Commitment Weekend: Generosity, Faith, and Hope for Everyone

Summary

In this pivotal moment for Menlo Church, we gather to celebrate Commitment Weekend, a culmination of a year and a half of preparation and prayer. This weekend marks the conclusion of a four-week series and the beginning of a new chapter in our journey to reach 3% of the Bay Area with the good news of Jesus. Our vision is to bring hope to 250,000 people, transforming our campuses into hubs of hope for every community we serve. This initiative, "Hope for Everyone," is a down payment on that vision, aiming to unite us in our mission to spread hope and love.

As we reflect on the journey, we are reminded of the widow's mite, a story that teaches us about true generosity. It's not about the amount we give but the heart behind it. Many in our community have felt called to give sacrificially, whether from abundance or scarcity, and this generosity is a testament to the faith and commitment of Menlo Church. We are not a church that seeks to manipulate or twist arms; rather, we respond in worship to what God has already given us.

The Apostle Paul's transformation from a persecutor of the church to a leader within it serves as a powerful example of how encountering Jesus can change everything. Paul adapted his approach to reach different people, showing us that our freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for serving others. His life exemplifies the call to contextualize the gospel for everyone we meet, demonstrating that true faith requires action and trust in God.

As we move forward, we are challenged to consider the cost of a life without generosity. Greed, though culturally acceptable, can hinder our spiritual growth and the impact we have on others. We are called to be stewards of all that God has given us, recognizing that everything belongs to Him. Our generosity should reflect our gratitude for the grace we have received, and it should be a joyful expression of our faith.

This weekend, we stand together, ready to commit to the mission God has placed before us. We are reminded that faith is not just intellectual assent but a trust that requires action. As we take this step of faith, we do so with the assurance that God is with us, guiding us to bring hope to everyone we encounter.

Key Takeaways:

1. Generosity Beyond Measure: True generosity is not measured by the amount given but by the heart behind it. The story of the widow's mite reminds us that God values the sacrifice and intention of our giving, not the size of the gift. This principle challenges us to give from a place of faith and trust, knowing that God sees and honors our heart's posture. [24:21]

2. Freedom for Service: The Apostle Paul's transformation illustrates that our freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for serving others. By becoming all things to all people, Paul demonstrated that our lives should be adaptable to share the gospel effectively. This calls us to use our freedom to serve and love others, reflecting the heart of Jesus in all we do. [28:34]

3. Faith in Action: Faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires action and trust in God. The author of Hebrews defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This challenges us to step out in faith, even when we don't have all the answers, trusting that God will guide and provide. [42:24]

4. The Cost of Greed: While generosity is easy to spot, greed is often culturally acceptable and harder to identify. A life without generosity can cost us spiritual growth and hinder the impact we have on others. We are called to be stewards of all that God has given us, recognizing that everything belongs to Him and should be used for His mission. [46:23]

5. A Call to Commitment: As we stand together on Commitment Weekend, we are reminded that faith requires action. This moment is an opportunity to commit to the mission God has placed before us, trusting that He will guide us to bring hope to everyone we encounter. Our commitment is a step of faith, reflecting our trust in God's plan for our lives and our community. [51:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [19:17] - Vision for the Bay Area
- [20:30] - Responding to God's Call
- [21:07] - Commitment and Participation
- [22:07] - Prayer and Holy Ground
- [23:21] - Stories of Generosity
- [24:21] - The Widow's Mite
- [25:46] - Lessons from the Prodigal Sons
- [27:06] - Paul's Transformation
- [28:34] - Freedom in Christ
- [29:53] - A Heart of Compassion
- [31:22] - Bringing Hope to Everyone
- [32:44] - The Cost of Greed
- [34:08] - Generosity and Stewardship
- [35:32] - Faith and Finances
- [38:08] - Trust and Faithfulness
- [39:30] - God's Investment in Us
- [40:51] - Faith of the Mind
- [42:24] - Faith in Action
- [43:40] - Venture Capitalists and Faith
- [44:59] - Personal Faith and Trust
- [46:23] - The Cost of a Life Without Generosity
- [47:53] - Navigating Financial Challenges
- [49:08] - A Story of Sacrificial Giving
- [51:00] - A Call to Commitment
- [51:38] - Marking the Moment
- [52:15] - Prayer and Blessing
- [01:03:34] - Closing and Gratitude

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 21:1-4 (The Widow's Mite)
2. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (Paul's Adaptability for the Gospel)
3. Hebrews 11:1 (Faith Defined)

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Observation Questions:

1. In the story of the widow's mite, what does Jesus highlight about the widow's offering compared to others? How does this relate to the concept of generosity discussed in the sermon? [24:21]

2. How did the Apostle Paul adapt his approach to sharing the gospel with different groups of people, according to the sermon? What was his motivation for doing so? [28:34]

3. What does the author of Hebrews say about faith, and how does this definition challenge the way we often think about faith? [42:24]

4. How does the sermon describe the potential cost of a life without generosity, and what cultural attitudes might make greed difficult to identify? [46:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the widow's mite teach about the nature of true generosity, and how might this challenge common perceptions of giving within the church? [24:21]

2. How does Paul's willingness to become "all things to all people" reflect a deeper understanding of freedom in Christ? What implications does this have for how believers should engage with their communities? [28:34]

3. The sermon mentions that faith requires action and trust in God. How does this align with the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, and what might this look like in practical terms? [42:24]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that greed can hinder spiritual growth and impact? How can believers identify and address greed in their own lives? [46:23]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you gave sacrificially. How did it impact your faith and relationship with God? What might God be calling you to give or commit to now? [24:21]

2. Consider the people in your life who do not yet know Jesus. How can you adapt your approach to sharing the gospel with them, as Paul did, to make it more relevant and accessible? [28:34]

3. Think about an area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully. What steps can you take this week to act in faith, even when you don't have all the answers? [42:24]

4. Identify a specific instance where greed might be influencing your decisions or actions. How can you shift your focus towards generosity and stewardship in that area? [46:23]

5. The sermon challenges us to consider the cost of a life without generosity. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a generous spirit in your daily life? [46:23]

6. How can you participate in the "Hope for Everyone" initiative at Menlo Church, and what personal commitments are you willing to make to support this vision? [51:00]

7. Reflect on the role of faith in your decision-making process. How can you ensure that your faith is not just intellectual but also active and transformative in your life? [42:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity from the Heart
True generosity is not about the amount given but the intention and sacrifice behind it. The story of the widow's mite illustrates that God values the heart's posture over the size of the gift. This principle challenges us to give from a place of faith and trust, knowing that God sees and honors our intentions. In a world that often measures worth by material wealth, this perspective invites us to redefine generosity as an act of worship and gratitude. As we reflect on our own giving, we are encouraged to consider how our generosity can be a testament to our faith and commitment to God's work. [24:21]

"And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.'" (Mark 12:41-43, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a time when you gave sacrificially. How did it impact your faith and relationship with God? How can you cultivate a heart of generosity today?

Day 2: Freedom to Serve
The Apostle Paul's transformation from a persecutor to a leader in the church exemplifies the power of encountering Jesus. His life demonstrates that our freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for serving others. Paul adapted his approach to reach different people, showing us that our lives should be adaptable to share the gospel effectively. This calls us to use our freedom to serve and love others, reflecting the heart of Jesus in all we do. As we embrace this freedom, we are reminded that true faith requires action and trust in God. [28:34]

"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law." (1 Corinthians 9:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others this week? Identify one specific action you can take to demonstrate love and service to someone in your community.

Day 3: Faith in Action
Faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires action and trust in God. The author of Hebrews defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This challenges us to step out in faith, even when we don't have all the answers, trusting that God will guide and provide. As we take steps of faith, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us to bring hope to everyone we encounter. This assurance encourages us to live boldly, knowing that our faith is grounded in the promises of God. [42:24]

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." (Hebrews 11:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a tangible step towards trusting Him in this area today?

Day 4: The Hidden Cost of Greed
While generosity is easy to spot, greed is often culturally acceptable and harder to identify. A life without generosity can cost us spiritual growth and hinder the impact we have on others. We are called to be stewards of all that God has given us, recognizing that everything belongs to Him and should be used for His mission. This perspective challenges us to examine our hearts and consider how we can live more generously, using our resources to further God's kingdom. As we reflect on our own lives, we are encouraged to identify areas where greed may be hindering our spiritual growth. [46:23]

"Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you may be holding onto possessions or resources too tightly. How can you begin to release these to God and use them for His purposes?

Day 5: A Commitment to God's Mission
As we stand together on Commitment Weekend, we are reminded that faith requires action. This moment is an opportunity to commit to the mission God has placed before us, trusting that He will guide us to bring hope to everyone we encounter. Our commitment is a step of faith, reflecting our trust in God's plan for our lives and our community. As we move forward, we are encouraged to consider how we can actively participate in God's mission, using our unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. [51:00]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." (Proverbs 16:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can commit to participating in God's mission this week? How can you use your gifts and talents to bring hope to those around you?

Quotes

1) "We believe that God is calling us to be a part of reaching 3% of the Bay Area with the good news of Jesus. That's 250,000 people to bring hope to everyone. And the Hope for Everyone initiative represents a down payment on that vision over the next three years to help our campuses become hubs of hope in every community that we serve. So, if you aren't sure if Menlo is your church yet, I hope that you kind of watch today as people who love you enough to invest in you, maybe without even knowing your name, in all the places that we serve, that you'll watch those people commit to the next chapter of what God wants to do in us together and through us for the next group of people that God is calling to know him, not only here at Menlo, but all around the Bay Area." [19:17] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "It can be easy to compare what we feel like we have to give or commit on a day like today with other people that feel like they have so much more. But Jesus, he shares a story that we call the widow's might. And even though at the moment Jesus is observing people who give a lot very visibly, very publicly how much they were giving, they were measuring their generosity by what they had. And Jesus was making the point that he measured generosity by what they had left. See, when the widow put in just a few cents after people were making a show of it, Jesus reflected and said, truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty. That's a pretty powerful picture of what it means to be generous." [24:21] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Now when we realize what we have been given, it is such a powerful motivator to live our lives with the same kind of generosity that we have already received. We aren't the kind of church that's trying to twist God's arm or manipulate you into just getting something out of you or to getting something back from God. We are simply responding in worship to what he has already given. Over the course of the next few weeks, or over the course of these few weeks together, we have been in a teaching from Jesus about God's heart for people." [25:46] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Paul wasn't being fake. He was being faithful. He understood that this was an expression of appreciation for the work that God had done in him. It would have been so easy for Paul to simply fade into the background now that he wasn't on the hook for all those rules. But because he realized how much he had been forgiven, he also realized God's heart for everyone around him, including those he had just been attacking." [28:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Look, it's really easy to forget about the people who aren't here yet, but God never forgets them. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Peter, he puts it this way. He says, I wonder in your life, who are the people that you are so thankful for God's goodness, his kindness, and his patience toward? I have sat on the bedside of many people over the years as they breathe their last breath. And I've watched people who were resistant to God their entire life in the final moments of their life finally surrender to God. I've watched people where their life was headed in one path. I just had a conversation after the last service with somebody where this just happened with. They were on one path, very far from God, and then something happened, a catalytic moment that God grabbed a hold of their life and changed everything." [31:22] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "We aren't called to get comfortable with the trappings of a cruise ship. We have infinite life preservers to get people off of the ship safely. But are we using them for others? Or are we just rationalizing why those people probably aren't interested in the life preservers? Not just about the heaven or the hell they might go to, but the hell they're going through. The context that they find themselves today is a part of what it means for you and me to bring hope every day." [32:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "We are managers. We are stewards of everything that God has given us. And while 10% of what we receive may go away to missions, 100% of what we have should go to the mission. And I think sometimes we put those things at odds, but they are the same pursuit, collectively and individually. Paul understood this powerful idea, and that's why he wasn't just spending his life trying to direct people into this new calling, but he was trying to help others discover the joy of this kind of life for themselves." [34:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "Sometimes we tell ourselves that we would give financially if we simply had more money. But statistically, that's actually not true. Jesus, he puts it this way. He says, whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much. And whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. You know this with your kids or with your grandkids. You know, you would never give like a stack of money to a toddler, right? You see what they do with what they have. They're not ready for it yet." [38:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "If you were God, would you trust you with more? I know, right? It's kind of a tough one. Because while we are asking God to bring more into our lives, we can easily justify our current decision plans. But if we were God, and like you saw the way you lived, you saw the way that you learned, you saw the way that you spent your time and your money, would you give you more? See, here's the good news. God thinks that we are really good investments. Like, really good. And if you're like, well, what has he invested in us? The life of his son. But the way we respond to that investment reveals how much we really value and treasure that investment. By how much we are living for the kingdom that it represents. Not just someday in heaven with God, but bringing heaven here right now, today." [39:30] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "Faith of the mind can morph into a framework where we are willing to believe something mentally once we can prove it. And I just want to make sure you know this. That's not actually faith. Believing something once we no longer need faith to believe it isn't faith. We can be intellectually rigorous and nuanced, but faith will always have gaps where we have to choose to believe something we cannot see. Where trust is required." [42:24] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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