Building Confidence Through God's Promises and Generosity

 

Summary

Building a life on God's promises is akin to having a divine insurance policy. When you know what God has promised, you can face life's challenges with confidence and peace. The Bible is filled with over 8,000 promises from God, and understanding these promises can transform your life. God makes two types of promises: unconditional, which will happen regardless of our actions, and conditional, which require our faith and obedience. These promises are designed to teach us to trust God during difficult times and to shape us into the likeness of Jesus.

Generosity is a central theme in the Bible, with more promises attached to it than any other subject. God is generous, and He desires for us to reflect His nature. When we give, we not only bless others but also open ourselves to God's blessings. Generosity challenges our selfishness and aligns us with God's character. The Bible assures us that when we give, we will receive in abundance, our needs will be met, and our influence will grow. Moreover, our giving is stored up as treasure in heaven, an eternal investment that far surpasses any earthly gain.

The act of tithing, giving the first 10% of our income back to God, is a practical step in trusting God's promises. It is a declaration of faith, acknowledging God as the source of all we have. Through tithing and generosity, we move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, trusting that God will supply all our needs. This journey of faith begins with a commitment to trust God with our finances, believing that He will fulfill His promises and bless us beyond measure.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Promises as a Foundation: Building your life on God's promises is like having a divine insurance policy. Knowing what God has promised allows you to face life's challenges with confidence and peace, reducing worry and anxiety. [00:32]

- Types of Promises: God makes both unconditional and conditional promises. Unconditional promises will happen regardless of our actions, while conditional promises require our faith and obedience. Understanding these distinctions helps us align our lives with God's will. [02:12]

- Generosity Reflects God's Nature: Generosity is a reflection of God's character, and the Bible contains more promises about giving than any other subject. When we give, we align ourselves with God's nature, and in return, we receive blessings, our needs are met, and our influence grows. [06:12]

- Tithing as a Step of Faith: Tithing, or giving the first 10% of our income to God, is a practical step in trusting His promises. It is a declaration of faith, acknowledging God as the source of all we have, and it opens the door to His abundant blessings. [49:28]

- Eternal Investment: Our giving is not just a temporary act but an eternal investment. When we give, we store up treasure in heaven, ensuring that our generosity has lasting impact beyond this life. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly wealth to eternal rewards. [43:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to God's Promises
- [00:32] - God's Promise-Making Nature
- [01:15] - Overview of the Series
- [01:48] - Building Life on Promises
- [02:12] - Types of Promises
- [03:26] - Purpose of Promises
- [04:47] - Promises and Christlikeness
- [06:12] - Promises About Generosity
- [08:21] - Rewards of Generosity
- [10:39] - Blessings on Work and Business
- [13:57] - Happiness Through Giving
- [16:27] - God's Economy of Giving
- [19:28] - Generosity and God's Blessings
- [22:48] - Meeting All Needs
- [27:21] - Multiplication of Giving
- [31:38] - Sowing and Reaping
- [43:14] - Storing Treasure in Heaven
- [49:28] - Tithing as a Starting Point
- [55:03] - God's Guarantee and Challenge

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 119:50 - "When I'm hurting, I find comfort in your promises that lead to life."
2. 2 Peter 1:4 - "God has made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us."
3. Luke 6:38 - "Give and it will be given back to you in full measure."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two types of promises God makes, and how do they differ? ([02:12])
2. According to the sermon, why does God make more promises about generosity than any other subject? ([06:12])
3. How does the act of tithing serve as a declaration of faith according to the sermon? ([49:28])
4. What are some of the rewards mentioned in the sermon that God promises to those who are generous? ([08:21])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might understanding God's unconditional promises provide comfort during difficult times? ([03:26])
2. In what ways does generosity reflect God's nature, and why is this important for believers? ([06:28])
3. How does the concept of storing up treasure in heaven change one's perspective on earthly wealth? ([43:14])
4. What does it mean to move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, and how does this relate to trusting God's promises? ([55:48])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge. How did knowing or not knowing God's promises affect your response? ([01:00])
2. Consider your current financial habits. How might tithing or increasing your generosity be a step of faith for you? ([49:28])
3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with selfishness. How can practicing generosity help you align more closely with God's character? ([07:15])
4. Think about a recent decision you made. How did the promise of storing up treasure in heaven influence your choice, if at all? ([43:14])
5. What specific steps can you take this week to trust God more with your finances and see His promises fulfilled in your life? ([55:03])
6. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace a lifestyle of generosity? What role can you play in fostering this culture? ([06:12])
7. Reflect on the statement, "The way you give to others is the way God will give to you." How does this challenge your current approach to giving? ([18:28])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Promises as a Divine Assurance
Building your life on God's promises is like having a divine insurance policy. When you understand what God has promised, you can face life's challenges with confidence and peace, reducing worry and anxiety. The Bible contains over 8,000 promises from God, each designed to provide assurance and hope. By knowing these promises, you can navigate through life's uncertainties with a sense of security, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His word. This understanding transforms your perspective, allowing you to live with a sense of peace and assurance that transcends circumstances. [00:32]

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific promise from God can you hold onto today to face a current challenge with confidence and peace?


Day 2: Understanding God's Conditional and Unconditional Promises
God makes both unconditional and conditional promises. Unconditional promises are those that will happen regardless of our actions, while conditional promises require our faith and obedience. Understanding these distinctions helps us align our lives with God's will. Unconditional promises reflect God's sovereignty and faithfulness, while conditional promises invite us into a partnership with God, where our response of faith and obedience plays a crucial role. By discerning the nature of God's promises, we can better understand how to live in alignment with His purposes and experience the fullness of His blessings. [02:12]

"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (Isaiah 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a conditional promise in the Bible. How can you actively respond in faith and obedience to see it fulfilled in your life?


Day 3: Generosity as a Reflection of God's Character
Generosity is a reflection of God's character, and the Bible contains more promises about giving than any other subject. When we give, we align ourselves with God's nature, and in return, we receive blessings, our needs are met, and our influence grows. Generosity challenges our selfishness and opens us to God's abundant blessings. It is an act of faith that demonstrates trust in God's provision and reflects His love to others. By embracing a lifestyle of generosity, we not only bless others but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's heart. [06:12]

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:25, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you practice generosity today to reflect God's character and open yourself to His blessings?


Day 4: Tithing as a Declaration of Faith
Tithing, or giving the first 10% of our income to God, is a practical step in trusting His promises. It is a declaration of faith, acknowledging God as the source of all we have, and it opens the door to His abundant blessings. Through tithing, we move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, trusting that God will supply all our needs. This act of faith is a tangible expression of our trust in God's provision and a commitment to prioritize Him in our finances. By tithing, we invite God's blessings into our lives and experience the joy of partnering with Him in His work. [49:28]

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you take a step of faith in your finances today by prioritizing tithing or giving, and what impact do you believe it will have on your trust in God?


Day 5: Giving as an Eternal Investment
Our giving is not just a temporary act but an eternal investment. When we give, we store up treasure in heaven, ensuring that our generosity has a lasting impact beyond this life. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly wealth to eternal rewards, encouraging us to invest in what truly matters. By viewing our resources as tools for eternal impact, we align our priorities with God's kingdom and experience the joy of contributing to His purposes. This eternal perspective transforms our approach to giving, motivating us to live generously and invest in what will last forever. [43:14]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how you can make an eternal investment with your resources today. What specific action can you take to store up treasure in heaven?

Quotes

God's promises are like a divine insurance policy, and then an insurance policy, when you know what's covered, then you don't sweat it when you got, circumstance happens in your life, for that illness, or that accident, when you know what's covered in the policy you relax. On the other hand, if you don't know what's covered in the insurance policy, if you're ignorant of it, you worry. [00:38:43]

God makes two kinds of promises in Scripture. And we're gonna look at both. First he makes unconditional promises. And then he makes conditional promises, the unconditional promises, there are no strings attached. And no matter what you do, when God promises something unconditionally, it's going to happen. For instance, God has made an unconditional promise about the second coming of Jesus Christ. [00:28:07]

The first reason God gives us all these 8,000 promises in the Bible is to teach us to trust him, in difficult times, to teach us to trust him in difficult times. The Bible says in Psalm 119, verse 50, when I'm hurting, I find comfort in your promises that lead to life. If you weren't in ever bad circumstances, you wouldn't need the promises God. [00:33:01]

God makes more promises in the Bible about generosity, or giving than any thing else. Now, why is that? Why does God make more promises about being generous and being giving? Well, the there's a couple reasons, first, because God is generous. And he wants us to become like him. God wants his children to take on his qualities. Everything we have in life is because of the generosity and grace and giving of God. [00:56:37]

God promises that good things will happen to me. When I'm generous, when I learn to give, like God gives. God promises that good things will happen to me, Psalm 112 verse five says, good will come to him who is generous. Good, good things come to him who is generous. Proverbs 22 verse nine, generous people will be blessed. That's a promise of God. [01:32:34]

God promises that if I learn to give like he does, I'll be happier. Now, everybody knows this except people with a stingy heart. You already know this already. Jesus said, In Acts chapter 20, verse 35, Paul, Luke is talking here and he says, remember the words of our Lord Jesus himself, who said, there is more happiness in giving, than in receiving? [01:54:28]

God promises that if I learn to give like he does, generously, my influence will increase. My influence will increase. Here's another promise, Proverbs 11:24. The message says this, the world of the generous gets larger and larger. The world of the stingy gets smaller, and smaller. If you want your world to get larger, learn to be generous. [02:14:47]

God promises that if I learn to give like God tells me to give, God promises to meet all my needs. Now that just sounds too good to believe. It just sounds too good to be true. But over and over and over in Scripture God says, if you'll put me first in your money, and if you'll learn to be generous and not tight-fisted, not tightwad, open-handed, open-hearted, I will meet all your needs. [02:50:01]

God says that if I learned to give like he gives, he will multiply what I give him. He'll take what I give him and he will multiply it and make it go even further. Now there's so many examples of this in Scripture that I don't even know which one to choose from, I could tell you about the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Where he took a few loaves and a fish, a bread and fish, one boy's lunch, and he fed 5,000 people with it. [03:41:54]

God promises that my giving is stored up in heaven. This is a big, big thing. God promises that when I give, I'm not actually giving it away that God is actually storing it up in heaven. Let me show you some verses about this. First Timothy, chapter six, verse 18 and 19 says this. Use your money to do good. Use your money to do good and give generously. Always being ready to share with others. [04:17:04]

The premise is this, if I put God first in my money, first by tithing, 10% back in, the first 10% goes back to God. And I start learning to be generous with my money, with others, and investing in good things, and helping people come to Christ, help people grow, then I can count on God to do these nine things. God promises that if I learn to be generous, good things will happen to me, and he'll bless me. [04:43:40]

God says over and over again, that if I make $10, right off the top, the first dollar goes back to him. It's called tithing, tithing means a 10th. It's not 1%, it's not 5%, tithing means 10%. If you're not tithing the first part of your income back to God, that's where you need to start with generosity. Because you're not, you can't be generous if you're robbing from God. [05:01:25]

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Transcript
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