Embracing Growth: Active Faith and Generous Stewardship
Summary
Today, we gathered not just to attend a service, but to encounter the living God and express our gratitude for His incredible grace and patience. We are privileged to call Him Father, and as a church family, our desire is to fall deeper in love with Him and honor Him in every aspect of our lives. Granite United Church is not perfect, but it is a place where people genuinely love God and each other, and where generations are being raised to know and walk with the Lord. As our family grows, so do our responsibilities—just as in any home, more people means more needs, and it is a joy to see so many new faces joining us on this journey.
With growth comes the call to greater stewardship. The resources required to minister to thousands, maintain our campuses, and expand our reach are significant, but God has always provided through the faithfulness of His people. We are reminded that God’s heart is for none to perish, and He has redeemed us not just for our own sake, but so that we might be a blessing to others. Our faith is not meant to be passive; it must be active, expressed in tangible ways—especially in generosity and service. The Bible challenges us not to merely profess faith, but to demonstrate it through our actions, meeting the needs of others and advancing the mission of Christ.
We are called to move beyond seeing Jesus only as Savior, to surrendering to His Lordship—trusting Him with every area of our lives, including our resources. The example of the Macedonian church inspires us: even in hardship, they overflowed with joy and generosity because they first gave themselves fully to the Lord. Our giving is not about compulsion or recognition, but about joyful obedience and partnership in God’s work. Every act of generosity lays a foundation for eternity, impacting lives now and forever.
As we look to the future, we are invited to take a step—whether it’s beginning to give, becoming more consistent, or growing in generosity. This is not about meeting a budget, but about fulfilling our mission to reach our region for Christ, to depopulate hell and populate heaven. God has given us everything we need; now He calls us to let it go, to trust Him, and to be part of stories of transformation. For those who have yet to receive Christ, the invitation is open: believe, receive, and step into the family of God. For the rest of us, it’s time to take our next step of faith.
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Key Takeaways
- Gratitude and Relationship with God
True worship begins with recognizing the privilege of calling God our Father and expressing heartfelt gratitude for His redemption and patience. Our relationship with Him is not transactional but rooted in love and honor, shaping every aspect of our lives. As we grow in intimacy with God, our desire should be to bring Him glory in all we do, not just in church but in the everyday moments of life. [31:24]
- Growth Brings Responsibility
As the church family expands, so do the needs and responsibilities. Just as in a growing household, more members mean more care, resources, and service are required. This growth is a blessing, but it also calls each of us to step up, recognizing that the mission and maintenance of God’s house depend on the faithful participation of all who call it home. [33:54]
- Faith Must Be Active and Generous
Scripture teaches that faith without action is dead; we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world marked by suffering and need. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing, and our generosity is a tangible expression of our faith. When we see needs—spiritual, physical, or emotional—our response should be practical help, not just spiritual words. [40:02]
- Surrender to the Lordship of Christ
There is a difference between accepting Jesus as Savior and surrendering to Him as Lord. The Macedonian believers exemplified this by first giving themselves fully to the Lord, which then overflowed in joyful and sacrificial generosity. True discipleship means allowing Christ to have authority over every area of our lives, trusting that His will and word are always for our best and His glory. [52:57]
- Eternal Impact of Generosity
Our acts of generosity are not just for the present—they lay a foundation for eternity. The Bible teaches that how we steward our resources and serve others here will shape our experience in the life to come. Investing in God’s kingdom is not about recognition or reward now, but about building something that lasts forever and leading others to know Jesus. [54:15]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[31:24] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[32:00] - Celebrating Church Family
[33:54] - The Blessing and Challenge of Growth
[35:40] - Stewardship and Expanding Needs
[37:50] - The Purpose of Our Redemption
[40:02] - Faith in Action: Blessed to Be a Blessing
[43:10] - The Call to Generosity
[48:35] - Our Mission: Reaching the Region
[49:32] - The Joy of Being Part of God’s Story
[51:11] - The Example of the Macedonian Church
[52:57] - Surrendering to the Lordship of Christ
[54:15] - The Eternal Foundation of Generosity
[55:08] - The 320 Challenge: Taking a Step
[57:57] - Practical Steps and Church Finances
[01:01:48] - Following God’s Example in Giving
[01:03:49] - The Invitation to Salvation
[01:06:10] - Next Steps for the Church Family
[01:06:52] - Celebration and Closing
Study Guide
Granite United Church Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. James 2:14-18 (ESV)
> What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
2. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (ESV)
> We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
3. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
> As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to James 2, what is the difference between faith that is alive and faith that is dead? How does James illustrate this difference?
2. In 2 Corinthians 8, what circumstances were the Macedonian churches facing, and how did they respond to those circumstances?
3. What specific instructions does Paul give to those who are “rich in this present age” in 1 Timothy 6?
4. The sermon mentioned that as the church family grows, so do the responsibilities and needs. What are some practical examples given of how this growth impacts the church? [[33:54]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think James is so strong in saying that faith without works is dead? What does this say about the relationship between what we believe and how we live?
2. The Macedonian churches gave generously even in the midst of hardship. What does their example teach us about the source of true generosity? [[51:11]]
3. Paul says in 1 Timothy 6 that being generous and ready to share is “laying up treasure for the future.” How might this eternal perspective change the way we view our resources and giving?
4. The sermon talked about moving from seeing Jesus only as Savior to surrendering to His Lordship. What does it look like practically to surrender every area of our lives—including our finances—to Christ? [[52:57]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized gratitude for God’s grace and patience. What is one specific way you can express gratitude to God this week, not just in words but in action? [[31:24]]
2. As our church family grows, so do the needs. Is there a practical way you can step up to help meet a need in our church or community this month? What might that look like for you? [[33:54]]
3. James challenges us not to just say spiritual things but to meet real needs. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know offered “spiritual words” instead of practical help? How can you be more intentional about putting your faith into action this week? [[40:02]]
4. The Macedonian believers gave themselves first to the Lord, which led to joyful generosity. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender more fully to Christ’s Lordship? What step could you take this week to do that? [[52:57]]
5. The sermon mentioned the “320 Challenge”—taking a step in generosity, whether it’s starting to give, becoming more consistent, or growing in giving. What is your next step in generosity? What might be holding you back, and how can you trust God with it? [[55:08]]
6. The idea of “laying a foundation for eternity” was highlighted. How does thinking about the eternal impact of your giving and serving change your motivation? Is there a story of transformation you want to be part of? [[54:15]]
7. For those who have not yet received Christ, the invitation is open. If you have already trusted Christ, what is one way you can help someone else take a step toward Jesus this week? [[01:03:49]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person take their next step of faith, whether in gratitude, service, generosity, or surrender.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action: True Faith Results in Tangible Deeds
Genuine faith is not just a matter of belief or words, but is demonstrated through practical acts of love and generosity toward others. When we see someone in need, it is not enough to simply wish them well or offer spiritual-sounding platitudes; God calls us to put our faith into action by meeting real needs. The Bible makes it clear that faith without works is dead, and that our willingness to help others is a reflection of the living faith within us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be His hands and feet in the world, blessing others as we have been blessed. [40:02]
James 2:14-19 (ESV)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life right now with a tangible need you could help meet this week? What specific step can you take to put your faith into action for them today?
Day 2: Generosity Lays an Eternal Foundation
God blesses us not just for our own enjoyment, but so that we can be generous and share with others. The Bible teaches that our generosity here on earth is actually laying a foundation for our eternal future—what we do with our resources now has lasting impact beyond this life. We are encouraged to enjoy God’s blessings, but also to keep our priorities in order by seeking first His kingdom and being rich in good works. True life is found not in accumulating more for ourselves, but in using what we have to honor God and bless others, building a legacy that will last forever. [47:00]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 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: In what area of your life can you intentionally choose generosity this week, knowing you are laying a foundation for eternity?
Day 3: Surrendering to the Lordship of Christ
It is one thing to accept Jesus as Savior, but another to surrender to Him as Lord, giving Him full authority over every area of our lives. The early church in Macedonia experienced overflowing joy and generosity because their first action was to give themselves fully to the Lord, not just to the idea of salvation. When we recognize that God is in control and that His Word and will are best, we can trust Him with our resources, our plans, and our future. Surrender leads to blessing, and it is the key to living a life that honors God and impacts others. [54:15]
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (ESV)
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been holding back from fully surrendering to Jesus’ authority? What would it look like to give that area to Him today?
Day 4: God’s Power Works Through Our Willingness
God is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine, but He chooses to work through us when we take steps of faith. Even a small act of obedience or generosity can be multiplied by God’s power to accomplish great things for His kingdom. The challenge is not about the size of the gift, but about the willingness of the heart. When we trust God and take a step, He is faithful to do more than we could ever do on our own. Our responsibility is to be faithful with our next step, knowing that God will use it for His glory. [55:08]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection: What is one step of faith or generosity you sense God prompting you to take, even if it feels small? Will you trust Him to do more than you can imagine through your obedience?
Day 5: Following God’s Example: Giving as He Gave
God demonstrated the ultimate act of love and generosity by giving His one and only Son so that we might have eternal life. As recipients of this incredible gift, we are called to follow His example by giving of ourselves—our time, resources, and love—to others. Our giving is not about manipulation or obligation, but about reflecting the heart of God to a world in need. When we give, we participate in God’s mission to reach the lost, care for the hurting, and build His kingdom. We are blessed to be a blessing, and our generosity points others to the greatest Giver of all. [01:02:46]
John 3:16 (ESV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Reflection: How can you intentionally reflect God’s generous love to someone in your life today, following His example of sacrificial giving?
Quotes
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