Generosity: A Heartfelt Response to God's Blessings
Summary
### Summary
Today, we had the joy of dedicating two families and their children to the Lord. This act of dedication is not just about the children but also about the parents committing to raise their children in the knowledge and love of Jesus. As a church family, we stand alongside these parents, offering our support and prayers.
We then transitioned into our ongoing series on the book of Exodus, focusing on chapters 35 and 36. We revisited the story of the Israelites, who were called to be a set-apart people for God. This calling was not just about their deliverance from Egypt but also about their transformation into a distinct community that would reflect God's character to the surrounding nations. One of the key characteristics God wanted to instill in them was generosity.
In Exodus 35, Moses called the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the tabernacle. The people responded with overwhelming generosity, bringing more than enough materials. This act of giving was not out of compulsion but from willing hearts, recognizing that everything they had was from God. This generosity was a foreshadowing of the kind of giving God desires from us today.
We explored three key aspects of generosity: the motive, the metric, and the method. The motive for our generosity should be rooted in gratitude for God's mercy and provision. The metric is not about legalistic percentages but about the condition of our hearts. God loves a cheerful giver, and our giving should be a joyful act of worship. The method involves planned, proportionate, and plentiful giving. We should plan to be generous, give in proportion to what we have, and aim to give abundantly.
In conclusion, our generosity should reflect God's indescribable gift to us—His Son, Jesus Christ. As we give, we not only meet the needs of others but also point them to the ultimate source of all blessings, God Himself.
### Key Takeaways
1. Dedication and Commitment: When we dedicate our children to the Lord, we are also committing ourselves as parents to raise them in the knowledge and love of Jesus. This commitment is a lifelong journey that requires the support and prayers of the church community. [26:36]
2. Generosity as a Distinctive Mark: God called the Israelites to be a set-apart people, and one of the ways they demonstrated this was through their generosity. Their willingness to give freely and abundantly for the construction of the tabernacle serves as a model for us today. [33:02]
3. The Right Motive for Giving: Our generosity should be motivated by gratitude for God's mercy and provision. Recognizing that everything we have comes from God, we give not out of compulsion but as an act of worship and thanksgiving. [42:08]
4. God's Metric for Generosity: God measures our generosity not by the amount we give but by the condition of our hearts. He loves a cheerful giver, and our giving should be a joyful and willing response to His blessings. [53:21]
5. Planned and Proportionate Giving: To be truly generous, we need to plan our giving and make it proportionate to what we have. This involves setting aside a portion of our income regularly and being prepared to give abundantly when opportunities arise. [01:08:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:36] - Baby Dedication
[27:53] - Parental Commitment
[31:49] - Introduction to Exodus Series
[33:02] - Israelites' Journey and God's Plan
[34:26] - Call for Generosity
[35:41] - Specific Offerings for the Tabernacle
[36:55] - Response of the Israelites
[39:28] - The Right Motive for Generosity
[42:08] - Worship and Generosity
[44:57] - Stewardship and Trust
[46:24] - Jesus as the Ultimate Example
[47:53] - The Metric for Generosity
[49:28] - Overwhelming Generosity of the Israelites
[53:21] - God's Metric: Cheerful Giving
[56:07] - Planned and Proportionate Giving
[01:08:18] - The Importance of a Giving Plan
[01:14:00] - Trusting God for Provision
[01:16:50] - Generosity Leading to Thanksgiving
[01:19:23] - The Indescribable Gift of Jesus
[01:20:52] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 35:4-9 (NIV)
> Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded: From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring the Lord an offering of gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.”
2. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
> 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.
3. Romans 12:1 (NIV)
> Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
### Observation Questions
1. What specific materials did Moses ask the Israelites to bring for the construction of the tabernacle? (Exodus 35:4-9)
2. According to 2 Corinthians 9:7, what kind of giver does God love?
3. In Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to offer as a living sacrifice, and why?
4. How did the Israelites respond to Moses' call for offerings for the tabernacle? [36:55]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses emphasized that the offerings should come from those who are willing? How does this reflect the nature of true generosity? [34:26]
2. How does the concept of being a "cheerful giver" in 2 Corinthians 9:7 align with the Israelites' response in Exodus 35-36?
3. What does it mean to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice according to Romans 12:1, and how does this relate to the idea of generosity discussed in the sermon? [42:08]
4. How does the act of giving reflect our understanding of God's mercy and provision, as mentioned in the sermon? [40:52]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave willingly and cheerfully. How did it feel, and what impact did it have on you and others? How can you cultivate this attitude more consistently? [53:21]
2. The sermon mentioned that our generosity should be planned, proportionate, and plentiful. How can you create a plan for your giving that aligns with these principles? [01:08:18]
3. Consider the motive behind your giving. Are you giving out of gratitude for God's mercy and provision, or do you feel pressured or obligated? How can you shift your perspective to see giving as an act of worship? [42:08]
4. How can you involve your family or community in acts of generosity to reflect God's character to those around you? What are some practical steps you can take together? [33:02]
5. Think about the resources God has entrusted to you. How can you be a better steward of these resources to honor God and support His work? [44:57]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of the church community in supporting parents who dedicate their children to the Lord. How can you actively support families in your church in their spiritual journey? [26:36]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can be more generous. What specific action will you take this week to practice generosity in that area? [01:14:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Commitment to Raise Children in Faith
When we dedicate our children to the Lord, it is a profound act of commitment. This dedication is not just a ceremonial event but a lifelong journey where parents pledge to raise their children in the knowledge and love of Jesus. It involves teaching them about God's word, modeling Christ-like behavior, and nurturing their spiritual growth. This commitment also extends to the church community, which plays a vital role in supporting and praying for these families. The collective effort of the church helps create an environment where children can grow in their faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus. [26:36]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you actively support a family in your church who is raising their children in the faith? What specific actions can you take this week to encourage and pray for them?
Day 2: Generosity as a Reflection of God's Character
God called the Israelites to be a set-apart people, and one of the ways they demonstrated this was through their generosity. In Exodus 35, the Israelites responded to Moses' call for offerings with overwhelming generosity, bringing more than enough materials for the construction of the tabernacle. This act of giving was not out of compulsion but from willing hearts, recognizing that everything they had was from God. Their generosity serves as a model for us today, showing that our giving should be a reflection of God's character and a response to His blessings. [33:02]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to give generously. Did you give out of a willing heart or out of a sense of obligation? How can you cultivate a heart of generosity that reflects God's character?
Day 3: Gratitude as the Motive for Generosity
Our generosity should be motivated by gratitude for God's mercy and provision. Recognizing that everything we have comes from God, we give not out of compulsion but as an act of worship and thanksgiving. This perspective shifts our focus from the act of giving itself to the heart behind it. When we give out of gratitude, our generosity becomes a joyful expression of our love for God and our acknowledgment of His blessings in our lives. [42:08]
Psalm 116:12-14 (ESV): "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people."
Reflection: Reflect on the blessings God has given you. How can you express your gratitude through acts of generosity this week? What specific steps can you take to make your giving an act of worship?
Day 4: The Heart Condition in Generosity
God measures our generosity not by the amount we give but by the condition of our hearts. He loves a cheerful giver, and our giving should be a joyful and willing response to His blessings. This means that the attitude with which we give is more important than the gift itself. A heart that gives cheerfully and willingly is a heart that understands and appreciates God's grace and provision. [53:21]
1 Chronicles 29:17 (ESV): "I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you."
Reflection: Examine your heart's attitude towards giving. Are there any areas where you feel reluctant or compelled to give? How can you transform your giving into a joyful and willing act of worship?
Day 5: Planned and Proportionate Giving
To be truly generous, we need to plan our giving and make it proportionate to what we have. This involves setting aside a portion of our income regularly and being prepared to give abundantly when opportunities arise. Planned and proportionate giving ensures that our generosity is intentional and sustainable, allowing us to respond to needs as they come up without hesitation. It also reflects our trust in God's provision and our commitment to being good stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. [01:08:18]
1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV): "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come."
Reflection: Do you have a plan for your giving? How can you make your giving more intentional and proportionate to your resources? What steps can you take this week to start or improve your giving plan?
Quotes
1. "As your church family, we always want to come around you and be that support for you as parents raising up your children. So as you come today to dedicate your children to the Lord, you're actually dedicating yourselves too, right? To raising them up to know and follow Jesus. And we want to be a support system for you in doing that as your church family, but we know the primary responsibility falls on the parents to do that, but we come alongside you to help with it." [26:36] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He's basically just saying, saturate your children with the teachings of God and God's word. I know you come today to dedicate them to the Lord. God's got a plan and a purpose for their lives, and he wants you to be a part of that. Guide as they're raised up to know that plan and purpose and to follow it." [27:53] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God has saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, remember? And he's delivered them through the plagues, and then he delivered them through the parting of the sea. Then he provided for them manna. He provided for them water from heaven. He provided for them water from the rock. He has led them now on their journey to go to the land that he promised. He made a covenant that he was going to give them a land, but it wasn't just freeing them from slavery for nothing. He had a reason. He had a plan. He had a purpose for these people to go into this land he was taking them to, and to grow into and transform into being the set-apart people for God." [31:49] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What distinguishes us as God's people is not just the generosity, but we're going to see some traits about it that really make it something that sets us apart. It is the fact that we are going to be using the right motive for our generosity. We're going to do three M's today. I like to use alliteration, so the first one is the motive for our generosity. It's one thing to be generous. It's another thing to be generous for the right reason, being driven with the right motivation for the generosity that you're having in your life." [39:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we're going to give for the right motive, we have to make the connection with the stuff that we have and the source of the stuff that we have. God is the source, the Bible says, of every good gift that's come down from the Father of lights. Every good thing we have, he's the source. When you recognize God as the source, then what motivates us is not a guilty conscience. It's not that we're trying to earn favor. It's not that we're trying to buy our way into heaven. We give generously. We are generous people by nature because we understand how blessed we are to start with. That's the motivation behind it." [40:52] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Remember, there are other people who don't know or follow Jesus who are generous people. What makes us different is why we're generous. That's what makes us different. That's what sets us apart as the people of God. We do it out of gratitude for the mercy and the grace that God has shown us and the provision that God has given us and the realization that he trusts us with all his stuff. Think about that for a minute." [43:31] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The metric for our giving should not be just based on do we have enough or not, but the metric for our giving should be are we responding with the right motive in a generous way to help accomplish the mission God has given us. See, that's the metric and are we doing that as a metric and how we think about it. Are we thinking about it with the right metric from their hearts they were bringing this offering more day after day and more than enough to get the job done." [50:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you want to know if your heart really belongs to the Lord, where your heart really is, he says, look at your bank account. That's going to reveal to you where your heart really is. When you look at your bank account, the accounting of what you're doing with the resources that you have will tell you, will tell me where my heart really is. Why? Because that represents my life. I worked for that. I've earned that. I've been given that to manage. It's been given to me. What am I doing with that? Reveals my heart, where my heart really is." [57:36] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You have to plan to be generous. If you don't plan to be generous, you're not going to be generous. Or you might give some money, but you're not going to be generous. You're not going to have money, but it will be as a response to being pressured or having your arm twisted, right? That's not the motive, the metric that God wants you to have. He wants you to do it because you plan to do it because you want to be the generous person God has called you to be. You want to thank him for what he's already given you and provided for you. That's why you want to do this." [01:04:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Does that sound pretty all-encompassing there? Yeah. Here's what He says. As it's written, they freely scattered their gifts to the poor. Their righteousness endures forever. Now, He goes back to God. He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed. He will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. And through us, your generosity will result in what? Thanksgiving to God." [01:16:50] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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