It’s Paul appeal to the Corinthian believers that growing in generosity is the best way to live and we read this in 2 Corinthians 2:6-15.

[Reannounce and read text] With this background in mind let us read the text and see how Paul motivates believers to continue growing in generosity.

[Introduction] If I was going to motivate the Corinth church I would of held them to their original promise. Calling them to their integrity. But Paul does it way different than what you and I would do.

Instead of holding their feet to the fire, he motives them on why the generous life is worth living.

[Main point 1] You must rip to reap a harvest (2 Cor 9:6).

[Explanation] Paul is using agrarian terms to get his point across that the more we give the more we will reap. What we normally says is plant and harvest. But Paul says sow and reap. When it comes to money he means that whoever sows their money will reap blessings and favor from the Lord.

[Illustration] Rip open the bag of sunflower seeds and scatter them on the floor. You must rip to reap a harvest. The harvest will be larger every time I rip and sow more for God.

[Application] Every time you give rip away money from your life and give it to someone else. You are ripping the bag, sowing a seeding and one day will receive a harvest from the Lord. The most blessed people are the ones who rip often, and reap the favor and blessings of God.

But that not all Paul mentions on giving. He elaborates more on growing in generosity.

[Main Point 2] All giving begins with a decision, not an amount (2 Cor 9:7).

[Explanation] Paul did come with a quota on their income or assets, but he gives the general principle where giving must start. It begins by a nudge of the Spirit.

[Illustration] The decision to give is like when we ripped the bag before we sowed the seeds. Before anything can be given it must start with a conscious thought. What shall I do with this money?

[Application] I would encourage you not to start with an amount of what you will give. But with a decision to give, the rest will come naturally through prayer and practice.

But Paul keeps going on why we should be generous.

[Main Point 3] The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).

[Explanation] Paul doesn’t motivate through guilt or shame, but through the character of God. God loves a cheerful giver because God is the greatest giver.

He models giving, He gives us the means to give, and he gives us the opportunity/choice to give. When we give cheerfully, we look like God.

[Illustration] At home, Lydia gives me her best coloring pages. While to me it’s not exciting. It gives me joy because she is cheerfully giving it to me as a gift. God delights when his people live like that.

[Application] When you scatter you seeds, what would it look like for you to do it cheerfully? I would imagine you seeing the harvest and bring you a smile.

Lastly, Paul gives us one more reflection on how to grow in generosity .

[Main Point 4] God is able to care for our needs while we care for his kingdom (2 Cor 9:8).

[Explanation] God can give you all your needs through his grace to accomplish every thing he intends for you to do in your lifetime.

[Illustration] Throughout the bible, God is a God of provision. He always provides for his people and they on the other hand, give trust to him.

[Application] You can trust God once you scatter the seeds that you’ll have enough to get you through your days. He is a God love, mercy, and grace. Ultimately, God is very generous to you.

The gospel is all about God’s generosity.

[Conclusion] What I want to challenge you on for one month is to climb the spiritual ladder of giving. For some of us it is ripping the bag open and making a decisions. Others, maybe to be joyful and become a cheerful giver. I want to highly encourage you to give at least one percent more for one month. See how God will bless you and if you ever missed the money in the first place.

Just don’t say you’ll do it later or you will miss out on God’s blessings. Grow in generosity and rip to reap.