Embodying Generosity: A Life of Sacrifice and Worship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our series on generosity and giving by exploring the profound significance of generosity in the Christian life. We began by reflecting on the gravity of final conversations, drawing a parallel to Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20. Paul emphasized two key points: focusing on the gospel and living a life of radical generosity. These two principles are deeply intertwined, as generosity is a tangible expression of the gospel's transformative power.
Generosity, at its core, is about sacrifice and bearing the burdens of others, mirroring the life and actions of Jesus. The early church exemplified this through their radical giving, often to the point of poverty. This kind of generosity is not about checking a box but about embodying a lifestyle of neighbor love and worship. We explored the biblical basis for tithing, noting that while the New Testament does not explicitly command a 10% tithe, it calls for a generosity that goes beyond mere percentages, reflecting the depth of our gratitude for God's grace.
We then addressed three practical questions: how Christians should be generous with their money, the role of the church in stewarding these resources, and what New City is doing with its generosity. We discussed the importance of giving towards missionary work, meeting the needs of Christians within the church, and supporting those outside the church. We highlighted the trust-based economy of the local church, where both leaders and members rely on each other's faithfulness in giving.
Finally, we shared specific ways New City is leveraging its resources to further the kingdom of God, both locally and globally. From supporting missionaries to meeting the needs of local families, our goal is to be scandalously generous, reflecting the heart of Christ in all we do. We concluded with a call to prayer, asking God to cultivate in us a spirit of generosity that is rooted in worship and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Gravity of Final Conversations: Reflecting on Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, we see the importance of focusing on the gospel and living a life of radical generosity. These final words remind us to prioritize what truly matters in our lives and relationships. [03:23]
2. Generosity as Sacrifice: True generosity involves sacrifice and bearing the burdens of others, much like Jesus did. This kind of giving is not about duty but about embodying a lifestyle of neighbor love and worship, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. [05:01]
3. Biblical Basis for Tithing: While the New Testament does not explicitly command a 10% tithe, it calls for a generosity that goes beyond mere percentages. The focus is on giving generously from the heart, as an expression of our gratitude for God's grace and our commitment to His kingdom. [12:17]
4. Trust-Based Economy of the Church: The local church operates on a trust-based economy, where both leaders and members rely on each other's faithfulness in giving. This mutual trust enables the church to steward its resources wisely and effectively for the kingdom of God. [29:39]
5. Practical Generosity at New City: New City is committed to leveraging its resources for missionary work, meeting the needs of Christians within the church, and supporting those outside the church. This includes supporting local families, partnering with missionaries, and engaging in community outreach, all aimed at reflecting the heart of Christ. [31:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:59] - The Gravity of Final Conversations
[03:23] - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
[05:01] - Generosity as Sacrifice
[07:52] - How Christians Should Be Generous
[09:23] - Old Testament Tithing Practices
[10:54] - God's Challenge in Malachi
[12:17] - New Testament Perspective on Tithing
[13:43] - Jesus' Teaching on Tithing
[15:12] - The Weightier Matters of the Law
[16:43] - Balancing Tithing and Justice
[18:16] - Generosity as Worship
[19:29] - Biblical Examples of Generosity
[21:06] - Purpose of Church Resources
[22:24] - Supporting Missionary Work
[23:49] - Economic Inequality and Sending
[25:09] - Meeting Needs Within the Church
[26:46] - Meeting Needs Outside the Church
[28:16] - The Ongoing Work of Generosity
[29:39] - Paying Church Workers
[31:05] - New City's Generosity Initiatives
[32:44] - Missionary Partnerships
[33:59] - Short-Term and Long-Term Missions
[35:10] - Supporting Church Members in Need
[36:33] - Community Outreach and Support
[37:54] - Local Partnerships and Initiatives
[39:21] - Trust and Generosity in the Church
[40:40] - Leveraging Resources for the Kingdom
[42:20] - Prayer for Generosity
[44:00] - Opportunity for Generosity
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 20:32-35: "And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 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.'"
2. Matthew 23:23: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."
3. 1 John 3:16-18: "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
### Observation Questions
1. What were the two key points Paul emphasized in his farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20? [03:23]
2. How does the sermon describe true generosity, and what biblical example is given to illustrate this? [05:01]
3. According to the sermon, what is the New Testament perspective on tithing, and how does it differ from the Old Testament practice? [12:17]
4. What are the three practical questions addressed in the sermon regarding Christian generosity? [07:52]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul chose to emphasize the gospel and radical generosity in his final conversation with the Ephesian elders? How are these two principles connected? [03:23]
2. How does the concept of generosity as described in the sermon challenge common perceptions of giving and sacrifice in modern Christian life? [05:01]
3. In what ways does the New Testament call for a generosity that goes beyond mere percentages, and how does this reflect our gratitude for God's grace? [12:17]
4. How does the trust-based economy of the local church, as described in the sermon, impact the way resources are stewarded and utilized for the kingdom of God? [29:39]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had a significant conversation with someone you might not see again. How did that conversation focus on what truly matters, and how can you apply this focus to your daily interactions? [01:59]
2. The sermon describes true generosity as bearing the burdens of others. Can you identify a specific person or situation in your life where you can practice this kind of sacrificial generosity? [05:01]
3. Considering the New Testament's call for generosity beyond mere percentages, how can you evaluate and possibly increase your own giving to reflect a deeper gratitude for God's grace? [12:17]
4. How can you contribute to the trust-based economy of your local church? Are there specific ways you can support the church's mission and stewardship of resources? [29:39]
5. The sermon mentioned New City's initiatives in leveraging resources for missionary work and local community support. How can you get involved in these initiatives, and what steps can you take to support them? [31:05]
6. Reflect on the idea of "promiscuous generosity" as mentioned in the sermon. How can you adopt this mindset in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to live out this radical generosity? [06:37]
7. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for a spirit of generosity rooted in worship and love. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine, and what changes do you hope to see in your life as a result? [42:20]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gravity of Final Conversations
Reflecting on Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, we see the importance of focusing on the gospel and living a life of radical generosity. These final words remind us to prioritize what truly matters in our lives and relationships. Paul’s parting words were not just a goodbye but a powerful reminder of the core principles of the Christian faith. He emphasized the need to keep the gospel at the center of our lives and to live out that gospel through acts of radical generosity. This is a call to live with intentionality, ensuring that our final conversations, whether with loved ones or in our daily interactions, reflect our deepest values and commitments.
In our own lives, we often overlook the significance of our words and actions, especially in moments of farewell or transition. Paul's example challenges us to consider how we can make our interactions more meaningful and aligned with our faith. By focusing on the gospel and embodying generosity, we can leave a lasting impact on those around us, just as Paul did with the Ephesian elders. [03:23]
Acts 20:35 (ESV): "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.’”
Reflection: Think about a recent conversation you had with someone important to you. How can you ensure that your future conversations reflect your commitment to the gospel and generosity?
Day 2: Generosity as Sacrifice
True generosity involves sacrifice and bearing the burdens of others, much like Jesus did. This kind of giving is not about duty but about embodying a lifestyle of neighbor love and worship, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. Generosity is not merely an act of giving but a profound expression of love and worship. It requires us to go beyond our comfort zones and make sacrifices for the sake of others. This mirrors the life of Jesus, who gave everything for us, bearing our burdens and sacrificing Himself out of love.
In the early church, believers often gave to the point of poverty, demonstrating a radical commitment to supporting one another. This kind of generosity is a powerful testimony to the world, showing the depth of our faith and the transformative impact of the gospel. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we can embody this sacrificial love in our daily actions. [05:01]
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (ESV): "For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you made a significant sacrifice for someone else. How did it impact your relationship with that person and your understanding of generosity?
Day 3: Biblical Basis for Tithing
While the New Testament does not explicitly command a 10% tithe, it calls for a generosity that goes beyond mere percentages. The focus is on giving generously from the heart, as an expression of our gratitude for God's grace and our commitment to His kingdom. Tithing in the Old Testament was a way for the Israelites to honor God and support the work of the temple. However, the New Testament shifts the focus from a specific percentage to the heart and attitude behind our giving. Jesus and the apostles emphasized the importance of generosity that flows from a heart transformed by grace.
This kind of generosity is not about fulfilling a duty or obligation but about responding to God's incredible love and grace with gratitude. It challenges us to give in a way that reflects our deep appreciation for all that God has done for us and our commitment to furthering His kingdom. [12:17]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving. How can you shift your focus from fulfilling an obligation to giving generously from a heart of gratitude?
Day 4: Trust-Based Economy of the Church
The local church operates on a trust-based economy, where both leaders and members rely on each other's faithfulness in giving. This mutual trust enables the church to steward its resources wisely and effectively for the kingdom of God. In a trust-based economy, the church community depends on the faithfulness and generosity of its members to support its mission and ministries. This mutual reliance fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility, as everyone plays a part in advancing the kingdom of God.
Leaders are entrusted with the responsibility of stewarding the resources wisely, ensuring that they are used to meet the needs of the congregation and support outreach efforts. Members, in turn, trust that their contributions are making a meaningful impact. This dynamic creates a powerful synergy, enabling the church to function effectively and fulfill its mission. [29:39]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection: Reflect on your role within the church community. How can you contribute to building a trust-based economy through your faithfulness in giving and stewardship?
Day 5: Practical Generosity at New City
New City is committed to leveraging its resources for missionary work, meeting the needs of Christians within the church, and supporting those outside the church. This includes supporting local families, partnering with missionaries, and engaging in community outreach, all aimed at reflecting the heart of Christ. Practical generosity involves using the resources God has entrusted to us to make a tangible impact in the world. At New City, this means supporting missionaries who spread the gospel, meeting the needs of church members, and reaching out to the broader community.
By being "scandalously generous," New City aims to reflect the heart of Christ, who gave everything for us. This commitment to generosity is not just about financial giving but also about investing time, talents, and energy into serving others. It is a holistic approach to living out the gospel and making a difference in the world. [31:05]
1 Timothy 6:18-19 (ESV): "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: Think about a specific way you can contribute to New City's mission of generosity. How can you use your resources, time, or talents to support the church's efforts in spreading the gospel and serving the community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What is generosity? Really, it's sacrifice. It's bearing the burdens of others. It's neighbor love through giving up what could be ours for the sake of someone else. It's declaring with a loud voice that we do not live on bread alone." [05:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Generosity in giving is more worship than duty. It's more worship than duty. And yet we often relegate it to this dutiful box that's not fun and there's no joy and there's no happiness and there's no excitement around it. It is a life-saving, lifestyle of neighbor love." [16:43] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The entirety of the Bible is clearly calling us to self-sacrifice and generosity in a giving that bears the burdens of others. And you can't bear the burdens of others without burdening yourself. It's assumed that weight is taken off their shoulders and it's put on to yours." [16:43] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Generosity permeates every aspect of life. Generosity, like many things, is a life-saving, spiritual life. It's not just a thing we can do on Sunday mornings. It's actually a thing that's embodied, that's incarnated every day of the week." [18:16] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The more generous we are, the more we give, the more faithful we are in trusting the economy of New City, but also trusting the Lord that he's going to clothe us and take care of us even better than the sparrows and the lilies of the field and the grass of the field." [37:54] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The two things that Paul commends the Ephesian elders to before he leaves, the two most important things he has on his mind, he's never going to see him again, are fix your lives on the gospel and live a life that is radically generous." [03:23] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When most people say, I can't afford to give, they're really saying, I can't afford to give without burdening myself. And yet, the Bible tells us to bear one another's burdens. And so, how do you bear one another's burdens without burdening yourself? You can't." [06:37] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you see your brother in need and you close your heart against him, how does God's love abide in you? Hebrews 13.16, Do not neglect to do good, to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." [19:29] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible makes a really strong case for the New Testament believers to continue, a 10% tie that we see in the Old Testament. But even if you take the opposite stance, that's fine, but it is crystal clear that Christians are to practice a radical generosity as a gospel witness in his neighbor love." [21:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The work never stops. That's why we need to not grow weary. Because it's ongoing. And it's exhausting. And pouring out our love and bearing another. It's going to be tiring. And yet, until Jesus calls us home or comes back, that's what we're charged with." [28:16] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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