Embracing Generosity: The Joy of Giving
Summary
The pastor begins by addressing the topic of giving within the church, emphasizing that everyone has something to offer, even if it is as simple as a smile. He encourages the congregation to be willing to give and not to hold back, highlighting the joy and honor of being used by the church for God's kingdom. The pastor shares his personal experiences of preaching in different churches and how God has always provided for his needs, reinforcing the idea that one should do everything as if doing it for the Lord.
The sermon then delves into the importance of connecting to God's grace through giving. The pastor urges the congregation to support the Saints in Jerusalem and illustrates the power of giving with a testimony of a man who overcame gambling and now thrives in God's kingdom. He reminds them of the biblical principle that giving leads to receiving, as promised by Jesus. The pastor also addresses the issue of reluctance to give, suggesting it may be due to not fully surrendering oneself to the Lord.
Furthermore, the pastor discusses the challenge many face in giving generously, which often stems from a lack of complete surrender to God. He points out that mature preachers do not seek validation when teaching about giving, as they trust in the power of God's word. The sermon warns against the love of money, or Mammon, and encourages self-examination regarding one's level of surrender to God. A full surrender leads to blessings and the ability to bless others.
Lastly, the pastor speaks on the significance of tithing and giving generously, addressing both business owners and individuals. He clarifies that tithing should be a faithful act from both business and personal income, with 10% being the standard. The pastor emphasizes that giving seeds above the tithe requires faith, as those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully. He concludes by highlighting the establishment of a culture of generosity and the joy of giving within the kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of giving, even if it is as small as a smile, is a fundamental aspect of church life and is appreciated in any form. This willingness to contribute reflects a heart open to God's work and the joy found in being part of a community that supports one another in faith. [01:33:20]
- Serving the church and being used for God's kingdom is not only an honor but also a source of personal freedom and deliverance. This service should be done wholeheartedly as if for the Lord, recognizing that God's provision is faithful and sufficient for those who commit to His work. [01:30:57]
- The principle of giving and receiving is a powerful dynamic in the Christian faith. A testimony of transformation, such as deliverance from gambling, exemplifies the abundance that follows when one aligns with the kingdom's values of generosity and trust in God's promises. [01:22:20]
- A true and radical generosity stems from a complete surrender to God. Without fully giving oneself to the Lord, one's giving is hindered. The love of money, or Mammon, is a significant barrier to this surrender, and believers are called to examine their hearts and prioritize their devotion to God over material wealth. [01:26:25]
- Tithing is an expression of faith and commitment to God, and it should be practiced not just from personal income but also from business earnings. The act of giving above the tithe, or sowing seeds, is an investment in God's kingdom that promises a bountiful harvest, fostering a culture of generosity and joy among believers. [01:18:56]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 6:38 (NIV): "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
2. 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (NIV): "For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 6:38, what is the promise given to those who give generously?
2. In 2 Corinthians 8:3-5, what was the attitude of the Macedonian churches towards giving?
3. How does the pastor describe the relationship between giving and receiving in the sermon? ([01:24:01])
4. What does the pastor suggest is a common reason for reluctance to give generously? ([01:25:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of "give, and it will be given to you" in Luke 6:38 apply to our daily lives and financial decisions?
2. What does it mean to give "beyond their ability" as described in 2 Corinthians 8:3-5, and how can this be applied in our context today?
3. The pastor mentions that mature preachers do not seek validation when teaching about giving. Why might this be important for understanding the true nature of generosity? ([01:26:25])
4. How does the testimony of the man who overcame gambling illustrate the transformative power of giving in alignment with God's kingdom values? ([01:23:20])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave something, whether it was money, time, or a simple act of kindness. How did it impact you and the recipient? How can you incorporate more of this into your daily life?
2. The pastor emphasizes the joy and honor of being used by the church for God's kingdom. How can you find joy in serving, even in small ways, within your church community? ([01:30:11])
3. Consider the concept of tithing from both personal and business income. How can you practically implement this in your financial planning? What steps can you take to ensure you are faithful in this area? ([01:18:56])
4. The sermon discusses the challenge of giving generously due to a lack of complete surrender to God. What areas of your life might you need to surrender more fully to God to experience the freedom and blessings of radical generosity? ([01:25:27])
5. The pastor warns against the love of money, or Mammon. How can you identify and address any areas in your life where material wealth might be taking precedence over your devotion to God? ([01:27:44])
6. How can you cultivate a culture of generosity within your family or small group? What specific actions can you take to encourage and support each other in giving generously?
7. Reflect on the pastor's personal experiences of God's provision. How can you trust God more fully in your own financial and personal needs, believing that He will provide as you commit to His work? ([01:31:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity Begins with a Smile
Generosity is not limited to financial contributions; it encompasses every act of kindness, including the simplest gestures like a smile. These small offerings can have a profound impact on the community, fostering a spirit of love and unity. By starting with the smallest acts of giving, one opens the door to greater opportunities to serve and bless others. [01:33:20]
Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: What small act of kindness can you offer someone today, and how might this simple gesture be a reflection of God's love?
Day 2: Service as Worship
Serving others is an act of worship that brings freedom and joy. When one serves with the mindset of doing it for the Lord, it becomes more than just a task; it becomes a sacred offering. This perspective ensures that the focus remains on God's provision and faithfulness, rather than on personal gain or recognition. [01:30:57]
Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Reflection: How can you approach your daily tasks with the mindset of serving Christ, and what might change in your attitude and actions as a result?
Day 3: The Cycle of Generosity
Embracing the principle of giving and receiving creates a cycle of generosity that can transform lives. When one gives with a generous heart, aligned with the kingdom's values, they open themselves up to receive God's abundant blessings. This cycle is exemplified in stories of personal transformation and serves as a testament to the power of living generously. [01:22:20]
Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you can be more generous, and what steps can you take to initiate this cycle of giving and receiving?
Day 4: Surrender to Generosity
True generosity is a result of complete surrender to God. When one's heart is fully given to the Lord, their giving is amplified, free from the chains of materialism. This surrender challenges believers to examine their priorities and to choose devotion to God over the love of money, leading to a life of blessings and the ability to bless others. [01:26:25]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Faithful Tithing and Joyful Giving
Tithing is a faithful act of worship that extends beyond personal income to include business earnings. It is a tangible expression of trust in God's provision and a commitment to His kingdom. Giving seeds above the tithe requires faith, but it promises a harvest of blessings that cultivates a culture of generosity and joy among believers. [01:18:56]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Reflect on your current practice of tithing and giving. Are you giving out of faith and joy, and how can you grow in this area to further support God's kingdom?
Quotes
"I want the church to use me; it's a joy to be used. It's an honor to be used. He delivered me, he set me free, he broke the snare of the enemy off of my life. I want to be used." [01:30:11] (Download)
"Whatever you do, do it as if you are doing it unto the Lord. Therefore, whatever I do, I do unto Him, not unto man. I do it for His kingdom." [01:30:57] (Download)
"Don't think your volunteering goes in vain. The Lord watches over your every move you're making for His kingdom. Everything you are doing for His kingdom, He doesn't take it for granted; He's the rewarder." [01:31:42] (Download)
"Everybody has something to give; in Cape Town, most of the time they give me just two teeth, but I mean, I'll take a hit, just give me something at least." [01:33:20] (Download)
"The church gets excited when the pastor teaches an hour in offerings. I mean, you can at least give a smile." [01:33:20] (Download)
"If you have a problem giving to God, it means you have not given yourself to the Lord." [01:25:27] (Download)
"God delivered a gentleman in our church from gambling; now in the kingdom of God, he sees a return 'pressed down, shaken together and running over'—a testament to the promise of giving." [01:24:01] (Download)
"The reason why most people have a problem giving radically is because they've not given themselves to the Lord fully. They might say 'I love the Lord,' but when it comes to finances, you can see how they worship Mammon." [01:26:25] (Download)
"It's not a matter of getting something out of you; it's a matter of getting something to you. God wants to get a breakthrough to you, a miracle to you, maybe that has been the blockage in your business because you're not tithing from your business." [01:18:56] (Download)
"When you begin to give seeds above your tithe, that's when faith comes in. The Bible says he who sows sparingly shall reap sparingly, he who sows bountifully shall reap bountifully." [01:20:22] (Download)
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