Empowered to Give: The Blessings of Generosity
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive, as highlighted in Acts 20:35. This principle is vividly experienced during mission trips, where the intention to bless others often results in receiving greater blessings ourselves. This divine exchange underscores the supernatural joy and fulfillment found in giving. We are reminded that God's power has equipped us with everything we need to live a devoted life, as stated in 2 Peter 1:3-4. His power establishes His authority, love, and dominion, providing us with all we need to overcome life's challenges.
We delved into the reality that our struggles, whether they be fear, depression, or financial difficulties, are not as formidable as they appear. God has disarmed principalities and powers, and His promises equip us to live victoriously. We are chosen by God, not by accident, but by His glory and goodness, and He has bestowed upon us rich gifts and promises. These gifts enable us to share in His divine nature, empowering us to escape the ruin of worldly desires.
Moreover, we are called to be overcomers, built for battle, and equipped to triumph over life's adversities. Through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, we are empowered to overcome. God's promises include redemption, safety, and strength. He is our strong tower, a refuge in times of chaos, and He renews our strength, enabling us to soar like eagles.
Finally, we are reminded of the promise of eternal salvation. Jesus is preparing a place for us, and He will return to receive us. This assurance of His return fills us with hope and anticipation. As we navigate life's journey, we are encouraged to trust in God's unchanging nature and His faithful promises. His blessings are abundant, and as we walk in obedience, they will overtake us, enriching our lives with His goodness.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Blessing of Giving: Embrace the joy of giving, as it brings greater blessings than receiving. This principle is experienced in mission work, where the intention to bless others results in receiving more blessings ourselves. Giving opens the door to supernatural joy and fulfillment. [01:33]
2. Equipped by God's Power: God's power has given us everything we need to live a devoted life. His authority, love, and dominion provide us with the strength to overcome life's challenges. We are not lacking; His power equips us to face any storm. [07:04]
3. Chosen and Empowered: We are chosen by God, not by accident, but by His glory and goodness. He has bestowed upon us rich gifts and promises, enabling us to share in His divine nature and escape worldly ruin. Embrace your identity as a chosen child of God. [09:44]
4. Overcoming Through Christ: We are built for battle and equipped to triumph over life's adversities. Through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, we are empowered to overcome. God's promises include redemption, safety, and strength. [12:59]
5. Promise of Eternal Salvation: Jesus is preparing a place for us, and He will return to receive us. This assurance fills us with hope and anticipation. Trust in God's unchanging nature and His faithful promises, knowing that His blessings will overtake us as we walk in obedience. [29:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:33] - The Blessing of Giving
[02:19] - Diversity in the Congregation
[03:54] - A Word for Every Struggle
[07:04] - Equipped by God's Power
[09:44] - Chosen and Empowered
[12:59] - Overcoming Through Christ
[18:50] - The Gift of Endurance
[22:35] - Perspective from Above
[23:15] - Blessings Overtaking Us
[25:14] - Obedience and Consequences
[26:02] - Renewed Strength
[27:11] - The Gift of Eternal Salvation
[29:20] - Assurance of His Return
[30:28] - Trusting in God's Promises
[31:18] - Receiving His Gifts
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 20:35 - "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
2. 2 Peter 1:3-4 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
3. Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Acts 20:35 suggest about the nature of giving and receiving? How does this align with the experiences shared during mission trips? [01:33]
2. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, what has God's power provided us with, and how does this equip us for life? [07:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the way God has disarmed principalities and powers? What impact does this have on our struggles? [03:54]
4. What are some of the promises mentioned in the sermon that God has made to us? How do these promises empower us to overcome life's challenges? [12:59]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of giving being more blessed than receiving challenge common societal views on wealth and possessions? [01:33]
2. In what ways does understanding that we are chosen by God, as mentioned in 2 Peter 1:3-4, affect our identity and purpose? [09:44]
3. How can the concept of God being our strong tower, as described in Proverbs 18:10, provide comfort during times of chaos and uncertainty? [27:11]
4. What does the promise of eternal salvation mean for believers, and how does it influence our daily lives and decisions? [29:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent experience where you gave to someone else. How did it impact you, and what did you learn about the joy of giving? [01:33]
2. Identify a current struggle in your life. How can you apply the understanding that God's power has equipped you with everything you need to overcome it? [07:04]
3. Consider a time when you felt chosen or called by God. How did that experience shape your actions and decisions? [09:44]
4. In what ways can you actively seek to be an overcomer in your daily life, using the promises of redemption, safety, and strength? [12:59]
5. How can you cultivate a mindset of hope and anticipation for Jesus' return, and what practical steps can you take to live in obedience to God's promises? [29:20]
6. Think about a situation where you need renewed strength. What specific actions can you take to rely on God as your strong tower and source of strength? [27:11]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of trusting in God's unchanging nature and faithful promises into your daily routine? What might that look like for you? [30:28]
Devotional
Day 1: The Joy of Generous Giving
In the act of giving, there is a profound joy that surpasses the joy of receiving. This principle, rooted in Acts 20:35, is often experienced during mission trips where the intention to bless others results in receiving greater blessings ourselves. The divine exchange that occurs when we give is a testament to the supernatural joy and fulfillment that God provides. As we give, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with God's heart, experiencing His love and grace in new and transformative ways. Embracing this truth allows us to live a life marked by generosity and compassion, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily interactions. [01:33]
Acts 20:35 (ESV): "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can give to someone in need this week. How can you intentionally create space in your life to experience the joy of giving?
Day 2: Empowered by Divine Authority
God's power has equipped us with everything we need to live a devoted life, as stated in 2 Peter 1:3-4. His authority, love, and dominion provide us with the strength to overcome life's challenges. We are not lacking; His power equips us to face any storm. This divine empowerment is not just a promise but a reality that we can live in daily. By relying on God's strength, we can navigate through fear, depression, and financial difficulties, knowing that He has disarmed principalities and powers. Embracing this truth allows us to walk confidently in the authority and love of God, overcoming obstacles with His strength. [07:04]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's power and promises to overcome this challenge today?
Day 3: Embracing Our Divine Identity
We are chosen by God, not by accident, but by His glory and goodness. He has bestowed upon us rich gifts and promises, enabling us to share in His divine nature and escape worldly ruin. Embracing our identity as chosen children of God allows us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing that we are loved and valued by our Creator. This identity empowers us to rise above the struggles and temptations of the world, living a life that reflects God's glory and goodness. By embracing who we are in Christ, we can walk in the fullness of His promises and experience the abundant life He has for us. [09:44]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: Reflect on your identity as a chosen child of God. How does this truth impact the way you view yourself and your purpose in life?
Day 4: Victorious Living Through Christ
We are built for battle and equipped to triumph over life's adversities. Through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, we are empowered to overcome. God's promises include redemption, safety, and strength, providing us with the tools we need to live victoriously. As we face challenges, we can rely on the strength and victory that Christ has already secured for us. By sharing our testimonies and standing firm in our faith, we can overcome the obstacles that come our way, living a life that reflects the power and victory of Christ. [12:59]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV): "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
Reflection: Consider a recent challenge you have faced. How can you use your testimony and the victory of Christ to overcome future challenges?
Day 5: Hope in Eternal Salvation
Jesus is preparing a place for us, and He will return to receive us. This assurance fills us with hope and anticipation as we navigate life's journey. Trusting in God's unchanging nature and His faithful promises allows us to live with confidence, knowing that His blessings will overtake us as we walk in obedience. The promise of eternal salvation is a source of hope and joy, reminding us that our ultimate home is with Christ. As we live in this hope, we can face life's uncertainties with peace and assurance, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [29:20]
John 14:2-3 (ESV): "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal salvation influence your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live with greater hope and anticipation of Christ's return?
Quotes
"His power has given us everything we need. I could. Stop right there and we could go home. His power, his great power has given us every single thing that we need. What do you need? Let me tell you, he has the power, his great power, his mighty power is all you need. His great power has established his authority. His power has established. His love for us. His power has established." [00:05:20] (46 seconds)
"dominion his power has established faith his power has established the universe we're here because of his great power the bible says in him we live and move and have our being it is his word his power that got us where we are and his power has given us everything we need to live to live a life to live a devoted life to him everything we need we have it available to us because of his great power so i need to tell you today whatever you're struggling with whatever your battle whatever your storm and the mind is the battleground right because the demons that you fight are not nearly as big in reality as they are sometimes in our mind we conjure up these giants in our mind that we're battling and the demons that we're fighting are not nearly as big in reality as they are sometimes in our The Bible tells us that he has already disarmed principalities and powers." [00:05:49] (64 seconds)
"He's taken the weapons out of their hand. His great power has given us everything we need to live a devoted life to him. We have these things because we know him. If you're saved, just lift your hand right now as a testimony. If you know him, if you've given your heart to him, if you've repented, if you've called on him, if you're here today and you are a Christian and you believe you're on your way to heaven, just wave at me as a testimony." [00:06:53] (33 seconds)
"Because this word says we have these things. What things? Everything that we need to live a devoted life. We have these things because we know him. So if you know him, those things have been deposited in your spirit. I thought I'd get a few more amens. He's already. deposited everything we need in our spirit he's given us the things that we need to live a devoted life and we have them because we know him and then watch this jesus chose you you're not here by accident you didn't just stumble into this place today you didn't just stumble into a relationship with some of the people that are here your bible says the steps of a good man are ordered by the lord so think back how you came think back how you got here think back how you found out about this place think out think back about how you connected with this body of believers it was not an accident if the bible is true the steps of a good man are ordered by the lord you're here because he chose you jesus chose you by his glory and his goodness through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us i mean we could stay on this verse all day and i don't even have to go to the other 29 points that i have i'm teasing i don't have that many 28 that's it" [00:07:26] (108 seconds)
"but jesus chose you look at your neighbor say i've been chosen if you ever been a situation where you were not chosen and you were left off the list that's not a good feeling sometimes when we were young maybe as you even got older you played sports and you know they choose up they get two captains and they choose up and and they start picking this one and that one and this one you know if you're the first one chosen you're the first one chosen you're the first one chosen you're the first one chosen that's a pretty good feeling" [00:09:17] (27 seconds)
"If you're the last one chosen, they go, well, come on, I'll take you. It's not a good feeling. But your word says, the Bible, this book, God's holy word says, he chose you by his glory and goodness through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised. So he has promised us gifts. He has promised us blessings. I don't even have time today to scratch the surface of the promises that God has made to us. But his power has given us everything we need." [00:09:44] (41 seconds)
"So you don't need to leave here with a lack mentality. You don't need to walk out of this room today thinking that you lack anything because whatever you think that you lack, whatever you need in your life, he has already made provision to give that to you. And if you come to him, he will give you that. If you can get that in your spirit, then you can step in to a new dimension. You can step in to a new realm. You can step in to a new place in your life. You can step in to another level of provision and success and joy and happiness and relationship. If you can just get it in your mind that this word is true. I didn't make this up." [00:10:21] (45 seconds)
"I didn't go to some other great. Written work and pull this out and plant it in the Bible. This is God's word. Check the scripture for yourself. Jesus chose you. You've been chosen and you weren't the last one chosen. As a matter of fact, he died for you. That's how much he loves you. You have been chosen. He chose us. He chose you by his glory and goodness through which also he gave us these great and rich gifts." [00:11:14] (31 seconds)
"that he promised how many know he is a promise keeper like no other he is a promise keeper if he says it he's going to keep his word he's going to keep his promise he has made promises to you he has made promises to us in his word and we have these things because he gave it to us by his great power what's this with these gifts all these promised gifts that he has with these gifts you can share in being like god" [00:11:39] (33 seconds)
"oh that messes up somebody's theology what is a christian somebody that is like christ we're supposed to be like him we're supposed to act like him we're supposed to treat other people with the love of god so with these gifts we can share in being like god and so this is the good part you can do it You will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things that they want." [00:12:31] (35 seconds)
"So when you accept the precious promises, the gift of his promises, you can escape hell. You can escape all the trouble that comes in the world. Oh, I know what you said. You just threw that scripture. Well, the Bible says all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Sounds like trouble to me. Uh -huh. And you were created for conflict. You were built for battle. You were built to be an overcomer." [00:12:56] (30 seconds)
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