A Posture of Generosity

July 5th 2026

Series: The Generous Life

Sermon Title: A Posture of Generosity

Topic: How your heart posture matters in generosity. God wants us to walk in His blessings and generosity is an opportunity to bless God, bless others, and be more blessed.

Key Passages: Matthew 6:19-24, Acts 20:35, John 15: 1-8

Sermon Blurb: In today’s message, we pose the question of what a generous life looks like from God’s perspective.

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Sermon:

Hello, Family Church!

Welcome, whether you are here in person or online.

Family Moment –

Start with something personal from your family life recently to help people get to know you.

Celebrate salvation/rededications/baptisms last week.

Celebrate new disciples and disciple-makers.

If you are new to Family Church, we are SO happy you are here today!

Last month, we focused on living a Spirit filled life.

If you missed that, I would encourage you to go watch those messages on our app or website.

PAUSE

Today, we are jumping into a new series for July…

Over the next 4 weeks, we will focus on what a truly blessed life looks like.

        What does it look like to live a generous life.

        And a generous life not defined by us or culture…but God.

        What would it take for God to look down on you or me and say, “WOW!!! They live a generous life!”

PAUSE

Let me give a high-level overview of this series:

Today is week 1.

Today we are going to answer the question: “What does it mean to live generously?”

We’re going to talk about the heart of generosity and how our posture of giving really matters.

Then next week, in week 2, we are going to talk about the purpose of tithing.

Tithing is a bible-word that refers to an agreement God made with His people regarding wealth and resources.

We’re going to answer the question: “Why should I tithe faithfully?”

And what is tithing and what is not tithing.

In week 3, we’re going to the other side of the ‘giving coin’…

We’re going to look at what an offering is.

Where tithing is about TRUSTING God, offerings are “above and beyond giving” that demonstrate our deepening LOVE for God.

We’ll answer the question: “What is Spirit-led giving?”

And then, in week 4, we’re going to discuss holistic stewardship.

Not just money but all the resources, abilities, and opportunities we have to honor God.

We’ll answer the question: “How do I steward my life for eternity”?

I think this will be a fun series and help us to better understand why we are so blessed and how to walk in the greater blessings of obedience and worship to God!

PAUSE

And let me say this right out of the gate today:

In this series…

        We are NOT guilting you to give money.

        We are NOT forcing fundraising.

        We are NOT pressuring anyone.

What we are trying to do is…

        Give biblical guidance for living a generous life.

        Help us learn how to honor God with our entire life.

        And encourage everyone to keep eternity in perspective regarding the blessings God has given us.

I hope this series will shed God’s light, from the Bible, on what He says and wants for us.

So, don’t tune me out…

And don’t skip this series…

Because God has a purpose in everything and that includes how we steward and handle the resources and opportunities He has given us.

PAUSE

So, let’s dive in…

Let me ask a question…and you will see this in your notes with a blank…

And that blank if for you to write in your answer.

What does it mean to live generously?_______________

______________________________________________

Think about that.

        What does it mean to live generously?

        What would you say?

        How would YOU answer that?

Note it does NOT say “Give generously…”

Although that is one aspect of it…

It says LIVE generously.

        What does it mean to live your life generously?

PAUSE

I think we would all agree that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has made a profound impact on countless lives and families.

They are leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Through volunteers, donors, prayers, and support, they provide personalized care for some of the world’s sickest kids—often at no cost to families.

We’d all agree… that’s generosity.

On their website, they define it this way:

St Jude: “Living generously means creating a life where your actions reflect a giving mindset.”

So, here’s the question:

Do your actions reflect generosity?             Does your life reflect generosity?

Not your intentions.             Not what you wish you did.             Not what you thought about doing.

Do you EVERYDAY actions…             How you spend your time,             How you use your resources,

           How you treat people.

Because generosity isn’t just something we admire… it’s something we are called to live.

PAUSE

Share a story of people who were generous in your life

Jamie and I married on love, not money J

        I was a full-time college student, part-time church intern.

        She was a full-time Teller at the bank.

We didn’t know where we would live...

        How much it would cost to survive…

        We didn’t get great financial guidance from pre-marriage counseling…

        We just knew we HAD TO get married!

So, during the engagement time, a wonderful Christian couple who were friends with my parents… asked if we would like to live in a trailer they owned “rent free” for a year.

        Yeah!  Of course!

        And because of their generosity, we were able to save up enough money for a down-payment for our first home in just 1 year!

Their generosity was a catapult for our marriage and future!

PAUSE

What would it look like if we ALL lived generously?

Maybe you can’t give away a home… but you can give away a meal.

Buy a cup of coffee. Help cover a bill when someone is in a tight spot.

You can take a chance on someone—hire them, mentor them, believe in them when others won’t.

You can share what you have—your tools, your car, your home, your table.

PAUSE

Share a story of how YOU have lived generously

Jamie and I had moved to Virginia to serve at a large church—(that’s where we first met Pastor Adam and Jenny).

While living there, we got to know our neighbors.

And one of them was a recovering addict living with his sister and brother-in-law.

Most people had written him off… but I didn’t see him that way.

He was a mechanic, and a pretty good one.

Most days, when I came home from work, he was tinkering on his motorcycle or his sister’s car.         … he even did a couple free oil changes for me.

One day I noticed his motorcycle was gone.

A few days later, I asked him about it—he told me it had been stolen. Insurance didn’t cover it, and now he was borrowing a car just to keep his job at the shop.

And I felt prompted… to help.

At the time, we had two vehicles, so I offered to let him borrow mine for a while.

Now—this isn’t something I normally do. I’m usually cautious… even skeptical in situations like that.

But I knew him. And I wanted to be generous.

And honestly… it didn’t go well. He damaged the car. He smoked in it. And he didn’t return it for two months.

I had every reason to be frustrated.

But instead of getting even…I remembered my calling—

To live generously… is a blessing.

PAUSE

Living generously isn’t easy.

        It isn’t convenient.

        But it is a blessing to be a giver!

Now… I realize that is NOT our natural tendency.

In fact, have you ever wondered, “WHY” people are naturally selfish or greedy?

I mean, you don’t have to teach a toddler to be selfish… they just naturally are!

Kids natural snatch the toy back and say, “MINE!”

The reality is, generosity does NOT come naturally.

PAUSE

And culture doesn’t teach generosity either.

It teaches us to look out for number one. “Me, myself, and I.” “Us four… and no more.”

Build MY empire. Climb the ladder—no matter who it costs. Position MYSELF so I get ahead. Make sure I stand out above everyone else.

That’s the world we live in.

PAUSE

So, if our natural tendency leans selfish…

And the culture around us reinforces it…

Then it raises the question… What does God say about it?

And “what can we even do about it?”

And here is the question you see in your notes:

How can I live more generously?

                (repeat)

        Is it possible for God to transform my motive?

        Is there a way for me to be less selfish and more giving?

        How can I live more generously?

        And the answer is write this down:

To become more generous, I must let God change my heart!

                (repeat)

When we talk about the heart, we aren’t talking about the organ in your chest that pumps blood.

        We also are not talking about emotions and feelings.

        The heart of a person is about what you value and love.

        It has to do with what you cherish or prioritize.

        Who or what has your affection and attention?

This is precisely what Jesus talked about in Matthew 6

So, if you have your bible with you (and I hope you do), open it to the Book of Matthew chapter 6

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Simply download the app and click "Sermon Notes" on the main page.

Matthew 6:19-24

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.

Underline or circle that verse.

Notice how Jesus connects treasure with your heart… tangible things with intangible affection.

He’s not condemning possessions… He’s confronting attachment.

It’s not about what you have, it’s about what has you.

Keep reading…

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Pause here.

Notice what Jesus says — He talks about the eye being healthy or unhealthy.

This isn’t about physical sight.

It’s about what captures your attention… what draws your focus.

Jesus knows how easily we get distracted by what’s new, shiny, and appealing.

Comfort.

Convenience.

More.

Better.

So, He’s calling us to something deeper: Fix your eyes on Him—not on stuff.

Again, He’s not condemning possessions…

He’s calling us to make sure our eyes—and our hearts—are fully set on God, not what we possess.

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Have you ever known someone who was owned by money?         Or, maybe (if you’re being honest), you have been owned by money.

Debt up to your eyeballs, Having a bunch of stuff but never feeling content, Working hard but it’s never quite enough.

I remember hearing a financial counselor say there are really two ways to live:

1) You control your money OR

2) Your money controls you…

And if we’re honest, money makes a terrible master.

It promises security… but produces anxiety. It promises freedom… but creates pressure. It promises satisfaction… but always asks for more.

That’s why Jesus says—you can’t serve both.

Not because money is evil… but because it’s powerful.

And Jesus doesn’t want you living under that kind of control.

He wants something better for you— not bondage… but blessing.

PAUSE

So… With the time we have remaining, I want us to talk about the heart of generosity,

How God can change the posture of my heart related to living generously and being a blessing.

God wants you to walk in HIS favor and fullness? God wants you to be blessed and to be a blessing to others.

And generosity is an opportunity to walk in God’s blessing.

I hope you will get this today…

Generosity provides us the opportunity to bless God.

Bless others.

And to be blessed.

In fact, write that down:

Generosity provides me the opportunity to bless God, bless others, and to be more blessed.

                (repeat)

Turn with me to Acts 20.

And as you're turning there, think about your life up to this point.

        Have you lived generously?

        Or have you chased things more than you’ve chosen generosity?

        And be honest, I can tell you openly that many times I have been more self-focused than I should be.

        At times, I intended to be generous, but I found myself more consumed by personal possession of OR being bondage to debt like I mentioned a moment ago.

        So, be honest about where you are at.

In Acts 20:35, Paul said:

Acts 20: 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

The Apostle Paul, QUOTED Jesus, and said:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Do you actually believe that?

Because if we’re honest… it sounds backwards. It goes against our nature. It pushes against everything culture has taught us.

And notice— it doesn’t say, “you are more blessed when you have less.”

Some people hear “be generous” and think:

“If I give too much… I won’t have what I need. If I’m too open-handed… I’ll get taken advantage of. If I’m too generous… then I’ll end up with less.”

But that’s NOT what Jesus said…

He said it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Generosity doesn’t mean you won’t have what you need.

And this isn’t a prosperity Gospel message—but listen, God is not trying to make you poor or empty.

God doesn’t want you to lack anything!

Some traditions make people feel guilty for being blessed.

Others act like having less automatically makes you more godly.

Neither is the point.

The point isn’t comparison— it’s contentment and gratitude that lead to a posture of generosity!

Because whether you have more or less than someone else, you are still called to live generously with what you do have.

PAUSE

How many of us live that out?

        How many of us truly live this principle out?

        I’ve never seen a single t-shirt or tattoo with Acts 20:35.

        I’ve never heard of a single Christian who claimed that passage as their “life verse”.

This sounds good in theory

        We even believe it in our theology…

        But while it’s easy to agree with generosity, it’s much harder to practice it!

        It sounds good in theory, but it costs something in reality.

        And that is why many Christians don’t allow God to cultivate generosity in them.

PAUSE

And notice as well… Jesus doesn’t say in Acts 20, “you should never receive…”

It says you are more blessed when you give!

Receiving is not the problem.  

The problem is our hearts desire.

        We crave comforts and conveniences more than we desire to share what we’ve been given.

Listen…

If we want to learn how to live generously, it doesn’t start with writing a check or funding a program.

There are plenty of people who are charitable.

Generosity doesn’t begin with an external action— it begins internally.

Because being generous… living generously… starts in the heart.

It begins when we ask God to align our hearts with what He values.

When we long to become more like Jesus.

And as our affections are fixed on Him,

He begins to shape our lives toward generosity.

That’s where the spark starts— not in our hands… but in our hearts.

PAUSE

This is part of the spiritual FRUIT Jesus referred to in John 15: 1-8

Turn there with me quickly, or follow along in your notes or on the screen:

John 15: 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.

Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Generosity is at the center of God’s heart.

        John 3:16… God so loved the world that He what church GAVE!

        God is the greatest gift giver EVER!

        His generosity is unmatched.

And God wants us to grow in EVERY AREA of our lives to become more like Jesus.

That includes growing a heart of generosity.

So, write this down:

The spirit of generosity grows in me as I grow in Jesus.

        (repeat)

If you’re a Christian—a follower of Jesus—let me ask you something:

Are you more like Jesus today than a year ago?

Are you kinder? More patient? Do you have more self-control? Have you let go of habits that once had a hold on you?

Are you actually becoming more like Him?

Now ask that same question—but through the lens of generosity:

Are you more generous today than you were a year ago?

Because spiritual growth isn’t just measured by what we turn away from… it’s also revealed in what we’re willing to give away.

PAUSE

Bottom line is this… and write this last point down:

You are not more blessed because you have more.  You’re more blessed because you become more!

        (repeat)

PAUSE

Let me close with this challenge… Go back to what Jesus said in

Matthew 6:21“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This isn’t about shaming you or making you feel guilty for enjoying a nice car or a vacation…

This is about priority.

It’s about aligning our minds and decisions with God.

It’s about positioning our hearts to live the blessed life—blessing God, blessing others, and yes, experiencing His blessing.

So, ask yourself (again):

Who has your heart?

What has your priority? What has your affection? What holds your attention?

And what gets the first and best of your resources?

PAUSE

Let me give you a life application today.

If you are new or newer to Family Church, we LOVE to end our messages with something for you to talk about with someone else.

Something to help you apply the message to your life.

So here is this week’s Life Application…

Life Application: This week, ask God to change your heart. Start each day with a simple, specific prayer: “God, make me more like Jesus. Give me a generous heart.”

Prayer:

Make sure to do a salvation call!

Offering:

Thank you all for being here today!

        If you would like to continue your worship through giving, there are offering boxes by the doors as you exit, or behind me on the screens. You can also see other ways to give here at Family Church.

        You can also place any connection cards you filled out in there.

***Each week we want to highlight a different way to give.

Week #1 –

If you did not know, you can set up Family Church in your online bank bill pay.

This is a great way to ensure consistent giving, and it costs you and Family Church nothing!

Have a great week!!