Living Generously: Deepening Our Faith and Kindness
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the privilege of being called Christians and the joy of coming together to honor the name of Jesus. We reflected on the importance of living a life that glorifies God in every aspect, from singing and speaking to giving and serving. Our prayer is that everyone leaves today with nothing missing or broken in their lives, ready to live out God's purpose in the coming week.
We also took a moment to express gratitude for the community event we recently held, which brought together people from various churches and the local community. It was a testament to the power of unity and service, and we look forward to continuing such gatherings.
Our focus then shifted to the theme of giving, as we explored 2 Corinthians 8:11-12. We were reminded that the act of giving is not about the size of the gift but the heart behind it. The widow's mite serves as a powerful example of giving out of what we have, trusting that God sees and honors our generosity. We are called to be a blessing to others, knowing that in times of need, we too may receive blessings.
We continued our series on going deeper with God, emphasizing the importance of knowing Him beyond a surface level. Just as relationships grow deeper over time, so does our relationship with God as we spend more time with Him. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing the depths of God to us, guiding us into all truth and helping us navigate life's challenges.
We delved into the fruits of the Spirit, particularly focusing on patience. We learned that patience is not merely enduring but reacting differently to life's trials. Every problem we face is an opportunity to test our faith and grow in our relationship with God. By submitting to God and resisting the devil, we can respond with the fruit of the Spirit, showing love, joy, peace, and patience even in difficult situations.
Finally, we touched on the theme of kindness, recognizing that it requires patience and is often shown to those who may not deserve it. Just as God shows kindness to us, we are called to extend that kindness to others, reflecting His love and grace in our interactions.
Key Takeaways:
- The Heart of Giving: True giving is not measured by the size of the gift but by the heart behind it. The widow's mite teaches us that God values our willingness to give out of what we have, trusting Him to use it for His purposes. Generosity is a reflection of our faith and trust in God's provision. [36:24]
- Deepening Our Relationship with God: Just as human relationships grow deeper over time, so does our relationship with God. Spending time with Him allows us to know Him more intimately, revealing His love and strength. The Holy Spirit guides us into deeper understanding and helps us navigate life's challenges. [42:48]
- Patience in Trials: Patience is not just enduring trials but reacting differently to them. Every problem is an opportunity to test our faith and grow in our relationship with God. By submitting to God and resisting the devil, we can respond with the fruit of the Spirit, showing love, joy, peace, and patience. [49:36]
- The Power of Perspective: Viewing problems as tests of faith changes our perspective. Instead of seeing them as attacks, we can see them as opportunities to trust God and grow. Our reactions can be a testimony to others, showing them the love and peace of Christ. [01:00:09]
- Kindness as a Reflection of God's Love: Kindness requires patience and is often shown to those who may not deserve it. Just as God shows kindness to us, we are called to extend that kindness to others, reflecting His love and grace in our interactions. [01:13:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [28:53] - Opening Prayer and Fellowship
- [35:01] - Community Event Reflection
- [36:24] - The Heart of Giving
- [41:12] - Deepening Our Relationship with God
- [42:48] - The Depths of God's Love
- [44:01] - Knowing God Beyond the Surface
- [45:13] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [46:34] - Walking in the Spirit
- [48:18] - Fruits of the Spirit: Peace
- [49:36] - Patience in Trials
- [51:02] - Rejoicing in Sufferings
- [53:28] - Reacting Differently to Situations
- [57:01] - Personal Testimony of Patience
- [01:00:09] - The Power of Perspective
- [01:13:29] - Kindness as a Reflection of God's Love
- [01:16:44] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 8:11-12
2. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
3. Galatians 5:22-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 8:11-12 teach us about the nature of giving? How does this passage relate to the story of the widow's mite mentioned in the sermon? [36:24]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 2:9-12, what role does the Holy Spirit play in our understanding of God? How was this explained in the sermon? [45:13]
3. In Galatians 5:22-23, what are the fruits of the Spirit, and which one was particularly emphasized in the sermon? [48:18]
4. How did the pastor describe the importance of community events in fostering unity and service among different churches? [35:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of giving from the heart, as discussed in 2 Corinthians 8:11-12, challenge common perceptions of generosity? What does this imply about our motivations for giving? [36:24]
2. The sermon emphasized deepening our relationship with God. How does 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 suggest we can achieve this, and what practical steps were mentioned? [42:48]
3. The pastor spoke about patience as a fruit of the Spirit. How does this differ from simply enduring trials, and what does it mean to react differently to life's challenges? [49:36]
4. How does the sermon suggest we view problems as opportunities to test our faith, and what impact does this perspective have on our spiritual growth? [01:00:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current approach to giving. How can you ensure that your generosity is driven by the heart rather than the size of the gift? What steps can you take this week to give with a willing heart? [36:24]
2. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate more time with God to deepen your relationship with Him, as suggested in 1 Corinthians 2:9-12? What specific changes can you make to prioritize this? [42:48]
3. Identify a recent trial you faced. How did you react, and how might you apply the sermon’s teaching on patience to respond differently in the future? [49:36]
4. Think of a situation where you felt attacked or criticized. How can you apply the principle of kindness, as discussed in the sermon, to respond in a way that reflects God's love? [01:13:29]
5. The sermon mentioned the power of perspective in viewing problems as tests of faith. How can you shift your mindset to see challenges as opportunities for growth? What practical steps can you take to implement this perspective in your life? [01:00:09]
6. Reflect on a person in your life who tests your patience. What is a short prayer or action you can take before your next interaction with them to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit? [54:15]
7. How can you actively participate in fostering unity and service within your community, as highlighted in the sermon? What specific actions can you take to contribute to this goal? [35:01]
Devotional
Day 1: The Heart of True Generosity
True generosity is measured by the heart, not the gift.
In the Christian life, the act of giving is not about the size or value of the gift but the intention and heart behind it. The story of the widow's mite serves as a profound example of this principle. She gave out of her poverty, yet her small offering was more significant in God's eyes than the larger contributions of the wealthy. This teaches us that God values our willingness to give from what we have, trusting Him to use it for His purposes. Generosity is a reflection of our faith and trust in God's provision, and it is an opportunity to bless others as we have been blessed. [36:24]
"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: Think of a time when you gave something small but meaningful. How did it impact you and the recipient, and how can you cultivate a heart of generosity today?
Day 2: Deepening Intimacy with God
Intimacy with God grows through time and intentionality.
Just as human relationships deepen over time, so does our relationship with God. Spending time with Him allows us to know Him more intimately, revealing His love and strength. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us into a deeper understanding of God, helping us navigate life's challenges. As we invest in our relationship with God, we begin to experience His presence more profoundly, transforming our lives and perspectives. This journey requires intentionality and a desire to know God beyond a surface level. [42:48]
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to spend more intentional time with God and deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Patience as a Faith Response
Patience transforms trials into opportunities for growth.
Patience is not merely enduring life's trials but reacting to them with a different perspective. Every problem we face is an opportunity to test our faith and grow in our relationship with God. By submitting to God and resisting the devil, we can respond with the fruit of the Spirit, showing love, joy, peace, and patience even in difficult situations. This approach allows us to view challenges as opportunities to trust God and grow, rather than as mere obstacles. [49:36]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you choose to respond with patience and see it as an opportunity for growth?
Day 4: The Power of Perspective
Perspective shifts problems into tests of faith.
Viewing problems as tests of faith changes our perspective. Instead of seeing them as attacks, we can see them as opportunities to trust God and grow. Our reactions can be a testimony to others, showing them the love and peace of Christ. This shift in perspective allows us to approach life's challenges with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that God is with us and working through us. [01:00:09]
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you change your perspective on a current problem to see it as a test of faith and an opportunity to demonstrate God's love to others?
Day 5: Kindness Reflects God's Love
Kindness requires patience and reflects God's grace.
Kindness is a powerful reflection of God's love and grace, often shown to those who may not deserve it. Just as God shows kindness to us, we are called to extend that kindness to others. This requires patience and a willingness to see others through God's eyes, offering love and grace in our interactions. By doing so, we become conduits of God's love, impacting the lives of those around us. [01:13:29]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may not deserve kindness. How can you extend God's love and grace to them today?
Quotes
1) "It's not about how much. It's not about how big the offering is. Remember the widow's mite. Jesus said it isn't about everybody throwing in huge bags of offering. He said she gave what she could. Actually, she gave above and beyond what she could. She gave all that she had. And so it isn't about the size of the gift. And it's not about whether it's in our records or in the Bible. In anybody's records of how much you give, it's in his record. He's the one who's watching. And he's not sitting there going, well, I don't know. He's watching you because he knows that as you become a generous person, as you become a giving person in whatever situation, I'm not just saying this morning's offering, whatever the situation, when you're generous, you will be blessed. You will be blessed. And so give as you desire. Give as you want to." [37:50] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If all you do is come to church on Sunday morning, I mean, praise God you come to church on Sunday morning, but if that's all you ever do, you will only know Him at a surface level. And I'll be honest with you, you won't know Him. You'll know about Him, but you won't know Him. And this year we've been talking about knowing Him, deeply. So 2 Corinthians chapter, I'm sorry, 1 Corinthians chapter 2 verse 9 says, But as it is written, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." [44:01] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "What if every problem I have is a test of my faith? It's not just a problem to annoy you and to tear you down and to break you up. That everything you deal with whether it's at work, whether it's at home, whether it's in your body, whatever it is, that every attack on you is not an attack on you. If you change the perspective and you don't look at it as they're attacking me but you begin to literally make that decision that every test I experience is a test of my faith. Do I believe that God can get me through this? Do I believe that God can get me through this financial test? Do I believe that God can get me through this physical test? This medical test? Do I believe that God can get me through this emotional test?" [01:00:09] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "What comes out of you is more important than what somebody else does to you. Because what they do to you can be forgiven. How you react to them may be the only Jesus they'll ever see. It may be the only love that they ever see. It may be the only peace that they ever see. Because their life is in turmoil. Their life is in turmoil. Their life is terrible. And how you react may be the only reason the only thing that ever gives them hope. That's why it's so important." [01:01:21] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Quit going through your problems and start growing through your problems. Quit going through your problems and start growing through your problems. I'm going to say that one more time. Quit going through your problems and start growing through your problems. If every situation that comes against you, every hostile, every adversarial, situation that comes against you, you resist that pressure. You're working out. You're resisting that pressure, that expectation to react. a certain way, and you start reacting the other way." [01:05:55] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied. Let that sink in. The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied. Where's one of the fastest growing churches in the world right now? China. Why? Because it's the most pressure. It's the most oppressed. Anywhere that the gospel is oppressed, that's what just cracks me up about some people in America who are trying to oppress the church and like, bring it on. You want to, you want to, you want to sign your own thing. Thing. Just keep oppressing the church. Keep attacking the church. Watch what happens. You keep attacking Christians. Look what happens. Well, you'll see." [01:09:51] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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