Embracing Our Mission: Generosity, Integrity, and Mentorship
Summary
In our journey through the series "This is My Church," we have explored the foundational values that define us as a congregation. These values are not mere words; they are the pillars upon which our faith and actions rest. Today, we culminate this series by delving into three additional values that are crucial to our mission: Generosity, Integrity, and Mentorship.
Generosity is the heartbeat of our mission. It is the expression of our love for God and His people. We are blessed to be a blessing, serving as conduits of God's love and generosity. Our giving is not about the amount but the heart behind it. We give not because we have in abundance, but because we are moved by the love of Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sakes. Our generosity is a reflection of His ultimate sacrifice, and through it, we help others give thanks to God.
Integrity is the stability of our mission. It is the consistency between our words and actions, our public and private lives. Integrity is not about perfection but about authenticity and wholeness. It is about being the same person in every situation, without discrepancies. Our integrity earns us the trust of others and enables us to carry out God's mission with credibility.
Mentorship, synonymous with discipleship, is the viability of our mission. It ensures growth and sustainability. Just as Paul was mentored by Barnabas and Ananias, we too are called to mentor and be mentored. Through mentorship, we receive guidance, wisdom, and the support needed to fulfill our God-given missions. It accelerates our growth and expands our impact from individuals to churches, regions, and nations.
As we embrace these values, we see the impossible become possible. We witness exponential growth, not just within our church walls but beyond, impacting lives globally. We are on a mission, and with God's grace, we will continue to make a difference in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Generosity is not contingent on our wealth but on our willingness to trust God with what we have. It is a measure of our faith and a testament to our love for God and others. When we give generously, we reflect the heart of Christ and become active participants in His mission to reach the world. [40:45]
- Integrity is the cornerstone of trust and the foundation upon which God builds His work in and through us. When we live with integrity, we align our lives with God's truth, and our words carry weight and influence. This alignment not only earns us the trust of others but also pleases God, who values a sincere heart. [15:12]
- Mentorship is a divine strategy for growth and multiplication. When we invest in others and allow others to invest in us, we create a legacy that transcends our individual efforts. This relational investment is key to advancing the kingdom of God and ensuring that the mission He entrusts to us bears lasting fruit. [23:16]
- The mission God gives us may seem impossible, but with Him, all things are possible. Our reliance on God's strength and provision transforms our perspective, turning obstacles into opportunities for His power to be displayed in our lives. Embracing this truth empowers us to pursue God's calling with boldness and confidence. [06:17]
- Our lives are not meant to be lived in isolation but in community, where we can support and be supported. As we journey together, we find strength in unity and purpose in collaboration. This communal aspect of our faith journey is essential for personal growth and the fulfillment of the greater mission God has for us. [47:12]
In conclusion, let us hold fast to these values, for they are the essence of who we are and what we do as a church. They guide us in our mission and shape our impact on the world for Christ.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 - "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. 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. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
2. Acts 9:26-27 - "When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus."
3. Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the financial situation of the Macedonian churches, and how did they respond to the need in Jerusalem? ([09:50])
2. How did Barnabas support Paul when he first tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem? ([25:03])
3. According to Matthew 6:21, what is the relationship between our treasure and our heart?
4. What does Paul say about the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in 2 Corinthians 8:9?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Macedonian churches were able to give generously despite their severe trials and poverty? ([12:21])
2. How does Barnabas' mentorship of Paul illustrate the importance of having a mentor in our spiritual journey? ([25:03])
3. What does it mean for our treasure to be where our heart is, and how does this principle apply to our generosity? ([35:23])
4. How does the example of Jesus becoming poor for our sake challenge our understanding of generosity and sacrifice? ([42:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave generously despite not having much. How did that experience impact your faith and trust in God? ([12:21])
2. Who has been a Barnabas in your life, mentoring and supporting you in your faith journey? How can you be a Barnabas to someone else? ([25:03])
3. Consider your current financial priorities. Where is your treasure, and what does that reveal about your heart? How can you align your giving with your love for God and others? ([35:23])
4. Jesus' ultimate sacrifice was becoming poor for our sake. What is one specific way you can reflect this sacrificial generosity in your life this week? ([42:50])
5. Integrity is about being the same person in every situation. Are there areas in your life where your public and private selves do not align? How can you work towards greater integrity? ([15:49])
6. Think about a mission or goal that seems impossible in your life right now. How can you rely on God's strength and provision to turn that obstacle into an opportunity? ([06:17])
7. How can you actively seek out and build a community that supports and mentors each other in your church or small group? ([47:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity Reflects Christ's Heart
Generosity is the tangible expression of the love that flows from a heart transformed by Christ. It is not measured by the size of the gift but by the spirit in which it is given. True generosity is rooted in the understanding that everything one possesses is a blessing from God, meant to be shared with others. It is a willingness to trust God with resources, knowing that He is the provider of all things. This kind of giving mirrors the nature of Christ, who gave not out of His abundance, but out of His poverty, so that through His poverty, others might become rich.
Generosity should be a joyful response to God's love, not a reluctant obligation. It is an opportunity to participate in God's work on earth, to be a part of His grand narrative of redemption and grace. When one gives generously, they are not just donating to a cause; they are investing in the kingdom of God and in the lives of people who are created in His image. This act of faith can inspire thankfulness in others and lead them to recognize the goodness of God in their own lives. [40:45]
"But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also." - 2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV
Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that reflects the selfless love of Christ, regardless of your current financial situation?
Day 2: Integrity Builds Trust
Integrity is the alignment of one's values, thoughts, and actions. It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that do not change regardless of who is watching. Integrity is not about being perfect but about being genuine and consistent. It is the courage to live out one's convictions even when it is inconvenient or goes unnoticed. This consistency builds trust with others and provides a stable foundation for relationships and for the work of God to flourish.
Living with integrity means that one's life is an open book, with no chapters hidden away in the shadows. It is about making choices that align with biblical truth, even when those choices are difficult. When people live with integrity, they become reliable witnesses to the truth of the gospel, and their words carry weight because their lives exemplify what they preach. This kind of authenticity is attractive and draws others to Christ. [15:12]
"Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool." - Proverbs 19:1 ESV
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can improve your integrity, and how can you take a step towards that today?
Day 3: Mentorship Multiplies Legacy
Mentorship is the intentional investment in the lives of others, just as Jesus invested in His disciples. It is a relational process that involves sharing wisdom, experience, and support. Through mentorship, one can guide others in their spiritual journey, helping them to grow in their faith and to navigate the challenges of life. This process is not just about imparting knowledge but about fostering a legacy of faith that will continue to bear fruit long after the mentorship relationship has ended.
The beauty of mentorship lies in its reciprocity; as one pours into others, they too are filled and strengthened. It is a divine strategy that ensures the sustainability of the church and the spread of the gospel. By investing in others, one can help to raise up new leaders who will carry the mission forward, expanding the impact of the church from a local community to the ends of the earth. This is how the body of Christ is built up and how the kingdom of God advances. [23:16]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." - 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV
Reflection: Who has been a mentor to you in your spiritual journey, and how can you begin to mentor someone else this week?
Day 4: Faith Transforms Perspective
The mission that God entrusts to His people can often seem daunting, even impossible. However, faith in God's power and provision transforms one's perspective. It turns challenges into opportunities for God to demonstrate His might and faithfulness. When believers trust in God's strength rather than their own, they can approach their calling with boldness and confidence, knowing that with God, all things are possible.
This reliance on God does not mean that the path will be easy, but it does mean that it is not walked alone. God's presence provides the courage to face obstacles and the assurance that the outcome is in His hands. Embracing this truth allows believers to step out in faith, to take risks for the sake of the gospel, and to witness the extraordinary ways in which God works through ordinary people. [06:17]
"For nothing will be impossible with God." - Luke 1:37 ESV
Reflection: What is one challenge in your life that you need to entrust to God, and how can you take a step of faith towards that today?
Day 5: Community Strengthens Mission
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in the context of community. It is within the community that believers find support, encouragement, and accountability. This communal aspect of faith is essential for personal growth and for the fulfillment of the greater mission that God has for His people. Together, believers can accomplish more than they can alone, finding strength in unity and purpose in collaboration.
The church is a body with many parts, each with its own function and importance. When each member is actively engaged, supporting one another, and working towards a common goal, the body functions as it was designed to. This synergy not only leads to personal transformation but also to the transformation of communities and even nations. It is through the collective efforts of the church that the love of Christ is made visible to the world. [47:12]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the strength and unity of your church community this week?
Quotes
1) "Generosity is our mission's heart...it's an honor to give thank you for allowing me to be part of something bigger than myself." [35:57] (Download)
2) "Integrity is our mission's stability...it's possible only because their value in our lives the value as a church is integrity." [11:05] (Download)
3) "Mentorship will accelerate your credibility...it's so important that you have people to pour into your life, to mentor you." [26:15] (Download)
4) "When you are mentored, there are things that people may see inside of you that you can't see in yourself." [27:58] (Download)
5) "Generations church is on a mission...how are we going to do it, where is the funds going to come from, where are the people going to come from?" [06:17] (Download)
6) "Your generosity is actually making people give thanks to God for you...they're thanking God for a church that was not selfish." [40:45] (Download)
7) "Integrity means that there's wholeness in my life, that my private life and my public life doesn't have any discrepancies." [15:12] (Download)
8) "We're not supposed to be blessed for us; we're actually blessed to be a blessing, a conduit of God's love, conduit of God's generosity." [40:03] (Download)
9) "When you live a life of Integrity, people trust you and people want to give to you, because your character is attractive." [22:36] (Download)
10) "We're trying to make Jesus famous, not Generations Church famous; it's about making the name of Jesus famous." [42:04] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?