Generosity: Building a Lasting Spiritual Legacy
Summary
Summary:
Today, we gather to reflect on the importance of spiritual generosity and the legacy we leave through our giving. As we continue our series on resetting our approach to spiritual generosity, we delve into the book of Haggai, focusing on the theme of "Making Legacy Moves." The story of a man in the desert, faced with the choice of using a jar of water for immediate relief or priming a pump for future abundance, serves as a metaphor for our own decisions in giving. We are reminded that our generosity is not just about immediate returns but about sowing seeds of faith for future generations.
Legacy, derived from the Latin word "legatus," signifies the passing down of influence. In our context, it is about the spiritual legacy we leave for those who come after us. The black church, historically, has been a beacon of hope and transformation, providing literacy, advocacy, and community support. As we reflect on this legacy, we are called to continue supporting the church, ensuring it remains a place of refuge and growth for future generations.
Haggai's message to the people of his time, who were discouraged by the slow progress of rebuilding the temple, is a call to courage and faith. God assures them that their efforts are not in vain, promising that the glory of the new temple will surpass the former. This promise extends to us today, encouraging us to trust in God's provision and to give generously, knowing that our contributions will have a lasting impact.
As we move forward, let us resolve to trust in God's presence and promise, reflecting on the past to inspire our present actions. By doing so, we can ensure that our spiritual legacy endures, touching lives and glorifying God for generations to come.
Key Takeaways:
1. Generosity as a Legacy Move: Our giving is not just for immediate benefits but is an investment in the future. By prioritizing spiritual generosity, we sow seeds of faith that will impact generations to come. This requires a shift in perspective, seeing our contributions as part of a larger legacy that transcends our lifetime. [01:20:31]
2. Reflecting on Historical Impact: Understanding the historical significance of the church, especially within the African American community, can inspire present and future generosity. The church has been a cornerstone of education, advocacy, and community support, and recognizing this legacy can motivate us to continue supporting its mission. [01:32:03]
3. Courage in Giving: In times of discouragement, we are called to take courage and continue our work of giving. God's promise to be with us and to honor our obedience provides the strength we need to persevere, even when immediate results are not visible. [01:44:33]
4. Trusting in God's Provision: God's promise to provide for His house assures us that our efforts are not in vain. He is willing to shake the heavens and the earth to ensure that His house is filled with splendor, reminding us that our giving is part of a divine plan that will be fulfilled in His time. [01:52:25]
5. Building a Spiritual Legacy: Our generosity today contributes to a spiritual legacy that will bless future generations. By giving with a long-term perspective, we ensure that the church remains a place of refuge and transformation, where the presence and power of Jesus can continue to touch lives. [01:55:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [16:30] - Opening Worship and Praise
- [29:27] - Gratitude and Worship
- [30:08] - Weekly Reflections and Announcements
- [33:22] - Celebrating African American History Month
- [39:46] - Prayer Requests and Community Concerns
- [56:32] - Offering and Generosity
- [01:09:34] - Preparing for the Word
- [01:13:25] - Introduction to Haggai and Legacy Moves
- [01:18:45] - The Story of the Man in the Desert
- [01:20:31] - Understanding Legacy and Influence
- [01:25:24] - Resetting Our Approach to Generosity
- [01:28:44] - Reflecting on Past Generosity
- [01:32:03] - The Historical Impact of the Black Church
- [01:44:33] - Courage and Trust in Giving
- [01:52:25] - God's Promise of Provision
- [01:55:31] - Building a Spiritual Legacy
- [02:00:01] - Closing Reflections and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Making Legacy Moves
Bible Reading:
- Haggai 2:1-9
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the main challenge faced by the people in Haggai's time regarding the rebuilding of the temple? How did God address their discouragement? [01:14:18]
2. In the sermon, a story was shared about a man in the desert with a jar of water. What choice did the man face, and how does this relate to the theme of spiritual generosity? [01:18:45]
3. How does the sermon describe the historical role of the black church in the community, and why is this significant for understanding spiritual legacy? [01:32:03]
4. What does the term "legacy" mean in the context of the sermon, and how is it connected to the concept of spiritual generosity? [01:20:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of God's presence and provision in Haggai 2:4-5 encourage believers to continue giving, even when immediate results are not visible? [01:44:33]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the historical impact of the church. How can understanding this history inspire current and future acts of generosity? [01:32:03]
3. What does it mean to "prime the pump" in the context of spiritual generosity, and how can this metaphor be applied to our personal lives and giving? [01:18:45]
4. How does the sermon suggest that spiritual generosity can create a legacy that impacts future generations? What are some practical ways this can be achieved? [01:55:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between immediate gratification and a long-term investment. How did that decision impact your spiritual journey? [01:18:45]
2. The sermon calls for courage in giving, even when results are not immediately visible. What are some areas in your life where you need to trust in God's provision and continue giving generously? [01:44:33]
3. How can you contribute to the spiritual legacy of your church or community? Identify one specific action you can take this month to support this legacy. [01:55:31]
4. Consider the historical impact of the church in your community. How can you share this history with others to inspire generosity and support for the church's mission? [01:32:03]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of intergenerational reflection. How can you engage with different generations in your church to foster a deeper understanding of spiritual generosity? [01:28:44]
6. What steps can you take to ensure that your giving is not just for immediate benefits but is an investment in the future? How can you shift your perspective to see your contributions as part of a larger legacy? [01:20:31]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you can "prime the pump" by investing in future spiritual growth. What practical steps will you take to make this investment? [01:18:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity as an Investment in Future Generations
Our acts of generosity are not merely for immediate gratification but are investments in the future. By prioritizing spiritual generosity, we plant seeds of faith that will impact generations to come. This requires a shift in perspective, seeing our contributions as part of a larger legacy that transcends our lifetime. The story of the man in the desert, who chooses to use a jar of water to prime a pump for future abundance rather than for immediate relief, serves as a powerful metaphor for this concept. Our giving is a legacy move, a decision to trust in the unseen and to believe in the potential of what our generosity can achieve. [01:20:31]
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." (Hebrews 6:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can invest in the spiritual future of your community today, even if it means sacrificing immediate comfort or convenience?
Day 2: Recognizing the Church's Historical Role
Understanding the historical significance of the church, especially within the African American community, can inspire present and future generosity. The church has been a cornerstone of education, advocacy, and community support. Recognizing this legacy can motivate us to continue supporting its mission. The black church has historically been a beacon of hope and transformation, providing literacy, advocacy, and community support. As we reflect on this legacy, we are called to continue supporting the church, ensuring it remains a place of refuge and growth for future generations. [01:32:03]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the ongoing mission of your church, ensuring it remains a beacon of hope and transformation in your community?
Day 3: Courage in the Face of Discouragement
In times of discouragement, we are called to take courage and continue our work of giving. God's promise to be with us and to honor our obedience provides the strength we need to persevere, even when immediate results are not visible. Haggai's message to the people of his time, who were discouraged by the slow progress of rebuilding the temple, is a call to courage and faith. God assures them that their efforts are not in vain, promising that the glory of the new temple will surpass the former. This promise extends to us today, encouraging us to trust in God's provision and to give generously, knowing that our contributions will have a lasting impact. [01:44:33]
"Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts." (Haggai 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel discouraged in your efforts? How can you invite God into that space to renew your courage and commitment?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Provision
God's promise to provide for His house assures us that our efforts are not in vain. He is willing to shake the heavens and the earth to ensure that His house is filled with splendor, reminding us that our giving is part of a divine plan that will be fulfilled in His time. This assurance allows us to give generously, knowing that our contributions are part of a larger divine narrative. Trusting in God's provision means believing that He will honor our obedience and that our efforts will bear fruit in His perfect timing. [01:52:25]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice trusting God with your resources today, believing that He will provide for your needs as you give generously?
Day 5: Building a Spiritual Legacy
Our generosity today contributes to a spiritual legacy that will bless future generations. By giving with a long-term perspective, we ensure that the church remains a place of refuge and transformation, where the presence and power of Jesus can continue to touch lives. This legacy is not just about financial contributions but also about the influence and impact we leave behind. As we move forward, let us resolve to trust in God's presence and promise, reflecting on the past to inspire our present actions. By doing so, we can ensure that our spiritual legacy endures, touching lives and glorifying God for generations to come. [01:55:31]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to ensure that your spiritual legacy positively impacts future generations?
Quotes
"Whenever this story is told, church, the choice that the man makes is never given. We are left at a cliffhanger and it is told that way intentionally. To teach us that giving, generous giving for a covenant believer is ultimately a matter of choice." [01:19:14] (21 seconds)
"That generosity is one of the ways that we as God's people sow seeds of faith into the future. It is how, church, we make spiritual lives. That legacy moves for those coming after us who will be a part of this community." [01:20:12] (19 seconds)
"Legacy is such an intriguing word historically. It comes from the Latin word legatus, which means to send as an ambassador or to entrust influence. A legatus was also a position in the Roman army, a high -ranking officer appointed by an emperor, to command a legion of soldiers." [01:20:34] (25 seconds)
"That giving towards the glory of God is the ultimate legacy move, because as you are giving and working towards its progress, although you may not see an immediate return, for yourself in your lifetime, you give because you know that there is a promise connected to your generosity as a believer." [01:22:39] (27 seconds)
"Giving will always feel discouraging or like a duty when you only see it as a hope to set something up for you. Okay it's gonna be one of them Sunday Sunday's that just like the people Haggai is ministering to if you see the the work of giving as nothing it's probable because you've made your experiences and your preferences everything." [01:26:46] (35 seconds)
"With the way the moral and ethical and political and even some of the spiritual threads are coming loose in the culture in which we now live church we know two things for sure those who coming after us they're gonna need God and they're gonna need a church where they can hear a word from the Lord." [01:32:04] (30 seconds)
"To the pastor, the politician, and the people, there's a trifle command given from God. Here it is. God says, take courage. Y 'all missed it. Take courage, Zerubbabel. Take courage, Joshua. Take courage all you people of the land. Don't miss this. Work for I am with you says the Lord." [01:43:20] (36 seconds)
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