Living Generously: Embracing God's Mission and Abundance

Summary

Today’s focus is on the power and purpose of generosity in the life of a believer. God’s invitation to us is not just to be saved and sit on the sidelines, but to walk on mission, living out our faith in practical, spiritual, and yes, financial ways. We are called to make an impact in our communities, to be a light wherever we go, and to use what God has given us to move His mission forward. This is not just about giving money, but about living open-handed, ready to bless others as God leads.

The story from Luke 12 about the man who built bigger barns is a warning against living a life focused only on accumulation. While saving and wise stewardship are important, they are not the ultimate goal. God is more impressed with our generosity than our ability to store up for ourselves. Saving is wise, but generosity is obedient. When we live with a poverty mentality—always afraid we’ll never have enough—we miss out on the joy and freedom that comes from trusting God and giving as He leads.

Generosity is not about the amount, but about the posture of our hearts. Where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow. Investing in God’s kingdom—through tithing, giving, and responding to the Holy Spirit—aligns our hearts with God’s purposes. Greed, on the other hand, suffocates us, always demanding more and never bringing true satisfaction. Greed is fueled by fear, but generosity is fueled by faith and gratitude.

Generosity is life-giving, both to others and to ourselves. When we pour out, God promises to pour back into us. Even small acts of generosity can have a profound impact, reminding others and ourselves that God provides and that we matter. Generosity changes the world, not just through big gestures, but through consistent, obedient giving that advances God’s mission and reaches souls for eternity.

Ultimately, generosity is a response to the generosity of Jesus, who gave everything for us. We are invited to partner with God in His mission, using our time, talent, and treasure to make a difference. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take the next step, God calls each of us to live generously, trusting Him to provide and to use our giving to change lives.

Key Takeaways

- God’s mission for us is active, not passive. We are not saved to sit on the sidelines, but to walk in purpose and make a tangible impact in our communities. Every resource we have—spiritual, practical, and financial—is an opportunity to partner with God in His work. Our lives are meant to be lived on mission, not in isolation. [38:36]

- Generosity is not about the size of our barns, but the size of our doors. Saving and wise stewardship are important, but they are not our ultimate security. True obedience is found in being open-handed, ready to give as God leads, and trusting Him to provide for every need. Generosity breaks the grip of a poverty mentality and opens us up to God’s abundance. [46:08]

- Where our treasure goes, our hearts follow. Our investments reveal our priorities and shape our passions. If we want to care deeply about God’s kingdom, we must invest in it—through consistent, obedient giving and by listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Our hearts are drawn to what we support, and our faith grows as we step out in generosity. [49:27]

- Greed suffocates, but generosity gives life. Greed is fueled by fear and the endless pursuit of more, never bringing true contentment. Generosity, however, is fueled by faith and gratitude, freeing us to celebrate others and to trust God’s provision. We cannot fully submit to God while chasing our own desires; true discipleship means denying ourselves and living to bless others. [56:40]

- Generosity changes lives and advances God’s mission. Even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, producing thanksgiving to God and reminding us of His faithfulness. Our giving is not about a dollar amount, but about reaching souls and making an eternal difference. When we give consistently and obediently, we become part of God’s story of transformation in our communities and beyond. [01:02:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - You Matter Week Announcement
[02:30] - Honoring Shane and Darielle’s Family
[06:43] - Prayer of Blessing and Obedience
[08:00] - Series Introduction: When Pigs Fly
[10:00] - God’s Invitation to Mission and Impact
[12:30] - The Awkwardness of Money Talks
[14:19] - Recap: Foundation, Tithing, and Legacy
[16:48] - The Parable of the Bigger Barns
[18:43] - Saving vs. Generosity
[20:08] - Breaking the Poverty Mentality
[21:10] - Living Open-Handed vs. Tight-Fisted
[23:27] - Truths About Generosity
[25:46] - Heart Follows Treasure
[28:01] - The Danger of Greed
[31:44] - Generosity is Life-Giving
[33:50] - Generosity Changes the World
[38:28] - Invitation to Next Steps and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power and Purpose of Generosity

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### Bible Reading

- Luke 12:16-21 (Parable of the Rich Fool)
- Matthew 6:19-21 (“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…”)
- 2 Corinthians 9:11 (“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In the parable from Luke 12:16-21, what was the rich man’s main concern, and how did God respond to his plan?
2. According to Matthew 6:19-21, what does Jesus say about where we store our treasures and why does it matter?
3. The sermon mentioned that “generosity is not about the size of our barns, but the size of our doors.” What does this mean in practical terms? [[58:14]]
4. In 2 Corinthians 9:11, what is the result of being enriched by God, and what is the intended outcome of our generosity?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus warns against storing up treasures for ourselves but not being “rich toward God”? What does it mean to be “rich toward God”? [[43:29]]
2. The sermon says, “Where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow.” How does this principle challenge the way we think about money and priorities? [[49:27]]
3. The pastor described a “poverty mentality” as being driven by fear of not having enough. How can this mentality affect our willingness to be generous? [[46:08]]
4. The sermon contrasts greed and generosity, saying, “Greed suffocates, but generosity gives life.” Why is generosity described as life-giving, both for the giver and the receiver? [[56:40]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “God’s mission for us is active, not passive.” In what ways are you currently using your resources (time, talent, or treasure) to make a tangible impact in your community? Is there a next step you feel called to take? [[38:36]]
2. Think about your own “barns” and “doors.” Are you more focused on accumulating and saving, or are you living open-handed and ready to give as God leads? What is one practical way you could open your “doors” wider this week? [[58:14]]
3. The pastor shared about times when he or others gave or received unexpected generosity. Can you recall a time when someone’s generosity impacted you, or when you were able to bless someone else? How did it affect your faith or perspective? [[01:02:39]]
4. The sermon says, “Where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow.” Looking at your recent spending or giving, what does it reveal about your priorities? Is there a change you want to make to align your heart more with God’s kingdom? [[49:27]]
5. The message warns that greed is fueled by fear, but generosity is fueled by faith and gratitude. Are there any fears or insecurities that hold you back from being generous? What would it look like to trust God more in this area? [[55:44]]
6. The pastor said, “Generosity changes the world, not just through big gestures, but through consistent, obedient giving.” What is one small, consistent act of generosity you could start this month? [[01:02:39]]
7. The sermon closes by reminding us that our generosity is a response to Jesus’ generosity toward us. How does remembering what Jesus gave for you motivate you to live differently? [[01:09:29]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts, courage to trust God with their resources, and opportunities to be generous in ways that make a real difference.

Devotional

Day 1: True Riches: Generosity Over Accumulation
The parable of the rich fool reminds us that while success and productivity are not wrong, storing up treasures only for ourselves leads to emptiness. God is not impressed by how much we accumulate, but by how we use what He has given us to bless others and further His mission. Saving and wise stewardship are important, but they should never replace a heart of generosity. When we focus solely on building bigger barns—hoarding our resources for comfort and security—we miss the opportunity to be used by God for a greater purpose. Instead, we are called to live on purpose, with open hands, ready to make an eternal impact wherever God sends us. [43:29]

Luke 12:16-21 (ESV)
And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to “build bigger barns” for yourself? How could you use that resource to bless someone else this week?


Day 2: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be
Jesus teaches that our hearts follow our investments—where we put our treasure, our passion and attention will follow. If we want to be passionate about the kingdom of God, we must invest in it with our time, talents, and finances. Giving consistently and obediently is not just about money; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s mission. When we invest in what God is doing, we become more deeply connected to His work and more passionate about seeing lives changed. Our generosity is a reflection of our priorities and a way to ensure our hearts are rooted in what truly matters. [49:27]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: Look at your calendar and bank statement—what do they reveal about where your heart is? What is one step you can take today to invest more intentionally in God’s kingdom?


Day 3: Beware of Greed: The Danger of Never Having Enough
Greed is a subtle trap that convinces us we never have enough, fueling fear and discontentment. Jesus warns us to be on guard against every form of greed, reminding us that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. Greed is the pursuit of our own desires at the expense of God’s call, and it suffocates our ability to live generously and joyfully. When we allow greed to take root, we become focused on getting rather than giving, and contentment becomes impossible. Generosity, on the other hand, is fueled by faith and the joy of pouring out what God has blessed us with, freeing us from the fear of lack and opening us up to God’s greater purposes. [54:01]

Luke 12:15 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Reflection: In what ways has fear of not having enough held you back from being generous? What is one practical way you can choose generosity over greed this week?


Day 4: Generosity Is Life-Giving
Generosity is not just about meeting needs; it is life-giving, both to others and to ourselves. When we pour out to bless others, God promises to refresh and prosper us in return. Just as watering a plant brings it to life, our acts of generosity awaken us and those around us to the reality that God provides, others matter, and we can make a difference. Building “big barns” is not wrong, but we must also have “big doors”—a willingness to let what we have flow out to others when the Holy Spirit prompts us. Generosity is a cycle of blessing that changes lives and brings glory to God. [58:14]

Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you could “water” with encouragement, time, or resources today? How might your generosity bring life to them and to you?


Day 5: Generosity Changes the World
Consistent and obedient generosity is God’s invitation for us to partner with Him in changing the world. When we give, we are not just meeting temporary needs—we are making an eternal impact by reaching souls and advancing God’s mission. There is no dollar amount on a soul, and every act of generosity, no matter how small, can produce thanksgiving to God and transform lives. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee or supporting a ministry, our generosity is a tangible expression of God’s love and provision. As we give, we become part of stories of life change, restoration, and hope, both locally and globally. [01:07:21]

2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV)
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can practice generosity this week—whether financially, with your time, or through encouragement. How could your action point someone to God’s love and provision?

Quotes

Generosity breaks the curse of poverty. Now, I'm not talking about poverty as in I don't have enough. Like, I'm not talking about, well, I've got less than you. That's not the poverty I'm talking about. I'm talking about poverty mentality. Poverty mentality is birthed from the fear that I'll never have enough. And so now I can't give when the Holy Spirit asks because what if? And I can't do because what if? And I can't bless their life and pay for their lunch because what if, right? And this poverty mentality creates a fear and an insecurity within us that I can't follow God because I'm so stressed about bills that, you see what I'm saying? And generosity breaks that because generosity goes, I know what you're telling me to be afraid of, but I know who my God is. [00:46:11] (46 seconds) Edit Clip

Generosity is not living tight -fisted, but living open -handed. Tight -fisted means I hold on, build bigger barns, and I hold on with everything that I've got for dear life. Every dollar I have, I can't spend an extra dollar. If I spent, because what if? And here's the truth. In today's world, I get it. Well, I don't know what the economy's going to do. Neither do I, and neither do the political advisors you listen to. Nobody knows. But what I do know is nowhere in the Bible does it say God's economy is affected by ours. [00:47:08] (36 seconds) Edit Clip

It's possible to be rich in the moment and poor in eternity. Did you hear that? It is possible to be rich in the moment and poor in eternity. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather lay up treasures in heaven than have to build bigger barns on earth. I'd rather impact people's souls in any way that I can and have a party in heaven with them than I would to build a barn with a disco ball and the best karaoke machine, praise God, that you can have. [00:47:59] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

Our heart, my heart follows my treasure. My treasure doesn't follow my heart. My heart follows my treasure. Matthew 6, 21 says this. We just read it. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. It doesn't say your heart is there first. It says your treasure goes first, then your heart follows. Why? You care about what you invest in. [00:49:47] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

Greed is the pursuit of my desires, not God's call. Because here's the truth. Listen, while God will bless you with your desires, God will never sacrifice his call. You make me preach so much longer than I have to. I love it. Greed, greed is all about me chasing my desires. Whenever, while God will bless you with your desires, he will not sacrifice his call. He'll never sacrifice his call. And that's what greed makes us do. Greed is fueled by fear. Fear. Generosity is fueled by faith. Greed is fueled by what I don't have. Generosity is fueled by what I'm blessed with. [00:54:56] (49 seconds) Edit Clip

I can't live a life fully submitted to God and chase a life fully chasing myself. I cannot, you cannot, no one can live a life fully submitted to God, but then live a life fully chasing myself. The two don't live together. In fact, God says, deny yourself and come after me. Deny yourself and pick up my cross. Deny yourself and come with me. That's discipleship. That's submission to God. [00:56:46] (30 seconds) Edit Clip

Generosity awakens ourselves and others to the fact that God provides, others matter, and we can make a difference. Come on. Generosity awakens ourselves and others to the fact that God provides, others matter, and we can make a difference. [00:58:26] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

Building big barns don't matter if you have small doors. Because the big barns are to keep what you have. The big doors are to get it out. Can I tell you something? Build your barns. Build your way to keep what you have and be faithful with what you have. But put big doors on that bad boy. So when the Holy Spirit says, go bless their life, you can bless their life. When the Holy Spirit says, let's be a part of something in the community, then you can be a part of it. And I'm not just holding it in, but I'm putting it out. [00:59:14] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

But here's the truth. That doesn't matter without Jesus. Because you cannot buy your way into heaven. Jesus has already paid that. That's really what it's about anyway. We get to partner with God in the mission of God. To reach souls for God. [01:09:11] (18 seconds) Edit Clip