Hunger and Thirst: Generosity

Hunger and Thirst: the Pursuit of Godliness  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  47:14
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2 Corinthians 9:6–8 “6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Teaching on Generosity vs. Giving
common errors regarding generosity
our glorious Giver
reflection of God’s glory

The Error of Some…

the error of the Miser
Malachi 3:10–12 ESV
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.
2. the error of the Poverty Gospel
“to be poor is to be holy”
1 Timothy 5:8 “8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
3. the error of the Prosperity Gospel
1 Timothy 6:2–10 (ESV)
Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
4. the error of the Moralist
“if I’ve given my 10%, God will approve of me” (strict, literal)
IF we were to be strict literalists;
The Old Testament tithing system was more complex than just giving money:
It included both tithes and offerings
Required firstborn animals to be given
Was specifically meant for Levites and priests, not modern ministers
Was to be brought to the temple
If giving is “merely” an activity, it is nothing more than moralism.
Matthew 23:23–24 ESV
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
Matthew 6:1–4 ESV
1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
act of worship

The Glorious Giver

God’s generosity
Foundation- creation, Law
Redemption- gospel
Presence
Destiny
Our Reflection
Assertion, Instruction
2 Corinthians 9:6–8 “6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Promise
2 Corinthians 9:10–15 “10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”

Generosity

How much money does God need?
How much does God want from you?
100%
10% is a good reminder but not a good law (have to)
10% of time (36.5 days dedicated entirely to ministry)
10% of talent- using your skill set for the glory of God
10% of treasure- 10% might be a good START for some - inverted tithe?
Don’t miss reflecting God’s glory!
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