Embracing Abundance: The Power of Generosity
Summary
It's a beautiful day to be alive, and I'm grateful for each of you joining us at Harvest this morning. As we gather to worship and exalt King Jesus, we set the tone for our week, focusing on Him and receiving from His Word. Whether you're here in person or joining us online, your presence is valued, and we encourage everyone to fill out our connection form to stay connected and share prayer requests. We believe in the power of prayer and are committed to praying for breakthroughs in your lives.
Today, we embark on our annual fall teaching series on generosity, titled "More Than Enough." We serve a God who is more than enough, and as we explore this theme, we begin with the truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive. This principle, spoken by Jesus, reflects the very heart and nature of God, who gave His only Son out of love for the world. Love gives, and when we give, we mirror God's generosity.
Many of us struggle with a scarcity mindset, believing we don't have enough to give. However, the real issue often lies in our mindset, not our resources. The Macedonian churches, despite their extreme poverty, exemplified overflowing generosity and joy. They understood that giving is not about the amount but the heart and mindset behind it. They had an overflowing barn mindset, trusting that God would provide more than enough.
We are called to honor God with the first and best of what He entrusts to us, trusting Him to bless the rest. Tithing, or giving the first 10% of our income, is a biblical principle that invites God's blessing into our lives. It's not just about money; it's about our time, energy, and love. When we prioritize God, He promises to meet our needs abundantly.
As we approach our annual Christmas gift offering, I encourage you to consider how you can participate. Whether it's through tithing, becoming a progressive giver, or supporting our principal partner initiative, your generosity makes a difference. Let's break free from the scarcity mindset and embrace the abundant life God has for us.
Key Takeaways:
- The Blessing of Giving: Giving is more blessed than receiving because it reflects God's heart. When we give, we align ourselves with God's nature, who gave His only Son out of love. This act of generosity is a powerful expression of love and faith. [58:16]
- Mindset Over Money: Many people believe they have a money problem, but it's often a mindset issue. The Macedonians, despite their poverty, were generous because they had a mindset of abundance, trusting God to provide. [01:10:45]
- The Overflowing Barn Mindset: Instead of a scarcity mindset, we are called to have an overflowing barn mindset, believing that God provides more than enough. This mindset leads to generosity and joy, even in difficult times. [01:13:05]
- Tithing and Trust: Tithing is about giving God our first and best, trusting Him to bless the rest. It's a step of faith that invites God's provision and breaks the cycle of scarcity, replacing it with a cycle of supply. [01:21:46]
- Generosity as a Reflection of Love: Love gives, and generosity is a reflection of our love for God and others. It's not about the amount but the heart behind it. As we give, we experience God's abundant blessings in every area of our lives. [01:31:38]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[52:52] - Outreach and Community Impact
[55:40] - Personal Testimony of Healing
[58:16] - Introduction to Generosity Series
[01:00:28] - The Heart of Giving
[01:01:40] - Love Gives: Practical Examples
[01:06:45] - The Macedonian Example
[01:07:47] - Joy in Generosity
[01:10:45] - Mindset Over Money
[01:12:24] - Holy Bag vs. Overflowing Barn
[01:13:05] - The Cycle of Scarcity
[01:19:20] - Tithing and Trust
[01:21:46] - God's Math: Blessing the Rest
[01:25:12] - Replacing Scarcity with Supply
[01:31:38] - Generosity as a Reflection of Love
[01:45:02] - Invitation to Salvation and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "More Than Enough"
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 20:35 - "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
2. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 - "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity."
3. Malachi 3:10 - "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Acts 20:35 reveal about the nature of giving according to Jesus' teaching? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the blessing of giving? [58:16]
2. How did the Macedonian churches demonstrate generosity despite their circumstances, as described in 2 Corinthians 8:1-2? What mindset did they possess that enabled this? [01:07:47]
3. According to Malachi 3:10, what promise does God make to those who bring the whole tithe into the storehouse? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on tithing and trust? [01:21:46]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have emphasized that it is more blessed to give than to receive? How does this principle challenge common societal views on wealth and possessions? [58:16]
2. What can be learned from the Macedonian churches about the relationship between joy and generosity, even in times of poverty? How does this contrast with a scarcity mindset? [01:10:45]
3. How does the concept of tithing as described in Malachi 3:10 serve as a test of faith and trust in God’s provision? What might be the spiritual implications of this practice? [01:21:46]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the joy of giving. How did it impact your relationship with God and others? How can you cultivate a lifestyle of generosity? [58:16]
2. Consider your current mindset regarding resources. Do you identify more with a scarcity mindset or an overflowing barn mindset? What steps can you take to shift towards a mindset of abundance? [01:13:05]
3. How can you practically honor God with the first and best of what He has entrusted to you, beyond just financial giving? What changes might this require in your daily life? [01:19:20]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of breaking free from a scarcity mindset. What specific fears or doubts do you need to address to embrace God’s promise of provision? [01:50:22]
5. As the church approaches the annual Christmas gift offering, how can you participate in a way that reflects your love for God and others? What might God be calling you to give or do differently this year? [01:38:37]
6. How can you encourage others in your community or small group to adopt a mindset of generosity? What role can you play in fostering a culture of giving within your church? [01:37:00]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s challenge to become a progressive giver. What steps can you take to move beyond the tithe and increase your generosity over time? [01:42:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Joy of Giving
Giving is more blessed than receiving because it reflects God's heart. When we give, we align ourselves with God's nature, who gave His only Son out of love. This act of generosity is a powerful expression of love and faith. The principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive is not just a moral teaching but a reflection of the divine nature. God, in His infinite love, gave His only Son for the salvation of humanity, demonstrating the ultimate act of giving. When we give, we participate in this divine nature, experiencing a joy that transcends material gain. This joy is rooted in love and faith, as we trust that our giving is a reflection of God's heart and His purposes in the world. [58:16]
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 of a recent opportunity you had to give, whether it was time, resources, or encouragement. How did it make you feel, and how can you seek out more opportunities to experience the joy of giving this week?
Day 2: Transforming Mindsets from Scarcity to Abundance
Many people believe they have a money problem, but it's often a mindset issue. The Macedonians, despite their poverty, were generous because they had a mindset of abundance, trusting God to provide. The story of the Macedonian churches is a powerful testament to the fact that generosity is not about the amount one has but the mindset one holds. Despite their extreme poverty, the Macedonians gave with overflowing joy and generosity, trusting in God's provision. This mindset of abundance, rather than scarcity, allowed them to give beyond their means. It challenges us to examine our own perspectives on resources and to trust that God is more than capable of providing for our needs as we step out in faith. [01:10:45]
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: Identify an area in your life where you feel you lack resources. How can you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, trusting God to provide as you step out in faith?
Day 3: Embracing the Overflowing Barn Mindset
Instead of a scarcity mindset, we are called to have an overflowing barn mindset, believing that God provides more than enough. This mindset leads to generosity and joy, even in difficult times. The concept of the overflowing barn mindset is rooted in the belief that God is a provider who gives abundantly. This mindset encourages believers to trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem challenging. By embracing this perspective, we open ourselves to experience joy and generosity, knowing that God will supply all our needs. This mindset is not just about financial resources but encompasses all areas of life, inviting us to live with open hands and hearts. [01:13:05]
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way. How can you cultivate an overflowing barn mindset in your daily life, trusting God to provide abundantly?
Day 4: Tithing as an Act of Trust
Tithing is about giving God our first and best, trusting Him to bless the rest. It's a step of faith that invites God's provision and breaks the cycle of scarcity, replacing it with a cycle of supply. Tithing is a biblical principle that goes beyond a financial transaction; it is an act of trust and worship. By giving the first 10% of our income to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His blessings into our lives. This act of faith breaks the cycle of scarcity, as we trust God to provide for our needs. Tithing is not limited to finances but extends to our time, energy, and love, as we prioritize God in all aspects of our lives. [01:21:46]
Malachi 3:10 (ESV): "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
Reflection: Consider your current approach to tithing or giving. How can you take a step of faith this week to trust God with your first and best, inviting His provision into your life?
Day 5: Generosity as a Reflection of Love
Love gives, and generosity is a reflection of our love for God and others. It's not about the amount but the heart behind it. As we give, we experience God's abundant blessings in every area of our lives. Generosity is a tangible expression of love, reflecting the heart of God who gave His only Son for the world. It is not measured by the amount given but by the heart and intention behind it. When we give out of love, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to experience His abundant blessings. This principle applies to all areas of life, as we seek to love God and others through our actions and resources. [01:31:38]
1 John 3:17-18 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a person or cause that you feel called to support. How can you express your love for God and others through a specific act of generosity this week?
Quotes
1. "How many of you are thankful that God is our source and he is our healer? And it's crazy looking back at this journey of the past year. But, guys, I stand here healed and whole and ready for everything that God has ahead. And so, guys, it doesn't matter. You know, people say, well, you know, my goodness, you know, you had to go into the hospital. Guys, I was so close to a life-threatening heart attack. And so... Amazing. I mean, it could only be God. They found that in the moment that they did and got me right in. And so... And recovery to go as smoothly and quickly as possible. I mean, just incredible. So, guys, we're always thankful for the faithfulness of our God. Amen?" [00:56:40] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, again, I want to welcome you to Harvest. As I always say, we're family of Christ followers. We love God. We love people. We serve the world at the hands and feet of Jesus. If you're part of the Harvest family, what's our vision? Why do we meet? To be faithful to Jesus. Followers of Jesus to fulfill their God-given purpose in life. And we do that through... You need discipleship and outreach. Yep. Well, today we are starting our annual fall teaching series on generosity as we go into Christmas. And I'm going to call this new series, More Than Enough. More Than Enough. How many of you know we serve a God that is more than enough? And that's what we're going to start talking about today." [00:57:23] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We all like to receive. But Jesus said it's more blessed to give than it is to receive. It's good to receive, but it's more blessed to give. Why? Why? Why? Why is it more blessed to give? Because the answer is that we are reflecting the very heart and nature of our God. The very heart and nature of our Father when we give from a heart of generosity. We know Scripture says, John 3, 16, y'all know this. For God so loved the world that he what? Say it out loud. He gave. He gave his only son. So, guys, I would argue that it's possible you may never be more like God than when you're being generous. When you're not thinking about yourself and you're being generous. Because that's who our God is. God so loved the world that he gave." [00:59:24] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Starts with G and rhymes with lives. He gives. So, if God is love and if God gives, then could we argue that love gives? Love gives. Everybody say, love gives. Love gives. So, if love gives, then I would further argue that you can't love without giving. You can say, I love. You know, that's the difference because you can be like, I love a Hershey's bar. You never gave nothing to a Hershey bar. You have no investment in a Hershey bar. I mean, you have nothing. You owe that Hershey bar nothing, right? Except to eat it. You don't love a Hershey bar. You like chocolate, right? When you truly love something, you give. When you give, it costs you something. You give." [01:00:40] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The problem is many of us feel that we can't give or we can't give more and the reason we believe that is because we believe we don't have enough you see many people today I might would even argue most people have a scarcity mindset today and what I want to do is I want to build your faith and I want to ask God to help to change your mindset change your perspective about giving and generosity I want to nudge you and I want to love you uh to and give you a little bit of truth which leads me into number two let me give you a truth number two most people don't have a money problem they have a mindset problem so many people today probably more Americans than I would say they have a money problem most don't have a money problem they have a mindset problem see God is calling every one of us to be generous and to give because love gives" [01:02:07] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And the Bible tells us that he was blown away and absolutely shocked by their insane generosity. And crazy generosity. So here's what he writes. So like I say, we're in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 and verse 1. Here's what it says. It says, now brethren, we wish to make known to you. Now, hold up. Remember, he's speaking to the Corinthian church about the Macedonians. Okay? Brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given to the church. churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality." [01:07:01] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It's, it's funny because we today, like I say, us poor Americans, whenever we're lacking, we get depressed. We get anxious. And then we selfishly hold on to every little thing we got real tightly and all these different things. And you know, for the Macedonians, even the life was hard. They were generous. They were joyful. Why? Because they were giving and they recognized what did Jesus say? It's more blessed to give than it is to receive. Why? Because what does love do? Love gives." [01:11:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "90 % with his blessing goes so much further than a hundred percent without his blessing. It's a different mindset. It's a different approach. It takes faith. You got to take God at his word. And guys, I believe, I believe this and I've practiced it my whole life because I was taught it from a young age and I've seen God's hand of provision. But the reason I do it is because guys, even Jesus himself endorsed the tithe. We see it in Matthew 23, 23. He says in Matthew 23, 23, he says, hypocrites, you're careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens. Remember different form of currency back then. He said the first of your produce, you tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens. But you ignore the more important aspects of the law, justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe." [01:23:01] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Money promises us what only God can provide. So, this mindset, this mindset of I don't have enough. I just need more and more and more says, if I can just get more money, I'll finally have peace. If I can just get more money, I'll finally feel secure. If I get enough money, I'll finally feel significant and validated. How many of you know money can't promise those things? Only God can give true peace. I know plenty of people. They got money and they have no peace. Only God can give real security because you can have all the money you want in the bank and get sick in a moment. There ain't one thing that money can do. There ain't one thing that money can do for you." [01:28:43] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And so, this is a time when we stretch everybody. Before you spent all your money on Christmas gifts and all this other stuff, as we go into this Christmas season, we encourage you to give your best to the Lord first, going into the Christmas season. And so, to that Christmas gift offering, like I say, we're going to collect that on Sunday, December 1st. It's always a special moment, a special time as we all come together. And we usually, we bring it down front all together and we pray over that. And first and foremost, another reason we do it in the first of December is because we give a nice gift to each and every one of our single parents because they're going into the holiday season. There's a lot of pressure on parents as they go into the holiday season. They want to make holidays special for their kids. And so, the first thing we do is we bless each and every one of our single parents." [01:39:29] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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