Embracing Generosity: Trusting God Over Wealth

Summary

Today marks the beginning of our annual "Be Rich" campaign, a time when we focus on generosity and community support. This initiative, which we share with other churches across the nation and even globally, is about more than just raising awareness for local organizations. It's about embodying core values that should guide every Christian's life. These values are rooted in the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who instructed Timothy to encourage the wealthy not to place their hope in uncertain riches but in God, who provides abundantly for our enjoyment. Paul urged believers to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share, laying up treasures for the future and embracing life that is truly life.

We often don't see ourselves as rich because we lack financial margin and are driven by what we see and desire. Yet, in biblical times, having extra—whether it be food, clothing, or possessions—was considered wealth. Our modern abundance often blinds us to the reality of our riches. Jesus taught that wealth is the primary competitor for our hearts, and God instituted tithing not as a tax but as a means to protect our hearts from being consumed by materialism. Tithing is about trust—trusting God to provide and being trustworthy with what He gives us.

Generosity is the antidote to greed and arrogance. It reflects spiritual growth and freedom from materialism. True generosity is sacrificial, exceeds expectations, and expects nothing in return. It transforms us and is a hallmark of those transformed by Jesus' generosity. The story of Zacchaeus illustrates how a heart changed by Jesus leads to a life of generosity. As we give, our hearts grow, and we reflect Jesus' love and grace.

Generosity requires a change of heart and habits. It's a keystone habit that influences other areas of life, improving finances, mental health, and relationships. To cultivate generosity, we must give before budgeting, set goals, and automate giving. This practice aligns our hearts with God's will and reflects our trust in Him rather than wealth. As we engage in the "Be Rich" campaign, we have the opportunity to transform our hearts, church, and community by giving generously to those in need.

Key Takeaways:

- Generosity as a Core Value: Generosity is not just about giving; it's a reflection of our spiritual condition and a core value that should guide our lives. It requires a heart change and a commitment to live out the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified selfless giving. [30:41]

- Wealth as a Heart Competitor: Wealth is the primary competitor for our hearts, often leading us away from God. Tithing is a practice instituted by God to protect our hearts from being consumed by materialism and to remind us to trust in His provision. [39:35]

- The Transformative Power of Generosity: True generosity is sacrificial and expects nothing in return. It transforms us and is a hallmark of those transformed by Jesus' generosity. It reflects spiritual growth and freedom from materialism. [01:00:17]

- Generosity Requires Heart and Habit Change: A lifestyle of generosity requires more than a change of heart; it requires a change in habits. It's a keystone habit that influences other areas of life, improving finances, mental health, and relationships. [01:07:29]

- Trusting God Over Wealth: Generosity is about trusting God rather than wealth. It involves giving before budgeting, setting goals, and automating giving. This practice aligns our hearts with God's will and reflects our trust in Him. [01:17:58]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:45] - Introduction to Be Rich Campaign
- [2:30] - Core Values and Paul's Teachings
- [5:15] - Understanding Wealth and Riches
- [8:00] - The Role of Tithing
- [12:00] - Generosity vs. Materialism
- [15:00] - The Transformative Power of Generosity
- [18:30] - Heart and Habit Change
- [21:00] - Trusting God Over Wealth
- [24:00] - Action Steps for Generosity
- [27:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Be Rich" Campaign

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
2. Matthew 6:24
3. Luke 19:1-10

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Timothy 6:17-19, what specific instructions does Paul give to those who are rich in this present world? How does this relate to the concept of being "rich in good deeds"? [30:41]

2. In the sermon, how is the concept of "extra" defined in the context of wealth, and how does this differ from modern perceptions of wealth? [35:14]

3. What role does tithing play in protecting our hearts from materialism, according to the sermon? [39:35]

4. How does the story of Zacchaeus illustrate the transformative power of generosity? [01:03:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might Paul's instruction to "be rich in good deeds" challenge contemporary views on wealth and success? What does it mean to "lay up treasure for the future"? [30:41]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that wealth competes for our hearts, and how does this align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:24? [37:02]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between giving and true generosity? What are the characteristics of generosity that reflect spiritual growth? [01:00:17]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between generosity and trust in God? How does this relate to the practice of giving before budgeting? [01:11:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Do you see yourself as "rich" in the biblical sense of having "extra"? How can recognizing your "extra" change your perspective on generosity? [35:14]

2. Consider the role of tithing in your life. How does it serve as a practice of trust in God rather than a financial obligation? What steps can you take to align your heart with this practice? [39:35]

3. The sermon suggests that generosity is a keystone habit that influences other areas of life. What specific habits can you cultivate to enhance your generosity, and how might these impact your finances, mental health, and relationships? [01:07:29]

4. How can you automate your giving to ensure it remains a priority in your life? What practical steps can you take to set and achieve generosity goals? [01:15:30]

5. Reflect on a time when you gave without expecting anything in return. How did this experience affect your heart and your relationship with God? How can you incorporate more of this type of giving into your life? [01:02:34]

6. In what ways can you participate in the "Be Rich" campaign to transform your heart, church, and community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to contribute to this initiative. [01:19:46]

7. How does the story of Zacchaeus inspire you to examine your own heart and habits regarding wealth and generosity? What changes can you make to reflect the generosity of Jesus in your daily life? [01:03:51]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Generosity Reflects Our Spiritual Condition
Generosity is not merely an act of giving; it is a reflection of one's spiritual condition and alignment with the teachings of Jesus. It requires a transformation of the heart, moving beyond self-interest to embody selfless giving. This transformation is rooted in the understanding that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the richness of one's deeds and willingness to share. As followers of Christ, embracing generosity as a core value means living out the principles of love, compassion, and selflessness that Jesus exemplified. [30:41]

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent opportunity to give selflessly. How did it reflect your spiritual condition, and what steps can you take to align more closely with Jesus' example of generosity today?

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Day 2: Wealth as a Competitor for Our Hearts
Wealth often competes for our hearts, drawing us away from our reliance on God. In biblical times, wealth was seen as having more than enough, yet today, our abundance can blind us to our true riches. Tithing is a practice instituted by God to safeguard our hearts from materialism, reminding us to place our trust in His provision rather than in uncertain riches. By prioritizing tithing, we acknowledge that our security and hope lie in God, not in our possessions. [39:35]

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area where wealth competes for your heart. How can you practice tithing or another form of giving to shift your trust from material wealth to God's provision?

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Day 3: The Transformative Power of Generosity
True generosity is sacrificial and expects nothing in return. It is a powerful force that transforms both the giver and the receiver, reflecting spiritual growth and liberation from materialism. The story of Zacchaeus illustrates how a heart changed by Jesus leads to a life of generosity. As we give, our hearts expand, and we become conduits of Jesus' love and grace. This transformation is a hallmark of those who have been touched by Jesus' own generosity. [01:00:17]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you gave generously without expecting anything in return. How did this act of giving transform you, and how can you continue to cultivate a spirit of generosity in your daily life?

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Day 4: Generosity Requires Heart and Habit Change
A lifestyle of generosity demands more than a change of heart; it necessitates a change in habits. Generosity is a keystone habit that influences other areas of life, such as finances, mental health, and relationships. By giving before budgeting, setting goals, and automating giving, we align our hearts with God's will and demonstrate our trust in Him. This practice not only transforms us but also impacts our community and the world around us. [01:07:29]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific habit can you change or implement today to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity? How might this change impact other areas of your life?

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Day 5: Trusting God Over Wealth
Generosity is fundamentally about trusting God rather than wealth. It involves prioritizing giving, setting goals, and automating contributions to align our hearts with God's purposes. This practice reflects our reliance on God and our commitment to His kingdom over material wealth. By trusting God, we open ourselves to His blessings and become active participants in His work on earth, transforming our hearts, church, and community. [01:17:58]

"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." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate trust in God over wealth today? Consider setting a specific goal for giving that reflects this trust and aligns with God's will for your life.

Quotes

1) "He says, No, instead, teach them to put their hope in God who richly provides. And he richly provides us with everything. And I love this for our enjoyment. Like God gives us. He gives us stuff so that we will enjoy the stuff. And God provides for us financially and in all kinds of ways so that we will enjoy life. You know, he's not just a killjoy. People think, oh, you become a follower of Jesus. You know, you put faith in God and suddenly life just becomes boring and tolsome. And it's like, no, he blesses us for our enjoyment. And then Paul goes on. He says, Command those who are rich in this present world to do good. And here it is. Be rich. To be rich in good deeds and generous and willing to share." [30:41] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "And see, according to Jesus, the number one competitor for your heart is wealth. According to Jesus, it's your wealth. It's your money. It's your stuff. It's our material possessions. That is what competes for our heart against God. I don't think anybody in here, nobody over in Dahlonega, nobody who's watching online, listening to a podcast later, I don't think any of you woke up this morning and said, gosh, this is such a struggle. Am I going to serve God or the devil today? I don't think anybody wrestled with serving the devil today. I don't think anybody woke up and just said, I think today, I hope I'm not going to be a Satanist. Not today. You know? But. Many. Of. Us. Went to bed worried about money and woke up worried about money and spend the majority of our time thinking about money or money related issues. And he knew and he knows the number one competitor for our hearts is money." [39:35] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "You see, generosity is the prescription and the preventative, like the vitamin, for greed, arrogance, and putting your hope in wealth. If you were to say, oh, I think that's me, and you go, putting hope in wealth, I don't know that I'd do that. Really? I know I've been there. Have you ever thought, if I just had more money then, I would sleep better at night? If I just had more money then, I would be happier. If I had more money then, I wouldn't be as stressed out. If I had more money then, you're putting your hope in wealth. And listen, some of that, there may be a level of truth, but the thing is, we start pursuing the dollar instead of the God who richly provides. And so if you put your hope in wealth, you say, what do I do? Or if you have this greed, and all of a sudden it's like holding up a mirror today, and you go, oh my goodness, I think that's a little bit of me. What do I do? What's the prescription for greed and for arrogance? Putting my hope in wealth. I can tell you, it's generosity." [57:16] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "You see, generosity is reflective of and it leads to spiritual growth. Something on the inside of us. Something of our nature. That's what I mean by spiritual growth. It's freedom from materialism. Now, when I talk about generosity, there's a difference between giving and being generous. And Paul instructs us to be generous, not giving. Anybody can give. You can give, with a bad heart. But you can give without being generous. But you can't be generous without giving. You see, how do you define generosity? If I told you somebody gave a million dollars, you'd go, wow, that's generous, until I tell you they're worth 400 billion. And then you go, oh, they're cheapskates. But I know people, I know some of you, and there's been times over the years where somebody in our church family has given a hundred dollars, and I've cried, because I know what you're going through. I know the situation you're in. I know the needs you have with your kids, or aging parents, or whatever, and all that kind of stuff. And listen, if anybody in my relational circles deserved a pass card not to give, it would have been you, and you did it. And I'm like, wow, that's generous." [58:26] (77 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "And I know this may sound selfish, but here's the thing. I'm a control freak. And when I walk by, I expect somebody like that. When I give them money, when I come back by, they need to be clean shaven. They need to be showered. They need to be fully employed and paying their bills and taxes. Right? And if they can't, then I'm not giving to it. Which reveals how much this money has got to hold. My heart. I don't care what they do with it. I gave that so it won't get me. That was it. That was it. It was just that moment. It's what was coming from. And I wanted to come. I wanted my generosity to flow from a heart that was not fully healed yet. Right? So generosity, it's sacrificial. It'll cost you something. It exceeds what is expected and it is giving without expectation. Because if you say, well, I'm giving you this, but I expect, well, then that's not generosity. That's investing." [01:02:34] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "You see, generosity is transformational, but it's also a trademark of one who's already been transformed by the generosity of Jesus. You see, generosity, that describes someone who has mastered their wealth. But it's also the prescription for someone who's being mastered by their wealth. If you've been around church, you might have heard the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who encounters Jesus. Tax collector. I mean, it's the worst. Why? Because it's a Jewish guy who has been either hired or usually by force to work for Roman Empire against their own people. And so they would get a Jewish citizen in a town. They would be the tax collector. Rome would say, you have to go to all of your neighbors and all of your brothers and all your family's members and everybody else. And you know their real economic situation. So you have to make sure they're paying their fair tax. Okay, Rome, how much are you paying me? Whatever additional you can get out of them is what you will get paid. If they don't want to pay it, let us know. We show up with the swords. So tax collectors were gouging their own people and getting wealthy. And this one, his name is Zacchaeus. And Zacchaeus was curious about Jesus, interested in Jesus. Jesus comes through the town. There's a crowd. He can't see them. He can't see them. He can't see them. He can't see them. He wants to hear them. So he crawls up in a tree, gets Jesus's attention. And Jesus comes by and says, Zacchaeus, come down. I'm going to your house today. I mean, there's a little song in Southern Children's Church. We won't sing it right now. Okay. But here's the thing. When he goes there, we don't know what they talked about and we don't know what they said and we don't know what happened. But what we do know is that Zacchaeus stood up at some point in the meal and said, today I will give half of everything I own to the poor." [01:03:51] (103 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "See, generosity isn't just about helping others. It's about you being transformed and reflecting Jesus because we are never more like Jesus than when we love, when we serve, when we give, and when we forgive. I think it is the four irreducible characteristics and qualities of Jesus. It's not because we know him. It's because we know him. It's because we know him. It's because we know all the scripture and we can memorize it and spit it out all the time. No, no, no, no. It's when you can apply all of that. And what does it look like when you apply everything the Bible teaches? It looks like this right here. And see, Jesus was generous with his resources, with his power, with his ability, with his time, with his grace, with his mercy, with his presence." [01:05:28] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And he introduces this totally different kind of generosity that expects nothing from the other people in return. He died for people who never asked him, will never thank him, may never change. Why? Because they are worth it. And see, that's what generosity does. It raises the value of the people that you give to. Here's the thing. The world, like non -believers, they can argue with and ignore our beliefs. They can argue with and ignore our preaching. They can argue with and ignore the scriptures. But they cannot argue with or ignore generosity. It silences them every time. They may not believe the claims of Jesus, but he's willing to die on the cross for the people killing him. It leaves them speechless every time. You see, a lifestyle of generosity is not just for the people, but for the people that are killing him. For the people requires more than just a change of heart. It requires a change of heart and habits." [01:07:02] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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