Living Generously: Aligning Hearts with God's Kingdom
Summary
In a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between faith and finances, Abbie Sawczak delves into the biblical perspective on generosity and the intentional living of a deeply formed life. The discussion begins with an examination of Matthew 6, where Jesus addresses the importance of prioritizing heavenly treasures over earthly wealth. Sawczak highlights the significance of the placement of these teachings in the Gospel, noting that they follow the Lord's Prayer and a call to give to the needy. This sequence underscores the necessity of seeking God's kingdom first and relying on divine provision.
The concept of not serving both God and money is emphasized, with the understanding that material possessions, while necessary for basic needs, can become a source of temptation and misplaced trust. Sawczak points out that Jesus acknowledges human nature's inclination towards worry, especially regarding life's essentials such as food and clothing. However, through the teachings of Jesus, believers are reminded to trust in God's provision, as exemplified by the care He extends to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.
Sawczak shares a personal story about the Vanderbilt family, illustrating the consequences of different approaches to wealth. Cornelius Vanderbilt, who amassed a fortune through hard work and investment, contrasts with his descendants who consumed rather than contributed to the family's wealth. This narrative serves as a metaphor for the choices individuals face regarding their resources and the impact of those choices on future generations.
The discussion then turns to the practice of tithing, a biblical principle of giving a tenth of one's income to God's work. Sawczak explains that tithing is not only a starting point for generosity but also a kingdom strategy that enables collective action and impact. By pooling resources, communities can achieve more together than individuals can alone. Tithing is also presented as a formative practice that helps believers remember their dependence on God and their stewardship of His resources.
Sawczak encourages sacrificial generosity, which goes beyond the tithe and involves giving in a way that truly costs something. This type of giving is not measured by the amount but by the heart behind it. She shares examples of individuals who have given sacrificially, from large donations to personal sacrifices, demonstrating that everyone has something to contribute.
The conversation concludes with a call to live with eternity in mind, recognizing that true satisfaction cannot be found in the temporary riches of this world. Believers are challenged to invest in the eternal kingdom of God, aligning their hearts with their treasures and directing their resources towards what is lasting.
Key Takeaways:
- The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6 reveal a profound connection between prayer, giving to the needy, and trusting in God's provision. This sequence teaches that a life of generosity is rooted in a reliance on God and a commitment to His kingdom. By prioritizing spiritual over material wealth, individuals can experience freedom from worry and a deeper sense of purpose. [09:05]
- Tithing is not merely an ancient practice but a transformative act that aligns one's finances with God's kingdom. It serves as a reminder of God's ownership over all resources and a declaration of trust in His provision. By giving the first fruits of one's income, believers participate in a larger kingdom strategy that enables collective impact and fosters a spirit of unity within the community. [12:34]
- Generosity should be intentional and sacrificial, reflecting a heart that is willing to give in a way that truly costs something. This principle is not about the amount given but the willingness to let go of personal comfort for the sake of others. Such generosity mirrors the nature of God's own sacrificial love and has the power to transform both the giver and the recipient. [16:13]
- The story of the Vanderbilt family serves as a cautionary tale about the use of wealth. It challenges individuals to consider whether they are contributing to and multiplying what has been entrusted to them or merely consuming it for personal gain. This perspective encourages a long-term view of stewardship that seeks to leave a lasting legacy. [04:57]
- Living with an eternal perspective changes the way one views wealth and possessions. Recognizing that earthly treasures cannot satisfy the deep longing for eternity that God has placed in every heart, believers are called to invest in what is everlasting. This shift in focus from the temporal to the eternal can profoundly influence priorities and lifestyle choices. [22:10]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
2. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
3. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven, and how does this contrast with storing up treasures on earth?
2. How does the passage describe the relationship between where one's treasure is and where their heart will be?
3. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness according to the passage?
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways might the pursuit of earthly treasures impact one's spiritual life and priorities?
2. How can the principle of "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" shape a believer's approach to finances and possessions?
3. What are the implications of seeking God's kingdom first in terms of trust and reliance on God for our needs?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial priorities. Are there any changes you need to make to align more closely with the principle of storing up treasures in heaven?
2. Identify one area of your life where you may be attempting to serve two masters. What steps can you take to ensure God is your primary master in this area?
3. Consider your worries about material needs. How can you practice trusting God for provision this week in a tangible way?
4. Think of a specific way you can invest in God's kingdom this month. It could be through time, resources, or talents. What is one step you can take to make that investment?
5. Is there a specific instance coming up this week where you can choose to demonstrate generosity, regardless of the amount, to reflect God's generosity? How will you go about it?
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritizing God's Kingdom in Life
Understanding the relationship between prayer and material possessions is crucial for a life of generosity. By prioritizing the kingdom of God and trusting in His provision, believers can navigate the complexities of wealth and generosity with a clear focus on divine values. This approach to life ensures that one's actions and resources are aligned with God's purposes, fostering a spirit of true generosity. [09:05]
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: How can you adjust your daily priorities to actively seek God's kingdom and righteousness above all else?
Day 2: Embracing Tithing as Transformational
Tithing is a transformative act that goes beyond mere obligation, reminding believers of God's ownership of all resources. It unites the church in its mission and fosters a sense of shared purpose. By participating in tithing, individuals join a collective effort to further God's kingdom, demonstrating their trust in His provision and their commitment to His work. [12:34]
Leviticus 27:30 - "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a more intentional and joyful attitude towards tithing as part of your spiritual discipline?
Day 3: Investing in Eternity Over Earthly Wealth
The transient nature of earthly wealth is evident when compared to the eternal impact of investing in God's kingdom. The story of the Vanderbilt family serves as a reminder to consider the legacy one leaves behind. Believers are called to focus on eternal investments that will not only benefit future generations but also align with God's eternal purposes. [04:57]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can shift your focus from accumulating earthly wealth to making eternal investments?
Day 4: Aligning the Heart with Kingdom Values
The strategic principle of aligning one's treasure with the heart is a call to intentional living. By directing resources and affections towards God's kingdom, believers can ensure that their hearts follow suit. This approach contrasts with secular notions of following one's heart and instead promotes a proactive alignment with kingdom values. [22:10]
Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What are practical steps you can take to ensure that your investments—time, money, talents—are directed towards God's kingdom and not just personal gain?
Day 5: The Sacrificial Nature of True Generosity
Generosity is measured not by the amount given but by the willingness to give sacrificially. Stories of individuals who have given out of their poverty remind us that true generosity reflects a deep commitment to God's kingdom. This sacrificial giving is a powerful expression of faith and trust in God's provision. [20:51]
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 - "Out of the most 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,"
Reflection: How can you practice sacrificial generosity in your own life, and what might you need to give up in order to do so?
Quotes
1) "We have hope that God knows the things that we need and he says if you will seek first my kingdom... all the things that you need will be given to you." [25:55] (Download)
2) "The tithe is the starting point; everything is the endgame that we would be people that give in intentional ways and sacrificial ways because we're seeking first the kingdom." [20:51] (Download)
3) "The intentionality in Jesus' teaching here is insane. Where he's recognizing our human nature and he's saying okay first I'm gonna teach you pray rely on me... But I want you to see then right after that... Do not worry." [10:13] (Download)
4) "It's a formative practice and... when we give of our tithes and offerings it's continuing to form us and remind us of who we are and who we belong to and that what we have is not our own but it belongs to the kingdom." [14:50] (Download)
5) "Where your treasure is there your heart will be also... if you want to be more about the kingdom start giving to the kingdom because the more that you invest into it the more your heart's going to follow." [22:10] (Download)
6) "We all have choices with the things that have been handed down to us. What are we investing in? What are we multiplying? What are we passing down for generations to come?" [04:57] (Download)
7) "Money is a source of provision... Money is what we need to live. Jesus was intentional with the way that he talked about money and we're gonna look now at Matthew chapter 6 and I want to just help us see just how intentional Jesus truly is." [06:13] (Download)
8) "Every single time that we give of our tithes and our offerings it is us reminding our flesh that what we have and our money that that does not control us. It's us surrendering it to the Lord and what he would have." [13:38] (Download)
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