Embracing Generosity: The Heart of Community Ministry
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of generosity and the spiritual discipline of giving. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8, we examined the example of the Macedonian church, which, despite severe trials and extreme poverty, exhibited overwhelming joy and rich generosity. This passage challenges us to mature in the grace of giving, just as we excel in other areas of our spiritual lives. I expressed gratitude to those who regularly support our ministry and addressed those who benefit from our community but have yet to contribute financially. The reality is that all the resources we enjoy—buildings, staff, ministries—require financial support, and it is our collective responsibility to sustain them.
We also discussed the paradox of generosity: while it may seem counterintuitive, giving is a key to receiving God's blessings. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 remind us that God enriches us so we can be generous on every occasion, resulting in thanksgiving to God. This principle is echoed in Malachi 3, where God promises to pour out blessings when we give faithfully.
Transitioning to Colossians 4, we explored the communal nature of the early church. Paul’s letters often include personal notes that reveal the interconnectedness and mutual support among believers. This is not a solo mission; it’s a community effort. Every believer is a minister, and the mission of the church belongs to its members. We are all called to serve, not just the pastors or staff.
We must rethink how we see the church and ourselves. The church is not optional; it is God’s plan for reaching the world. We are not just volunteers; we are critical ministers equipped for good works. Ministry begins within the body of Christ, as we love and serve one another, creating a community that reflects Jesus’ love to the world. This internal ministry strengthens us to reach out and make disciples, sharing the gospel with those around us.
Finally, we are reminded that the church is a missions organization. Our mission is to make disciples, transforming lives through the power of Jesus Christ. This community is our greatest asset in this mission, and everyone is welcome to join us in this transformative journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. Generosity as a Spiritual Discipline: Generosity is not just about financial giving; it is a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God. The Macedonian church, despite their poverty, gave joyfully and generously, setting an example for us to follow. This act of giving is a form of worship and a testament to our faith in God's provision. [19:05]
2. The Paradox of Generosity: While it may seem counterintuitive, giving is a key to receiving God's blessings. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 remind us that God enriches us so we can be generous on every occasion, resulting in thanksgiving to God. This principle is echoed in Malachi 3, where God promises to pour out blessings when we give faithfully. [25:47]
3. The Communal Nature of the Church: The early church was a community of believers who supported one another in various ways. Paul’s letters often include personal notes that reveal the interconnectedness and mutual support among believers. This is not a solo mission; it’s a community effort. Every believer is a minister, and the mission of the church belongs to its members. [37:40]
4. Rethinking Our Role in the Church: We must rethink how we see the church and ourselves. The church is not optional; it is God’s plan for reaching the world. We are not just volunteers; we are critical ministers equipped for good works. Ministry begins within the body of Christ, as we love and serve one another, creating a community that reflects Jesus’ love to the world. [48:56]
5. The Church as a Missions Organization: The church is a missions organization with the primary goal of making disciples. Our mission is to transform lives through the power of Jesus Christ. This community is our greatest asset in this mission, and everyone is welcome to join us in this transformative journey. We are called to serve and share the gospel, making an eternal difference in the world. [01:04:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:05] - The Macedonian Example of Generosity
[20:26] - Gratitude for Regular Supporters
[21:44] - The Reality of Financial Needs
[22:52] - Ministries and Their Costs
[24:20] - Addressing Financial Struggles
[25:47] - The Paradox of Generosity
[27:10] - Prayer for Generosity
[28:38] - Ways to Give
[32:28] - Serving Somebody
[33:42] - Colossians 4: The Communal Church
[37:40] - The Mission of the Church
[41:44] - Every Believer is a Minister
[46:05] - The Power of Collective Ministry
[48:56] - Rethinking the Church and Ourselves
[55:23] - Ministry Begins with the Body
[01:04:26] - The Church as a Missions Organization
[01:10:42] - Serving in the Church
[01:13:27] - Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 - The Macedonian Example of Generosity
2. 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 - The Paradox of Generosity
3. Colossians 4:7-18 - The Communal Nature of the Church
### Observation Questions
1. What was the financial situation of the Macedonian church, and how did they respond to it in terms of generosity? ([19:05])
2. According to 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, what is the relationship between generosity and God's blessings? ([25:47])
3. In Colossians 4, what roles and relationships are highlighted among the early church members? ([33:42])
4. How does Paul describe the interconnectedness and mutual support among believers in Colossians 4? ([37:40])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the Macedonian church's generosity despite their extreme poverty? What does this teach us about the nature of giving? ([19:05])
2. How does the principle of sowing and reaping in 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 challenge our understanding of generosity and blessings? ([25:47])
3. What can we learn from the personal notes in Colossians 4 about the communal nature of the early church? How does this apply to our church today? ([37:40])
4. How does the concept of every believer being a minister, as discussed in the sermon, change our perspective on our role in the church? ([41:44])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own giving habits. How can you grow in the grace of giving, following the example of the Macedonian church? ([19:05])
2. Have you experienced the paradox of generosity in your own life, where giving has led to unexpected blessings? Share a specific instance. ([25:47])
3. How can you contribute to the communal nature of our church? Identify one specific way you can support or encourage a fellow believer this week. ([37:40])
4. In what ways can you rethink your role in the church to see yourself as a critical minister rather than just a volunteer? ([48:56])
5. What practical steps can you take to serve within the body of Christ, starting this week? Consider areas where you feel called or equipped to serve. ([55:23])
6. How can our church better reflect the love and support seen in the early church, as described in Colossians 4? What role can you play in this transformation? ([37:40])
7. Identify one person in your life who is not yet a part of a church community. How can you invite them to experience the love and support of our church? ([01:04:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity as a Reflection of Trust in God
Generosity is not merely about the act of giving money; it is a profound spiritual discipline that mirrors our trust in God's provision. The Macedonian church, despite facing severe trials and extreme poverty, demonstrated overwhelming joy and rich generosity. Their actions serve as a powerful example for us, showing that true generosity comes from a heart that trusts in God's ability to provide, regardless of our circumstances. This act of giving is a form of worship and a testament to our faith in God's provision. Reflecting on their example, we are challenged to mature in the grace of giving, just as we strive to excel in other areas of our spiritual lives. [19:05]
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: Think of a time when you felt financially strained. How can you trust God more in your giving, even when it feels difficult?
Day 2: The Paradox of Generosity
The concept of generosity often seems counterintuitive; giving away what we have can feel like a loss. However, the Bible teaches us that generosity is a key to receiving God's blessings. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 remind us that God enriches us so we can be generous on every occasion, resulting in thanksgiving to God. This principle is also echoed in Malachi 3, where God promises to pour out blessings when we give faithfully. By embracing the paradox of generosity, we open ourselves to the abundant blessings that God has in store for us. [25:47]
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent act of generosity. How did it impact you and those around you? How can you make generosity a regular practice in your life?
Day 3: The Communal Nature of the Church
The early church was a vibrant community of believers who supported one another in various ways. Paul’s letters often include personal notes that reveal the interconnectedness and mutual support among believers. This communal nature of the church is not a solo mission; it’s a collective effort where every believer is a minister, and the mission of the church belongs to its members. By understanding and embracing this communal aspect, we can better support one another and fulfill our collective mission. [37:40]
Colossians 4:7-9 (ESV): "Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community within your church? What specific actions can you take this week to support a fellow believer?
Day 4: Rethinking Our Role in the Church
We must rethink how we see the church and ourselves within it. The church is not optional; it is God’s plan for reaching the world. We are not just volunteers; we are critical ministers equipped for good works. Ministry begins within the body of Christ, as we love and serve one another, creating a community that reflects Jesus’ love to the world. This internal ministry strengthens us to reach out and make disciples, sharing the gospel with those around us. [48:56]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you see yourself as a minister within your church? What steps can you take to actively participate in building up the body of Christ?
Day 5: The Church as a Missions Organization
The church is fundamentally a missions organization with the primary goal of making disciples. Our mission is to transform lives through the power of Jesus Christ. This community is our greatest asset in this mission, and everyone is welcome to join us in this transformative journey. We are called to serve and share the gospel, making an eternal difference in the world. By embracing this mission, we can collectively work towards the goal of making disciples and transforming lives. [01:04:26]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the mission of making disciples? What specific steps can you take to share the gospel with those around you this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Generosity is a key to blessing in the kingdom. This is really important, right? Generosity is a key. God wants to bless his people. He says it over and over. Give, and it'll be given to you. Press down, shaking together, running over. He wants to bless his people. That's the word of the Lord, okay? It is a key. And when we stop up generosity, it literally does something to our heart, and God honestly has a hard time blessing." [24:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A life of greatness is a life of service. You remember the scripture we looked at? The James and John came and said, hey, we want thrones on your left and your right, or we want to sit on your left and your right when you come into your kingdom. And the other disciples got mad and they're arguing about it. And Jesus says, whoa, guys, time out, time out, time out. Yeah, the unbelievers, the people of this world, that's what their great leaders do. They lord it over. He says, not so with you. He says, what you do, you want to be great? You've got to be a servant, be a slave. You want to be first, be last." [32:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The mission of the church belongs to the members of the church. Every believer is a member of his church. Do you know that? Every single one. Every one of us. It's not like there's, okay, well, there's the professionals and they're the ministers and we're just kind of the helpers. We're the people who come and watch on Sundays or throw a few bucks in the offering box. Whatever. No, no. The mission of the church belongs to the members of the church. And we are all ministers. Every single one of us." [41:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church is a powerful, spirit-filled, Jesus-filled force for the kingdom of God. That's what Jesus intended for it to be. That's what he created for. The church is not optional. And this is important because we live in an age where a lot of people in Western Christianity say it's optional. Lori and I had dinner the other night with Brian and Brenda Jones. And Brenda's mom, Ann Morrissey, we have some similar contacts. And Ann is in her 80s. She's just the sweetest lady. But we got to talking about the way church used to be and how it was different because we spent so much time there. Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night. Those were your friends. Those were your family. Those were your, that was your world." [48:56] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are a group that says we're here to be forgiven of sin, set free, and to live differently. So if you don't want that, why would you want to be a part of this community? We are up front, front door. We are people who want to be conformed and changed into the image of Jesus. We don't want Jesus to take us. Yes, we want him to receive us as we are as far as just loving us. But then we want him to change us, transform us, and set us free." [01:08:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God has given us everything we need to do all the ministries he's called us to. He's given it to all of us. We already have it, and it's in our pockets. He's given it to us. If all of us will faithfully exercise the spiritual discipline of generous giving, stewardship." [24:20] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We minister to each other, right, as we are ministering the gospel to the world around us. We minister and care for one another as we bring a message of hope, love, and Christ, the gospel, to the community around us. So there's two sides of that ministry. And here's the summation of the message. I want you to write it down because I want you to remember it. Okay, here it is. The mission of the church belongs to the members of the church. That's it. The mission of the church belongs to the members of the church." [41:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are not just bringing a message. We are the message. We are the message. As we love each other, care for each other, and create a community like that, when people from the world come into contact with us, what they're supposed to see is a body that loves each other and cares for each other. And it's supposed to make them inside go, God, I like that. I want some of that. Because everybody intuitively craves that. That's what's supposed to happen. We're not just sharing a message, bringing a message. We are the message. We're not just making a product. We are the product. Disciples. It's who we are." [56:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Together we make disciples by sharing the gospel with those around us. Folks, we live in a horrible, a horribly broken world, dark and sinful. I was just grieved to see this last weekend. The opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris had this depiction by a bunch of trans drag queens of the Last Supper. Ended with a depiction, modeling, mocking the Last Supper. Stunning. Horrific. Leaders all over the world spoke out against it. What are they thinking? What's going through people's heads? It's supposed to be a family or whatever. You understand drag queens, right? It's men dressing up as women in a very sexually suggestive way, like strippers. Beyond men just dressing up as women, which the scripture forbids, it is dressing up as strippers. So it's suggestive. It's very sexualized." [01:02:32] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We envision entire family lines and generations being changed. Because of things like VBS, because of things like this, weekend services, because of our groups, because of our feeding ministries. All the things we do, our school, all of it, we envision people becoming believers. We envision their life and their spirit being transformed. And then their entire family lineage is changing for the kingdom. That's the church. And understand something, this community, this gathering is our greatest aid. See, that's why we invite people to our home. That's what we're doing. This is a gathering of the saints, the body of Christ, but it's not exclusive. You want to know inclusive? We are inclusive. Anyone is welcome." [01:07:01] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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