defined by generosity

Simplicity • Generosity • Joy

Defined by Generosity


• Being simple and not simplistic• Living as who God made us to be• Moving from the Prodigal to the

Returned• Ask different questions• Our goal is to be content with who we

are.


Main Idea

We experience true joy when our

lives are defined by generosity


Prayer


Biblical Foundation

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17


Biblical Foundation

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of life that really is life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19


Biblical Foundation

Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.

A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water

Proverbs 11:24-25


As the Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives, we begin to think less about ourselves and more about others. We begin to see the needs of others and wonder, If I don’t do something, who will? As this change takes place within us, we experience real joy. We discover that we find more joy in doing things for other people and for God than we ever did in doing things for ourselves.


This is what Jesus meant when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)

“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25)

How do we “gain” more than we “lose” when we give generously to others?


Video


Key Insights• God designed us to be generous• There are two “voices” that war against

our God-given impulse toward generosity: fear and self-gratification. As we put our faith in Jesus Christ and grow spiritually, we silence these voices and become more and more generous.


Key Insights• A central theological foundation for

generosity is this: Life is a gift, and everything belongs to God.

• Most Christians agree that the tithe is still a good guideline for our lives today, and one that is pleasing to God.


Key Insights• The Lord is pleased when we give

freely with grateful hearts. When offered in pure, selfless love, our offerings bless the Lord.


Wesley Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom though wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee.

Exalted for thee or brought low for thee


Wesley Covenant Prayer

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal

Amen


Questions

1. If you were participating in a debate, how would you defend: When God created humankind, God designed us to be generous.

2. What happens when we realize that our lives are not our own? What’s helped you realize this?


Questions

1. Why do you think giving an offering was the central act of worship in early times?

2. Do you think that giving is central to what we do today? How do we change?

3. Why is giving challenging today? How do we overcome this?


Wrapping it Up

We’re done!!!

defined by generosity

Spiritual