Living Generously: Freedom Through Faith and Stewardship

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound intersection of faith and finances, focusing on the concept of generosity. We live in a world of affluence, and while we may not always feel wealthy, on a global scale, we are indeed privileged. This privilege comes with a responsibility to steward our resources in a way that advances God's kingdom. The New Testament ethic calls us to a lifestyle of generosity, viewing our possessions not as something to hoard but as blessings to be shared. This perspective frees us from the entrapments of materialism and opens our lives to God's blessings.

Generosity is not about God needing our money; it's about God wanting us to live a life of freedom. When we give sacrificially and intentionally, we experience God's provision in ways that surpass our understanding. This isn't about prosperity theology, where giving is seen as a transaction for more wealth. Instead, it's about trusting God with what we have and recognizing that He is intimately involved in our lives, caring for us deeply.

We delved into 1 Timothy 6, where Paul advises Timothy to teach the church about the dangers of the love of money. Money itself is neutral, but the love of it can derail our faith and lead to ruin. Paul emphasizes that true gain comes from godliness combined with contentment. Our lives are but a mist, and we bring nothing into this world and take nothing out, except for our soul and the eternal impact of our actions.

The challenge is to prioritize our soul and live with integrity, avoiding the subtle traps of entitlement and greed. Whether in business or employment, we must operate with honesty, recognizing that integrity is easily compromised. The love of money can lead us astray, but by pursuing righteousness, faith, and love, we align ourselves with God's will.

Jesus is our model, living a life of sacrificial generosity. He had the opportunity for earthly wealth but chose submission to God's plan. We are called to follow His example, not to earn God's favor, but in response to His grace. Generosity requires intentionality and sacrifice, but it leads to a life of freedom and joy in the Lord.

Key Takeaways:

1. Generosity as Freedom: Generosity is not about God needing our money but about living a life of freedom. By viewing our resources as blessings to be shared, we open ourselves to God's provision and experience a life of freedom from material entrapments. [37:37]

2. Godliness with Contentment: True gain comes from godliness and contentment, not from accumulating wealth. Our lives are temporary, and we must focus on nurturing our soul and making an eternal impact through our actions. [51:50]

3. Integrity in Finances: Integrity is crucial in how we handle our finances. The love of money can lead us astray, but by living with honesty and integrity, we align ourselves with God's will and avoid the subtle traps of entitlement and greed. [57:02]

4. Jesus as Our Model: Jesus lived a life of sacrificial generosity, choosing submission to God's plan over earthly wealth. We are called to follow His example, not to earn God's favor, but in response to His grace. [01:04:52]

5. Intentional Generosity: Generosity requires intentionality and sacrifice. By setting aside resources for God's work, we operate in faith and open our lives to His blessings, experiencing the joy of the Lord. [01:11:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:30] - Introduction and Context
- [1:45] - The Three Taboo Topics
- [3:20] - Focus on Generosity
- [5:10] - Global Perspective on Wealth
- [7:00] - Generosity as Freedom
- [9:15] - God's Intimate Care
- [11:00] - 1 Timothy 6: Paul's Advice
- [13:30] - The Love of Money
- [15:45] - Godliness with Contentment
- [18:00] - Integrity in Finances
- [20:30] - Jesus as Our Model
- [23:00] - Intentional Generosity
- [25:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Generosity and Faith

Bible Reading:
- 1 Timothy 6:6-14

Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Timothy 6:6-10, what does Paul say about the relationship between godliness and contentment? How does this relate to the concept of true gain? [51:50]
2. What are the dangers associated with the love of money as described in 1 Timothy 6:9-10? How does this love impact one's faith? [53:08]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of generosity in freeing us from material entrapments? [37:37]
4. What example does Jesus set for us in terms of living a life of sacrificial generosity, according to the sermon? [01:04:52]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the idea of generosity as a form of freedom rather than a financial obligation? [37:37]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that integrity in finances aligns with God's will? How can this be practically applied in daily life? [57:02]
3. How does the sermon differentiate between prosperity theology and the biblical understanding of God's provision? [39:30]
4. What does it mean to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness as described in 1 Timothy 6:11-14? How does this pursuit relate to financial integrity? [01:03:17]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial habits. Are there areas where you might be prioritizing material gain over godliness and contentment? How can you shift your focus? [51:50]
2. Consider a time when you felt the pull of entitlement or greed in your financial decisions. How can you guard against these subtle traps in the future? [57:02]
3. How can you intentionally incorporate generosity into your life, even if you feel financially constrained? What small steps can you take this week to practice sacrificial giving? [01:11:47]
4. Jesus is our model for sacrificial generosity. What specific actions can you take to follow His example in your community or church? [01:04:52]
5. Think about a recent financial decision you made. Did it align with the principles of integrity and godliness discussed in the sermon? How might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? [57:02]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of contentment with what you have, rather than constantly seeking more? What practical steps can you take to nurture this attitude? [51:50]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can pursue righteousness and godliness more intentionally. How can this pursuit impact your financial decisions and overall lifestyle? [01:03:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity as a Path to Freedom
Generosity is not about God needing our money but about living a life of freedom. By viewing our resources as blessings to be shared, we open ourselves to God's provision and experience a life of freedom from material entrapments. In a world where material wealth often defines success, the act of giving liberates us from the chains of consumerism and self-centeredness. It allows us to participate in a divine economy where the currency is love and compassion, not dollars and cents. When we give sacrificially and intentionally, we experience God's provision in ways that surpass our understanding. This isn't about prosperity theology, where giving is seen as a transaction for more wealth. Instead, it's about trusting God with what we have and recognizing that He is intimately involved in our lives, caring for us deeply. [37:37]

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a specific resource or talent you have. How can you use it this week to bless someone in need, trusting that God will provide for you as you give?

Day 2: Godliness with Contentment
True gain comes from godliness and contentment, not from accumulating wealth. Our lives are temporary, and we must focus on nurturing our soul and making an eternal impact through our actions. In a culture that often equates success with material accumulation, the call to godliness with contentment is countercultural. It invites us to find satisfaction not in what we possess but in who we are becoming in Christ. The New Testament ethic calls us to a lifestyle of generosity, viewing our possessions not as something to hoard but as blessings to be shared. This perspective frees us from the entrapments of materialism and opens our lives to God's blessings. [51:50]

"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world." (1 Timothy 6:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with discontentment. How can you practice gratitude and contentment in that area today?

Day 3: Integrity in Financial Matters
Integrity is crucial in how we handle our finances. The love of money can lead us astray, but by living with honesty and integrity, we align ourselves with God's will and avoid the subtle traps of entitlement and greed. Whether in business or employment, we must operate with honesty, recognizing that integrity is easily compromised. Money itself is neutral, but the love of it can derail our faith and lead to ruin. Paul emphasizes that true gain comes from godliness combined with contentment. Our lives are but a mist, and we bring nothing into this world and take nothing out, except for our soul and the eternal impact of our actions. [57:02]

"Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice." (Proverbs 16:8, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent financial decision. Did it align with your values of integrity and honesty? What might you do differently next time to ensure it does?

Day 4: Jesus as Our Model of Generosity
Jesus lived a life of sacrificial generosity, choosing submission to God's plan over earthly wealth. We are called to follow His example, not to earn God's favor, but in response to His grace. Jesus had the opportunity for earthly wealth but chose submission to God's plan. His life exemplifies the ultimate act of giving, as He gave Himself for the salvation of humanity. By following His example, we learn that true wealth is found in relationships, service, and love. Generosity requires intentionality and sacrifice, but it leads to a life of freedom and joy in the Lord. [01:04:52]

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider one way you can emulate Jesus' sacrificial generosity in your life this week. What specific action can you take to serve someone else selflessly?

Day 5: Intentional Generosity
Generosity requires intentionality and sacrifice. By setting aside resources for God's work, we operate in faith and open our lives to His blessings, experiencing the joy of the Lord. This intentionality is not about random acts of kindness but about a deliberate choice to prioritize God's kingdom over personal gain. It involves planning, commitment, and sometimes even discomfort, as we stretch beyond our comfort zones to give more than we thought possible. Yet, in this stretching, we find a deeper joy and fulfillment that material wealth can never provide. [01:11:47]

"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 specific way you can plan to be more generous this month? How can you make generosity a regular and intentional part of your life?

Quotes

1) "We have a responsibility as Christ followers. We have a responsibility to steward the possessions, the things that God has given us, we have a responsibility to steward those things, those blessings from God in a way that advances the kingdom of God in a way that we view our lives as a conduit of blessing into the world around us. And this is where the rubber meets the road, right? When it comes to our faith, finances, just have a profound way. That if we're not very intentional about it, and we're not thinking about how do I view everything that God gives me, right? That's the New Testament ethic really is a lifestyle of generosity." [37:37] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Generosity is something that God wants for us. It's not something that he wants from us. And as we think about all the things that God has given us, or the things that maybe, hey, look, I understand, you know, I mean, Bethany and I were raised in a family of three kids right now. Like, you know, you go to the grocery store, and it's like, every time you go, it's like, good gravy. Like, man, the half gallon of milk that used to be like $2 .50 is like six bucks or something. I don't know. I try to stay out of the grocery store, because it just gets me, you know, I'm like, my goodness. So I understand. But what we're talking about, too, is that generosity, and when we have that perspective, what we begin to see is that we open up our lives to the blessings of God." [39:30] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "We serve a God that is intimately connected with us. We serve a God that cares about us. He doesn't just love you, he likes you. Right? And so when we, when we hoard such a big portion of our lives, and we shut off our finances, and we say, well, I can manage this better than God can. I can do a better job with this than using God's wisdom. We end up shutting our lives off to the blessing of God. And we, we shortcut the cycle. Right? Which faith is saying, I don't know how this is gonna work out. I don't know, I don't know what, what the plan is, but I'm gonna step out, and I'm gonna trust God's word, and I'm gonna step out in faith, and we begin to experience the blessing of God in our life." [41:42] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Paul is actually going to tell Timothy today hey you've got to you've got to help these people be on guard because it's not just money right money is a neutral thing and it's not about how much money we have it's not about how much money we don't have money is a neutral tool that's what it is but Paul is gonna say that there is a love of money there is a love of it and it's not just what you have it could be the obsession of what you don't have but either way this love of money has derailed the faith of many people that in pursuit in their craving of money of wanting more that they've actually derailed their their faith and it's led them to all types of pain and heartache." [51:50] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Paul says that's not where great gain comes from great gain actually comes from godliness and contentment you put those two things together in your life and you've got a you've got a a powerful situation in your life by which now you can approach the world and the uncertainties around us godliness with contentment is great gain paul says there's actually two major strainers and i and i don't know a younger generation y 'all track with me i think strainers are still a thing but i have a pastor craig has a a white strainer in my kitchen and when i get my grapes from the the store or harris teeter which are like four million dollars a pound nowadays right and you put the grapes in the in the strainer and you put the water under it right it it strains out the the water and it washes the it washes the grapes clean i think i said that right all right so paul is saying hey there's two there's two great strainers anyway and your life is really but a mist right i mean we convince ourselves that we're we're our life as we experience it today is is gonna somehow be unchanging and this life that i experience today is just gonna be how things always are right but i mean i'm starting i'm slowly but surely starting to get the idea you know pastor craig turned 40 this year and i i can i can sense that i'm things are changing right like things are changing whether i like it or not things are changing and paul is saying there's two great strainers when you come into this world you bring nothing with you you bring nothing you got nothing and here's the real kicker on this thing when you leave the world you don't take anything with you other than two things you put it in the point of what paul is talking about here but there are two things that we actually do take with us out of this world one is our soul so what are we doing in the here and now to take care of our soul like do we think do are we intentional about how am i cultivating my soul what am i allowing to take root in my in my soul because your soul is eternal you're gonna take that with you and then the other thing that we get the privilege of where many times in the scriptures it says that when we when we enter into the presence of God there's going to be a judgment there right and again it's not a I don't think it's a you know God's like oh ah like ah you should have done this and you didn't do that I mean there's no tears in heaven so I don't think that's going to be a a condemning deal but when we stand before God and there's an evaluation of our life the things that we did for the Lord out of a pure heart we will actually be rewarded for those things for all of eternity so those are the two things that have significant eternal value but oftentimes those are the things that are the furthest away from us from our our minds we get so hung up on the the here and now we get hung up on what we want in the moment and man I am right there with you our our hearts start to have these cravings if we're not very intentional about it our hearts start to develop these these cravings where we're like well I'm going to start worrying about that next year I'll start worrying about that down the road but right now I just I got too many things going right now and and I really need to prioritize this right now and I am here to beg you no matter what stage of our life we are in kids college students young adults young marrieds all the way up to our seniors we have to think and we have to begin putting those priorities in our in our in place right now and I'm here to beg you no matter what stage of our life we are in kids college students right now to get those priorities in our in place right now no I'm going to prioritize my soul I'm gonna prioritize honoring God with what I have because at the end of the day when my time on this earth is done this is the only thing that's going to continue on with me and we have to be focused on this because Paul says we bring nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it because Paul says we bring nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it But if we have food, if we have clothing, right? The basic needs of our life, we will be content with these things." [53:08] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "And that's why Paul is going to say, which we'll talk about in a minute, the love of money is a root of all kind of evil. I got an azalea bush in my yard I've tried to kill for the last three seasons and the darn thing keeps coming back up because roots are a funny thing. Roots are under the surface. Roots are easy for us. Roots are easy for us to die. You can't see those roots that are embedding themselves in our soul. But what happens when we're not super intentional about this is we start to think and we say... We know this from a rational standpoint, but nothing... You know, we've never been stopped by rationalism before, right? And it's like, well, if I just had this thing, if I could just... get into a little bit bigger house, if I could just have a little bit newer car, then I think life would really be good. And we begin to compromise on what Paul is saying is great gain, which is godliness with contentment." [54:23] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "And here's the thing. I've experienced this in my own life. I can tell you firsthand. When we cross that line of integrity, that first time you cross that line of integrity, it makes it a little bit easier to do it the next time. Makes it a little bit easier to do it the next time. And all of a sudden, we wake up one day and we find ourselves way over here in a place where we're not alone. God, how did I end up here? How did I end up doing these things? Because we compromised on our integrity a little bit by a little bit by a little bit. And it goes, obviously, it goes far beyond our finances. But again, our finances are such an important part of this because finances and faith, boy, I tell you, they are right there so close to each other because we convince ourselves if I can just build a little bit bigger shelter, if I can just have a little bit bigger pod and buffer, then life would really be, life would be good, all right? Now, just because we have money doesn't mean that we've compromised on our integrity. That is not what I'm saying at all. But I am saying that it's something that we have to be on guard for because it's just such an easy path for us to stumble down. And Paul is just saying that the love of money, we can find ourself in a place where we didn't intend to go down that path, but we find ourself in a place where we love money far more than we should. And it opens up our life to all kind of types of evil." [59:34] (123 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And so you might say, well, how do I know? I don't think I love money, but how can I evaluate this? And it all goes back to that integrity piece, that character piece. If we're operating our lives in a way where we are honoring the word of God and we are living a life of integrity, I think about, I had an amazing opportunity as a high school kid to have dinner one night with Truett Cathy of Chick -fil -A. And the guy had more money than he knew what to do with. But this guy lived his life. He didn't change his life. Because of the money that he had. And he actually gave just a mind -boggling amount of money away and literally had foster homes all over the state of Georgia and had all these opportunities. Like he viewed his life as a conduit of blessing. And he had a bunch of money. But he didn't allow that to change who he was as a person. Now that is a difficult calling in life. Because, again, it's just so easy for us to vary off of this neutral tool of money. That's what it is. It's a neutral tool. And either err on the side of loving it too much because, well, this is really mine. And I've earned this. And I don't want to open this up open -handed before God." [01:01:38] (98 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "Paul says, no, the place where we experience the joy of the Lord is when we are content with godliness. We're living a godly lifestyle. And we're content with the things that the Lord provides. Well, he continues on. Paul continues on. And he actually gets into a pretty neat section that is sandwiched in between the verses we just read and what we talked about last week. And I think when we read 1 Timothy 6, 11 through 14 in the context of this finance conversation before it and afterwards, it's really incredible. Here's what Paul says. But you, man of God, but you, man of God, flee from these things, the love of money, flee from it, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life, which you were called, and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of God. In the presence of many witnesses." [01:03:17] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "And we keep trying and we keep trying and we keep trying to extract and suck life out of something that is lifeless. And we end up extremely frustrated. And so we've been talking the last couple of weeks about how we live a life of freedom. And I hope you've recognized, I have not asked one time, give a bunch of money to the church because that is not the point of this series. If you can't gladly, generously believe in what God is doing in this place, by all means. Boy, we've got Union Mission, we've got Triple R Ranch, we've got A Gift for Christ coming up, we've got Child Evangelism Fellowship. We've got all, if you need an opportunity. If you need an opportunity for me to point you towards to give money to something that is doing kingdom work, I would be happy to do that. Because the biggest point of all of this is that a generous lifestyle is something that God wants for you. And it's how we experience freedom. And generosity is always going to require you to be sacrificial. That's the point. That's the point. That's the heartbeat of this thing. So some of us have bought into this lie where we're thinking, well, I'm going to, as soon as I get to this financial forecast in my life, then I'll start being generous. Once I get to this level, then I'll start living a lifestyle of generosity." [01:11:47] (108 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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