Living Generously: Aligning with God's Eternal Perspective

Summary

In this sermon, I emphasize the importance of aligning our lives with God's word, especially in the context of stewardship and generosity. As we navigate through a season of elections, it's crucial to remember that our hope is not in political parties but in Jesus Christ. We are called to set our hearts and minds on things above, as stated in Colossians 3:1-4, and to live with an eternal perspective. This means focusing on what truly matters and being intentional about how we use our resources, including money, which Jesus spoke about extensively.

Money is a tool, not a goal, and our attitude towards it can significantly impact our lives. The Macedonian church serves as a powerful example of generosity, giving beyond their means despite their poverty. This reflects the grace of God, which transforms our "have to" into "get to." Our giving should be rooted in gratitude and a desire to walk in God's best for us. It's about positioning ourselves correctly, aligning with God's heart, and opening ourselves to His blessings and protection.

I shared personal stories to illustrate the journey from financial struggle to freedom, emphasizing that true freedom comes from living according to God's principles. Our giving is not just about finances but also about our time, talents, and treasures, all of which should be used to sow into eternity. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a blessing to the world, and we are part of that mission.

Ultimately, our lives will be tested by God, and we will give an account of how we used what He entrusted to us. The key is to live with a heart surrendered to Jesus, focusing on our relationship with Him rather than our works. God desires our hearts, and He wants us to experience the joy of generosity and the fulfillment that comes from living in His will.

Key Takeaways:

1. Aligning with God's Word: Our hope should be in Jesus, not in political systems or earthly things. By setting our minds on things above, we align our lives with God's eternal perspective, which guides us in every decision, including how we vote and manage our resources. [59:20]

2. Generosity as a Reflection of Grace: The Macedonian church exemplifies how grace transforms our perspective on giving. Despite their poverty, they gave generously, showing that true generosity comes from a heart aligned with God's grace, turning obligations into opportunities to bless others. [01:01:54]

3. Freedom through Stewardship: True financial freedom comes from living according to God's principles. By viewing money as a tool and not a goal, we can experience the freedom and blessings that come from faithful stewardship, as God provides and protects those who honor Him. [01:13:00]

4. The Joy of Giving: We are hardwired to give, and generosity brings joy and fulfillment. When we give sacrificially, we align ourselves with God's heart, experiencing the joy and blessings that come from being conduits of His love to others. [01:18:30]

5. Eternal Accountability: Our lives will be tested by God, and we will give an account of how we used what He entrusted to us. It's crucial to live with a heart surrendered to Jesus, focusing on our relationship with Him and using our resources to sow into eternity. [01:36:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
- [00:03:00] - Encouragement to Vote with God's Perspective
- [00:05:00] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
- [00:07:00] - Setting Our Minds on Things Above
- [00:10:00] - The Importance of Money in Scripture
- [00:15:00] - Personal Stories of Financial Struggle
- [00:20:00] - The Macedonian Church's Generosity
- [00:25:00] - The Joy and Freedom of Giving
- [00:30:00] - Aligning with God's Heart through Generosity
- [00:35:00] - The Role of the Church in God's Mission
- [00:40:00] - Eternal Accountability and Stewardship
- [00:45:00] - The Call to Surrender and Relationship with Jesus
- [00:50:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Surrender
- [00:55:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:1-4
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
- Matthew 6:21

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Colossians 3:1-4, what are believers encouraged to focus on, and why is this important in the context of the sermon? [59:20]

2. How does the Macedonian church exemplify generosity in 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, and what was their attitude towards giving despite their circumstances? [01:01:54]

3. In Matthew 6:21, Jesus speaks about the relationship between our treasure and our heart. How does this verse relate to the sermon’s message about money and priorities? [01:01:54]

4. What personal stories did the pastor share to illustrate the journey from financial struggle to freedom, and how do these stories support the sermon’s message? [01:07:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to set our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:1-4, and how can this perspective influence our daily decisions, including financial ones? [59:20]

2. How does the example of the Macedonian church challenge common perceptions of generosity, and what does it reveal about the nature of grace in giving? [01:01:54]

3. The sermon emphasizes that money is a tool, not a goal. How does this perspective align with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:21, and what implications does it have for our lives? [01:01:54]

4. The pastor mentioned that our giving should be rooted in gratitude and a desire to walk in God's best for us. How does this align with the biblical concept of stewardship? [01:13:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current financial priorities. Are they aligned with the eternal perspective mentioned in Colossians 3:1-4? What changes might you need to make? [59:20]

2. Consider a time when you gave generously, like the Macedonian church. What motivated you, and how did it impact your relationship with God and others? [01:01:54]

3. The sermon suggests that true financial freedom comes from living according to God's principles. What steps can you take to view money as a tool rather than a goal in your life? [01:13:00]

4. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude in your giving, and what practical actions can you take to ensure your giving is a reflection of God’s grace? [01:01:54]

5. The pastor shared personal stories of financial struggle and freedom. How do these stories resonate with your own experiences, and what lessons can you apply to your financial journey? [01:07:46]

6. In what ways can you be more intentional about using your time, talents, and treasures to sow into eternity, as encouraged in the sermon? [01:13:00]

7. Reflect on the concept of eternal accountability. How does this perspective influence your daily choices, and what specific actions can you take to live with a heart surrendered to Jesus? [01:36:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Hope Anchored in Christ, Not Politics
In a world where political systems often dominate our attention, it's essential to remember that our ultimate hope lies in Jesus Christ. As we navigate through seasons of elections and political discourse, we are called to set our hearts and minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:1-4. This eternal perspective guides us in every decision, including how we vote and manage our resources. By aligning our lives with God's word, we can focus on what truly matters and live with an eternal perspective. Our hope should not be placed in earthly things but in the unchanging nature of Christ, who is our true source of peace and direction. [59:20]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from earthly concerns to a Christ-centered perspective in your daily decisions, especially during politically charged times?

Day 2: Grace-Driven Generosity
The Macedonian church serves as a profound example of how grace transforms our perspective on giving. Despite their poverty, they gave generously, demonstrating that true generosity comes from a heart aligned with God's grace. This transformation turns obligations into opportunities to bless others. When we understand that everything we have is a gift from God, our giving becomes an act of gratitude and worship. It's not about the amount but the heart behind the giving. By embracing this grace-driven generosity, we open ourselves to the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a blessing to others. [01:01:54]

"We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part." (2 Corinthians 8:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice grace-driven generosity today, even if you feel you have little to give?

Day 3: Financial Freedom through Faithful Stewardship
True financial freedom is found in living according to God's principles. Money is a tool, not a goal, and our attitude towards it can significantly impact our lives. By viewing money as a means to serve God's purposes, we can experience the freedom and blessings that come from faithful stewardship. God provides and protects those who honor Him with their resources. This perspective allows us to use our finances wisely, sowing into eternity and experiencing the joy of being part of God's mission. [01:13:00]

"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." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you begin to view your finances as a tool for God's kingdom rather than a source of personal security or status?

Day 4: The Joy of Sacrificial Giving
We are hardwired to give, and there is a profound joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. When we give sacrificially, we align ourselves with God's heart, becoming conduits of His love to others. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our willingness to trust God with what we have. By giving out of gratitude and love, we experience the blessings that come from being part of God's work in the world. [01:18:30]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can practice sacrificial giving this week, and how might it bring you closer to God's heart?

Day 5: Living with Eternal Accountability
Our lives will be tested by God, and we will give an account of how we used what He entrusted to us. It's crucial to live with a heart surrendered to Jesus, focusing on our relationship with Him rather than our works. God desires our hearts and wants us to experience the joy of generosity and the fulfillment that comes from living in His will. By using our resources to sow into eternity, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes and prepare for the day when we will stand before Him. [01:36:34]

"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that you are living with an eternal perspective, using your resources to honor God and bless others?

Quotes

1) "We believe every day belongs to Jesus. And so I want to encourage you. We've entered a season. Pray for Pastor Javier. I had my wife and daughter texting me on the night of the 31st saying, it's Christmas season. We need to start decorating the house. And I said, not yet. What about Thanksgiving? So just pray for me as I, as I fight the challenges coming into our home right now, the influence of decorating for Christmas. It's hard to believe it's already Thanksgiving, but I do believe this is an important season for our nation. And it's interesting, even as we're starting this new servant series, set your hearts. I want to encourage you to go out and vote. I want to encourage you to pray about how you vote because it's not just about presidents. It's about legislation. It's about Senate. It's about Congress. All those parts matter. So I want to encourage you and I want to encourage you to do it through the word. I know there's a lot of rhetoric. Our hope isn't in donkeys and our hope isn't in elephants. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. Amen. So I want to encourage you to just set your heart on Jesus, on the things above. Let's open up with our scripture reading for today. Colossians three, one through four. That kind of kicks off this series where it says, If then you who were raised with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, set your minds on things above. To ask your neighbor, where's your head at?" [00:57:45] (96 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "And why am I discussing money today? Well, because Jesus taught twice as much about money as he did heaven or hell or even prayer. 16 of the 36 parables of the 38 parables in the Bible that Jesus, the stories Jesus told centered around money and possessions. And there's over 2000 verses in the Bible, again, related to wealth and material things compared to 500 verses on prayer and faith. Matthew 6 21 says for where your heart, where your treasure is. There, your heart will be also wherever you put your treasure is where your heart is. And this refers to our resources. Where are you putting your heart? Ask your neighbor, where's your heart?" [01:00:21] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "And I know it's a topic that makes many of us lose our minds. I know it's a topic that makes many of us feel uneasy. A lot of us feel uncomfortable. Even right now, I see squirming in seats because when the pastor talks about money, there's this instinctive belief that there must be a hidden agenda. But I'm here to tell you that is not the case today because I want us, our heart, our desire here at Shiloh Church is that we all experience God's best for our life. And I truly believe. And scripture shows us this, that we cannot receive all of his blessings if we withhold any part of our life from Jesus." [01:02:00] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "They live life with this, I have to, instead of I get to. And my prayer today is that that perspective will be transformed. I believe. That your have to's turn into I get to. That your affection towards God is shifting. And that's actually my role as a preacher, as pastor, is to help change your why. What is your why? And that's the difference between preaching and proclaiming versus teaching. Teaching is the transference of information, but when we preach actually the Bible talks about how we're called to preach. And we need to be called to read and be wearied. the good news of jesus and it's to get people's affections to shift the very heart of the matter and my call today in this series we are called to help your why change ask your neighbor what's your why and and the reality is a lot of us most of us our inherent beliefs about money do not align with what god says tell your neighbor money is a tool not a goal tell your other neighbor money is a tool not a goal so i want to look today at what the bible says and open ourselves to what god says and if you have your bibles you can open them up to second corinthians 8 and in this story paul is collecting an offering and encouraging the churches he planted to support the ministry in jerusalem where that was dedicated at helping those in need and i just want to say again real quick thank you team shiloh maybe you don't get to hear it as much as i do maybe you do but i had people from the community actually i had people who were campaigning for office who walked through here on the harvest festival night saying thank you for what you do what you do as a church is felt in our city and in our region so again i just honor you shiloh you god bless you and have a great day are amazing amen you are amazing so here in this story the macedonian church had already given generously and even in their own hardships they went above and beyond and paul is writing to the church in corinth to motivate them to follow suit so that's where we're perking up this story in second corinthians 8 1 through 7 and it says now brothers and sisters we want you to know about the grace so here what he's saying by that is he's he's saying i get to not i have to grace always talks about what i get to do not what i have to do so i'm talking know about the grace that god that god i god has given the macedonian churches in the midst of a very severe trial their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty and that's what i'm trying to say here in this story is that they were happy but broke at the same time they were happy and they built up in rich generosity here what he's saying is they were happy but broke at the same time how many of you've ever had the joy of the lord and been broke at the same time yet it says yet they still figured out in that place how to be generous and paul is saying this is amazing look at what the macedonians did for i testify that they gave as as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability, entirely on their own. I want you to read that again, entirely on their own. Your why, your intentions matter to God. So they urgently pleaded with us for the pledge of sharing in this service to the Lord's people." [01:02:52] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "And they exceeded our expectations. Expectations. And again, I want to say, Shiloh, I believe we're a house that exceeds the expectations of what anybody thinks would come out of Oakland, California, and our nation. Again, I honor you for that. And they gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God, also to us. I read a theologian once wrote and said, if you give yourself to the Lord, all other giving gets easy. Again, if you give yourself completely to the Lord, all other giving gets easy. So he says, so we urge Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning to bring also to completion, the act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness." [01:06:50] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "and in the love we have kindled in you see that you also excel in this grace of giving and that's my mission today i want to see you excel in everything god has and again you're such an amazing church one that has accomplished so much for the lord you showed up you serve the community you give you love god you love others and again i thank you and we honor you today but i say let's keep on keep on shiloh because as long as there's people in oakland and the bay area and in our state and in our nation and in our world that hasn't heard the good news of jesus christ we cannot stop tell your neighbor we cannot stop yet let's go shiloh i believe we're going to see our city in our in our region transform with the love of god come on let's shine even brighter can we just praise god for those that came to jesus this weekend we expect more look what he goes on to say in second corinthians 8 verse 12 for if the willingness is there the gift is acceptable tell your neighbor it's about your heart tell your other neighbor it's about your why now i want you to understand when i grew up i did not grow up in a financially secure home i was the oldest of five i was raised by a single mom my mom my dad left us when i was about 12 years old but i do appreciate my dad because he taught me a hard work ethic my dad went to work all the time i wasn't the kid who got to go it's a it's a weird hispanic thing we're not allowed to go sleep at people's houses overnight i had to go every weekend saturday sunday day i had to work if it was a free day i was working and and i was my i was the i was slave labor i was slave labor for my family and uh and i got paid in whoppers i used to love whoppers i don't like burger king anymore but a lot of what i learned about finances and i thank god for this i didn't learn from my family i learned from people in this church and and when we started our marriage my wife and i i just want to share we were in huge debt and it wasn't her fault it was my fault i had every t -shirt they offered on college campuses for a credit card i had them all how many of you had all those t -shirts if there was a free t -shirt with a credit card offer i was getting the credit card and i was getting the t -shirt but there were people in this house that spoke wisdom to me and i learned how to not only have a strong work ethic but i learned that my view of money and stewardship matter and i learned how to manage my finances in a way that honored god and when we first got started and you've heard the story we used to get home when melinda and i first got married we would get food from the mercy house the the best bowl of cereal i ever had was in the mercy house back in those days it's not the case anymore we had somebody who loved hoarding everything and we got to not this, I'll never forget what it was, bunches of oats. It was the best bunches of oats I ever had. I poured that bowl of cereal. I ate it up. I never taste a bowl of cereal so good. And then I poured another one. And as I was pouring milk, I noticed the bowl was moving and I looked inside of the box and, and I could see the bunches of oats moving. And as I looked inside, it was full of worms." [01:08:52] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "I had had the most protein filled bowl of bunches of, it was the best bowl I had ever had in my life. So we knew what it, I remember times Melinda and I would pray, where is our food going to come from? And somebody would ring the doorbell. I remember those days. They were challenging days and I wouldn't take them back for anything in the world. But I also remember what I learned about freedom. Truly being free. How many of you believe God wants you to be free? Well, I just want to say, say, if you can't get your head on the earth, on heavenly things, and you stick to earthly things, including the God of this world, mammon, you will never live free." [01:11:40] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And so next year, you know, pastor Melinda comes into our house and it's on fire. The whole place is smoking. The smoke alarms going off. I had baked every single one of those credit cards. And I said, never again, I'm going to do it God's way. And when I learned from an elder of this house and I began to apply it and other amazing men of God, I love it. And to me, this is one of my favorite subjects. You may be squirming there, but I love this subject because I know the freedom that comes into your life." [01:12:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "And I believe this house and I believe the church of Jesus Christ, our hope shouldn't be in government handouts. And being government assistants, I believe the church should be the most giving organization and organism on the face of this planet. And that's the way it started. The early church was the most giving of all. Even empires took notice and said, what is it God's doing, even through a persecuted people?" [01:13:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "So I believe that God wants us to continue to use what we have to bless. And I believe that God wants us to continue to be the conduits of God's love. And I thank God that he has tremendously blessed this house. Everything we've accomplished here has been done because this house is debt free and it's been because of generous giving. Amen. I'm why I just praise the Lord for the people of this house, since I've been actually next next weekend, I was just thinking about this next weekend. It will be our 10 years as senior pastors and in the 10 years, I have been senior pastors just in our foreign missions. We've given out over three and a half million dollars. Come on, let's give Jesus all the praise for that." [01:13:42] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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