Living In Generosity
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INTRO:
This is the first time having a sermon dedicated to the topic.
We are just going to spend one week on it.
I’m not preaching on the topic to raise money or because we are in need.
I’m not trying to get something from you but an awesome idea to you that has the ability to change your life.
The Bible contains roughly
500 verses on prayer and faith, but well over
2,000 verses on money, and
approximately 40% of Jesus’ parables deal with money
I come at this not trying to get something from you but to get something to you. I don’t anything financially being here today.
Paul said in
33 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.
34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.
35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
1 Cor 9:1-15....
15 Still, I want it made clear that I’ve never gotten anything out of this for myself, and that I’m not writing now to get something. I’d rather die than give anyone ammunition to discredit me or impugn my motives.
First we need a balanced view of Biblical finance. In order to stay balanced on any topic we need to have:
Reference Point: If I were to ask you to balance on one foot with your arms stretched out, you would instinctively look straight out in front. That’s the proper point of reference. None of you would instinctively look at one of your hands. Balance requires a singular point of focus.
Constant Correction: Modifications. Tweaking. If I were to ask you to walk long a narrow plank, you would make constant adjustments as I am doing with my hand.
Clear Objective: Any time you are balancing something, you have answered the question: What am I trying to do? Keep the end of the pole in the air. Stay on the plank. Balance allows you to remain where you want to be. Balance allows you to progress to where you want to be.
Imbalance financially is an indication that things are out of balance spiritually.
There is a relationship between the way you handle your money and your devotion to God. Jesus had so much to say about money that you can’t be a follower of Jesus and be irresponsible financially. He even talks about paying our taxes. Jesus said more about money than heaven and hell combined, than prayer, than faith.
There is a relationship between your use of money and the condition of your heart.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Jesus doesn't have total access to your heart until he gets total access to your treasure. There is a constant tension here
13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
2 cor 9:7
Generously - cheerfully - according to means
1 cor 6:2
2 cor 8:3
2 cor 8:2-8-7
8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives.
What about tithing?
10 percent
Old Testament tithing: