11 We Are Generous

Introduction

Planting a garden – spring seems to be trying to appear. Already getting an early start on the garden. Small beds but plant in a way that we maximize production. Changing out what we plant. Funny thing is the seeds we plant are usually what comes up and the produce we receive. If we plant a lot, there seems to be plenty. If we don’t plant much it we don’t get much of a harvest.

Hopefully putting in another raised bed or two. Why? So we can plant more seeds and have more delicious vegetables to harvest and eat. And share.

In stewardship we learned that God is the owner, He hands to us responsibility to manage His wealth of resources. He will hold us accountable for how we manage. He blesses us as we are faithful. And He rewards us with words of blessing, more to manage, and His close presence. The key is faithfulness. Trust. Obedience by faith.

If God is the owner and He has delegated responsibility for stewardship to us, what we do with it matters.

Points

Right Perspective

Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10

- 5b-6 Godliness with contentment.

7 Can't take it with you.

8 Be content with the basics,

9 everything else is abundance, wealth, riches, and a trap.

Right Pursuits.

Right Pursuits.

Read 1 Timothy 6:11-12

11 Flee from all this.

Pursue - fruit of the Spirit

12 Fight good fight of faith, Take hold of eternal life = HOW?

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19

17 hope in God alone, He provides, 18 good works, generous, sharing, 19 treasure in coming age, true life.

17 hope in God alone, He provides,

18 good works, generous, sharing,

19 treasure in coming age, true life.

V 18 example in parable of rich fool, hoarded abundance instead of sharing. Judgment - was not rich toward God.

teaches don’t worry, God will provide, seek first His Kingdom and righteousness.

Application – Jesus teaches His disciples purpose in generosity. Generosity lived out is Ministry of Compassion.

Discussion Groups – Right Purpose (to bless others)

,

You harvest what you sow. God’s purpose is to bless you so you can be generous.

Application – Jesus teaches His disciples purpose in generosity. Ministry of Compassion.

Read .

Someone repeat the story in your own words.

Who are the main characters or groups in the story?

What does this story teach us about God? About Jesus?

What 2 titles is Jesus called in this section?

What will the Son of Man do when He comes?

What will He be doing as He is sitting on His throne?

What does this story teach us about ourselves and about generosity?

Who do the sheep represent and where do they go?

Who do the goats represent and where do they go?

Why were the "sheep" blessed and the "goats" cursed?

Do you believe this is a true depiction of what will happen?

If this passage is true, what behavior must we change this week?

Who will you tell this story to this week?

Big Idea: Generosity shows our heart attitude of faith in God’s provision and compassion for the needs of others.

Conclusion

Generosity speaks of a heart attitude that recognizes God as owner of everything including the ability to make wealth, gladly opens the hand to receive responsibility, faithfully and wisely manages and gives account, and longs for the reward from the Master.

Generosity keeps a loose grip on resources and gladly makes them available to those who have need. Gratefulness expresses appreciation for graces and gifts from others in our time of need.

Generosity is giving more than is required or giving when not required. Sharing with others who are in need.