Generosity    

  Bill Gothard – generosity is God’s highway to prosperity, stinginess is the pathway to poverty. Generosity is the result of focusing on God’s riches.

I. Definition of Generosity

  Several biblical words describe the concept that makes us generosity.

  A. Loving – charity involves giving to the poor and needy.

    1. 1 John 3:17 – Winston Churchill – we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.

    2. 1 Cor. 13:3 – if I give w/o love I have gained nothing

  B. Sowing – law of the harvest

    1. 2 Cor. 9:6 – C.S. Lewis – I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.

  C. Honoring – “ to place value upon “

    1. Eph. 6:2 -

      a. We honor our parents by giving to their needs. We show honor to others by giving towards their needs.

    2. Prov. 19:17 – when we give to the poor we honor the Lord.

    3. Generosity is not just giving it is giving abundantly.

  D. Distributing –

    1. Rom. 12:13 – distributing to the necessity of the saints

      a. Acts 6:1 -

    2. 2 Cor. 8:14 – as we need others needs now, our will be met in the future. Bill Gothard – lacking money is God’s school to teach us the importance of being generous when we abound

  E. Grace –

    1. 2 Cor. 9:8 – it is by God’s grace that we have the means to give.

  F. Stewardship – stewardship is making wise investments in what God has given me. What God has entrusted us with doesn’t belong to us.

II. Rewards of Generosity

  Many refuse to give because they believe that what they give they lose. Those that are generous receive for more than they give in many areas.

  A. A Bright Countenance – generosity is at he very heart of the nature of God. Pelicans provide not only for their young but for others unable to get food on their own.

1.      Matt. 6:22,23 – what is your view on giving

  B. A special trust for the Lord –

1.      2 Cor. 9:7 – cheerful – hilaros – when we give this way we are showing trust.

  C. The fear of the Lord – fear of the Lord is the continual awareness of his presence in our lives and watch care over us.

    1. Deut. 14:22-23 -

  D. Treasures in Heaven –

    1. Matt. 6:19-20 -

    2. Mark 10:21 -

  E. Victory over the “root of all evil”

    1. Generosity breaks the bondage of greed and overcomes the love of money

    2. The love of money gives the illusion that life is made up of the things we possess.

      a. 1 Tim. 6:9-10 -

III. Motive for Generosity

  A. God gave it to me

    1. Deut. 8:17-18 -

  B. God can take it back

    1. Job 1:21 -

    2. Mal. 3:8-11 -

  C. To experience more of his power

    1. Phil. 3:8 -

IV. Steps for Generosity

  A. Dedicate all resources to God

    1. Including money, time, possessions and strength

  B. Practice frugality

  C. Give as God directs

    1. Matt. 6:3-4 – don’t give for public praise