Generosity: The Heart of Worship and Community
Summary
Today, we explored the often-unspoken element of worship: giving. In our culture, especially here in Quebec, talking about money in church can feel uncomfortable, even taboo. Yet, giving is woven into the very fabric of the church from its earliest days. The first believers in Acts shared everything, ensuring no one among them was in need. Their generosity was radical, but it was rooted in unity, love, and a deep sense of responsibility for one another. This is not about guilt or compulsion, but about recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us to steward for His glory and the good of others.
We also looked at the importance of trust and integrity in giving. The early church entrusted their resources to leaders, and it was vital that those leaders used the funds wisely and transparently. If trust is broken, it must be restored, because giving is not just a transaction—it’s an act of faith and unity. God is not interested in dishonest or reluctant giving. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder that God values honesty and integrity in our offerings.
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians remind us that God loves a cheerful giver. Giving is not a formula for getting rich, nor is it a burden to bear. It’s an invitation to participate in God’s work, to invest in the ministry, and to experience the joy of seeing lives changed. The fruit of our giving is seen in the ministries that bless our families, our community, and beyond. Each person is called to give as they decide in their heart, not out of guilt or pressure, but out of love and gratitude.
Finally, Jesus Himself noticed and honored the sacrificial gift of a poor widow who gave all she had. The amount is not what matters to God; it’s the heart, the faith, and the willingness to trust Him with what we have. Whether we give out of abundance or out of need, God sees and values the sacrifice. Our giving, then, is an act of worship—an expression of unity, faith, and love for God and one another.
Key Takeaways
- Giving is foundational to Christian community, rooted in the early church’s radical generosity and unity. When we give, we participate in a legacy of believers who cared deeply for one another, ensuring that no one was left in need. This unity is not just about pooling resources, but about sharing life and responsibility as a family in Christ. Our generosity reflects the heart of God to the world. [44:37]
- Trust and integrity are essential in giving. God calls us to give honestly, not for show or recognition, but out of a sincere desire to honor Him. If trust in leadership is broken, it must be addressed and restored, because giving without trust undermines the unity and mission of the church. God takes integrity in our offerings seriously, as seen in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. [54:02]
- God loves a cheerful giver, not one who gives out of guilt or compulsion. True generosity flows from a willing heart, not from external pressure or obligation. When we give joyfully, we reflect God’s own generous nature and participate in the blessings and fruit that come from investing in His work. Our giving should be a response to God’s love, not a reluctant duty. [56:52]
- The fruit of our giving is both immediate and eternal. When we invest in the ministry, we see tangible results—lives changed, needs met, and the gospel advanced. But there is also a spiritual harvest that awaits us, as God rewards faithful stewardship. The impact of our generosity often extends far beyond what we can see, both in this life and in eternity. [59:13]
- Jesus recognizes and values sacrificial giving, regardless of the amount. The widow’s offering teaches us that God sees the heart behind the gift, not just the size of the contribution. When we give out of our need, trusting God to provide, our faith is honored by Christ Himself. The true measure of our giving is not what we give, but what it costs us and the trust it demonstrates in God’s provision. [01:10:13]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: Why We Don’t Talk About Giving
[04:45] - The Generosity of Hope Community Church
[08:30] - Why Giving Is Part of Worship
[12:20] - Acts 4: The Early Church’s Radical Generosity
[15:55] - The Heart of Unity in Giving
[18:23] - Trust, Leadership, and Integrity in Church Finances
[22:02] - Giving Builds Unity and Fuels Ministry
[25:40] - Ananias and Sapphira: The Danger of Dishonest Giving
[29:52] - Giving with Integrity and Sacrifice
[32:52] - 2 Corinthians 9: God Loves a Cheerful Giver
[36:13] - The Fruit and Blessing of Generous Giving
[40:59] - Giving Out of Faith, Not Compulsion
[45:00] - Mark 12: The Widow’s Sacrificial Gift
[50:13] - Practical Ways to Give and Meet Needs
[54:00] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Often-Unspoken Element of Worship—Giving
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### Bible Reading
Acts 4:32–35 (ESV)
> Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV)
> The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 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.
Mark 12:41–44 (ESV)
> And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 4, what was the attitude of the early church towards their possessions and the needs of others? ([44:37])
2. In 2 Corinthians 9, what does Paul say about the way we should give, and what is God’s response to a cheerful giver? ([56:52])
3. What did Jesus notice about the widow’s offering in Mark 12, and how did he compare it to the gifts of the wealthy? ([01:07:00])
4. In the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), what was the main issue with their giving? ([54:02])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early church’s radical generosity was so important for their unity and witness to the world? ([44:37])
2. What does it mean to give “not reluctantly or under compulsion,” and why is this distinction important for our relationship with God and the church? ([56:52])
3. How does the story of Ananias and Sapphira challenge our understanding of honesty and integrity in giving? ([54:02])
4. Why do you think Jesus valued the widow’s small but sacrificial gift more than the large sums given by others? What does this reveal about God’s priorities? ([01:07:00])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that giving is often uncomfortable to talk about, especially in our culture. Why do you think that is? Have you ever felt awkward or hesitant about giving or talking about money in church? ([01:10])
2. The early church made sure no one was in need by sharing what they had. Are there practical ways our group or church could better care for each other’s needs? Is there a need you know of right now that we could help meet? ([44:37])
3. Trust and integrity were highlighted as essential for giving. If you ever felt unsure about how church finances are handled, what would help restore your trust? How can we as a church be more transparent and accountable? ([54:02])
4. Paul says God loves a cheerful giver. When you think about your own giving—whether time, money, or resources—do you feel joy, pressure, or something else? What would help you give more cheerfully? ([56:52])
5. The fruit of giving is seen in changed lives and ministry impact. Can you think of a time when someone’s generosity (yours or someone else’s) made a real difference in your life or someone you know? ([59:13])
6. Jesus honored the widow’s sacrificial gift, not the amount. Is there something you feel God is asking you to give or do that feels costly or risky? What would it look like to trust Him with that? ([01:10:13])
7. The sermon encouraged us to talk about giving in our families and to be honest about our needs. Is this something you do? If not, what’s one step you could take this week to start that conversation or to ask for help if you need it? ([01:10:13])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite someone to pray, asking God to help the group grow in unity, generosity, and cheerful giving, and to meet any needs represented in the group.
Devotional
Day 1: Giving Builds Unity and Meets Needs
From the very beginning of the church, believers were unified in heart and purpose, sharing their resources so that no one among them was in need. This radical generosity was not just about pooling money, but about caring deeply for one another and ensuring that every member of the community was supported. When we give, we participate in this same spirit of unity, recognizing that what we have is a gift from God to be used for His glory and the good of others. Our giving is a tangible expression of love and maturity, moving us beyond selfishness and into a life that reflects Christ’s care for His people. [47:10]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV)
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Reflection: Who in your church family or community could you help meet a need for this week—whether through your resources, time, or encouragement?
Day 2: Give with Integrity and Honesty
God cares deeply about the integrity of our giving. He desires that we give honestly, not for recognition or out of obligation, but from a sincere heart. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder that God sees not just the amount we give, but the truthfulness and intent behind it. When we commit to give, we are called to follow through, trusting God with our resources and honoring Him with our word. Giving with integrity means being transparent, trustworthy, and faithful in what we offer to God and His church. [54:02]
Acts 5:1-6 (ESV)
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
Reflection: Is there any area where you have made a promise to God or others that you need to honestly follow through on today?
Day 3: God Loves a Cheerful Giver
God delights in those who give willingly and joyfully, not out of guilt or compulsion. True generosity flows from a heart that wants to participate in God’s work and trusts Him to provide. When we give cheerfully, we invest in the ministry and mission of the church, and we also experience the blessing of seeing God use our gifts to bear fruit in the lives of others. Giving is not a transaction, but an act of worship that reflects our love for God and His people. [59:13]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 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: What is one way you can cultivate a more joyful and willing attitude in your giving this week?
Day 4: Jesus Recognizes the Sacrifice of Giving
Jesus sees and values the heart behind every gift, no matter the amount. The story of the widow’s offering reminds us that sacrificial giving is not about how much we give, but about the trust and faith we place in God as we give. Even when resources are scarce, God honors the willingness to give what we can, knowing it may cost us something. Our sacrificial gifts, given in faith, are precious to Jesus and demonstrate our dependence on Him to provide for our needs. [01:10:13]
Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Reflection: Is there an area where God is inviting you to trust Him more deeply by giving sacrificially, even if it feels small?
Day 5: Evaluate and Respond to God’s Leading in Giving
It is healthy and wise to regularly evaluate what it means for you and your family to give. Giving is not limited to finances; it can include time, skills, and other resources. God calls each of us to consider how we can invest in His work, whether through supporting the church’s needs, helping those in crisis, or contributing to missions and outreach. The most important thing is to give as the Spirit leads, with honesty and cheerfulness, knowing that every act of generosity is an act of worship and trust in God’s provision. [01:13:00]
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Reflection: Take time today to prayerfully discuss or reflect on what giving looks like for you—what is God prompting you to do or change in this season?
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