Kingdom Generosity: The lady who gave little and everything.

Luke 21:1–4 NKJV

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

Main Idea: Jesus commands sacrificial giving.

Motivating Idea: God desires Christians to give until it hurts.

Key Question: When is the last time you gave until it costs you something?

1. Kingdom generosity matters to God (v. 1)

Luke 21:1–2 NKJV

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.

Luke 21:1 NKJV

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,

Jesus clearly takes notice of the public giving. He uses an outcast as an example of commendation.

He is still responding to His critics.

What you believe about Jesus effects your generosity.

You can’t give your way into favor with God.

Wealth is not a necessarily a sign of God’s blessing.

Luke 12:

Luke 12:34 NKJV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2 corinthan 8:5

2 Corinthians 8:5 NKJV

And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

2. Kingdom generosity is simple obedience. (v. 1-2)

Luke 21:1–2 NKJV

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.

Stated quite simply with little emphasis. She just did it.

2 Corinthians 8:6 NKJV

So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.

2 Corinthians 8:7 NKJV

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

3. Kingdom generosity costs you something. (v. 3-4)

Luke 21:3 NKJV

So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all;

Luke 21:3–4 NKJV

So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

“all that she had to live on...”

2 Corinthians 8:2–3 NKJV

that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

4. Kingdom generosity is measured. (v. 4)

Luke 21:4 NKJV

for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

Generosity is measured NOT by what you gave BUT by what you have left!

Acts 5:1-

Acts 5:1–11 NKJV

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

5. Kingdom generosity demands childlike faith. (v. 4)

Luke 21:4 NKJV

for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

When you give your livelihood, God is the only net by which you can be caught!

1 Timothy 6:3–10 NKJV

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.