Living Generously: Trusting God with Our Resources
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the profound difference between living with an open hand versus a closed fist. The imagery of an open hand symbolizes generosity, sharing, and trust in God, while a closed fist represents greed, self-reliance, and a lack of faith. We explored the parable of the rich fool from Luke 12, who, instead of sharing his abundance, chose to hoard it by building bigger barns. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of trusting God with our resources.
We also discussed the concept of being "unstuck" in our spiritual lives. Often, we get bogged down by patterns and attitudes that hinder our faith journey. God desires for us to live above average, with fervor and passion, not settling for lukewarm faith. Greed is one such attitude that can paralyze our faith and impact our relationships, family, and community.
To illustrate the point, we conducted a simple test: reviewing our financial statements to see how much we've given to our local church and those in need. This exercise helps us confront the reality of our generosity or lack thereof. Generosity, at its core, is about trusting God and putting Him first in our lives. It’s not about the amount we give but the heart and trust behind it.
We also touched on the importance of tithing, not as a financial obligation but as an act of faith and trust in God. Tithing teaches us to prioritize God in our lives and helps us break free from the grip of greed. The sermon concluded with a call to examine our lives for signs of greed and to take steps toward living generously, trusting God with our resources.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of an Open Hand: Living with an open hand allows us to share, comfort, and serve others, reflecting God's love and generosity. An open hand symbolizes trust in God, while a closed fist represents self-reliance and greed. This simple yet profound difference can transform our relationships and our faith journey. [52:40]
2. Breaking Free from Greed: Greed is a subtle yet powerful force that can paralyze our faith and hinder our relationship with God. It leads us to rely on our own resources rather than trusting in God's provision. By recognizing and addressing greed in our lives, we can move toward a more generous and faith-filled existence. [57:55]
3. The Test of Generosity: Reviewing our financial statements can reveal where our priorities lie. If we find that we are not giving to our local church or those in need, it may indicate a lack of trust in God. Generosity is not about the amount we give but the heart and trust behind it. [06:54]
4. The Spiritual Significance of Tithing: Tithing is not merely a financial obligation but an act of faith and trust in God. It teaches us to prioritize God in our lives and helps us break free from the grip of greed. Tithing builds our faith by putting God first, even before our own needs and desires. [20:03]
5. Living Generously: Generosity is a God-focused, outward expression of trust in Him. It involves honoring God with the first fruits of our labor and being willing to meet the needs of others. Living generously allows us to experience the blessings of trusting God and helps us become a conduit of His love and provision. [14:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[48:51] - The Power of an Open Hand
[50:36] - Kids' Church Dismissal
[51:34] - Illustration with Wally
[52:40] - Open Hand vs. Closed Fist
[54:33] - God's Desire for Our Lives
[57:55] - The Dangers of Greed
[59:37] - Trusting God Over Abundance
[01:01:15] - The Test of Generosity
[01:03:25] - Greed and Trust in God
[01:05:03] - Financial Review Exercise
[01:06:54] - Generosity and Trust
[01:07:23] - Personal Story of Generosity
[01:14:14] - Honoring God with First Fruits
[01:20:03] - The Spiritual Significance of Tithing
[01:25:48] - Call to Examine Our Lives
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool
2. Proverbs 3:9 - "Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase."
3. Proverbs 22:9 - "A generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 teach us about the dangers of greed?
2. According to Proverbs 3:9, how are we instructed to honor the Lord with our possessions?
3. In the sermon, what was the significance of the illustration with Wally and the closed fists? ([51:34])
4. How did the pastor suggest we test our generosity? ([01:05:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the parable of the rich fool illustrate the difference between living with an open hand and a closed fist? ([52:40])
2. What does it mean to honor the Lord with the firstfruits of our labor, and how does this practice help us break free from greed? ([01:14:14])
3. Why is tithing considered an act of faith and trust in God rather than just a financial obligation? ([01:20:03])
4. How can reviewing our financial statements reveal our true priorities and trust in God? ([01:06:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are living with a closed fist rather than an open hand? How can you begin to change this? ([52:40])
2. The pastor mentioned that greed can paralyze our faith and impact our relationships. Can you identify any relationships in your life that might be affected by greed? How can you address this? ([01:03:25])
3. Take the generosity test suggested in the sermon: Review your financial statements for the past three months. How much have you given to your local church and those in need? What does this reveal about your trust in God? ([01:06:54])
4. How can you start prioritizing God with the firstfruits of your labor? What practical steps can you take this week to honor God with your resources? ([01:14:14])
5. Think about a time when you felt "stuck" in your spiritual life. How did patterns or attitudes like greed contribute to this feeling? What changes can you make to get "unstuck"? ([54:33])
6. The pastor shared a personal story about his mother's practice of tithing. How has your family's approach to generosity influenced your own views and practices? ([01:07:23])
7. Identify one specific need in your community that you can meet this week. How can you live generously and trust God to provide for you as you help others? ([01:15:49])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of an Open Hand
Living with an open hand allows us to share, comfort, and serve others, reflecting God's love and generosity. An open hand symbolizes trust in God, while a closed fist represents self-reliance and greed. This simple yet profound difference can transform our relationships and our faith journey. When we live with an open hand, we are more attuned to the needs of those around us and more willing to act as conduits of God's blessings. This posture of openness not only benefits others but also enriches our own spiritual lives, fostering a deeper connection with God and a more vibrant faith.
Conversely, living with a closed fist can lead to isolation and a lack of spiritual growth. When we hoard our resources and rely solely on our own strength, we miss out on the joy and fulfillment that comes from trusting God and being generous. The imagery of an open hand versus a closed fist serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we make daily in how we use our resources and how we relate to God and others. [52:40]
Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV): "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to help someone but chose not to. What held you back, and how can you approach similar situations with an open hand in the future?
Day 2: Breaking Free from Greed
Greed is a subtle yet powerful force that can paralyze our faith and hinder our relationship with God. It leads us to rely on our own resources rather than trusting in God's provision. By recognizing and addressing greed in our lives, we can move toward a more generous and faith-filled existence. Greed often manifests in small, seemingly insignificant ways, but its cumulative effect can be devastating to our spiritual health. It can cause us to prioritize material wealth over spiritual richness, leading to a life that is spiritually impoverished despite material abundance.
Breaking free from greed requires intentionality and a willingness to trust God with our resources. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's kingdom over our own desires and to seek opportunities to bless others. As we do this, we begin to experience the freedom and joy that comes from living a life of generosity and trust in God's provision. [57:55]
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV): "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where greed has taken root. What steps can you take today to begin breaking free from its grip and trust God more fully with your resources?
Day 3: The Test of Generosity
Reviewing our financial statements can reveal where our priorities lie. If we find that we are not giving to our local church or those in need, it may indicate a lack of trust in God. Generosity is not about the amount we give but the heart and trust behind it. This exercise helps us confront the reality of our generosity or lack thereof and challenges us to align our financial practices with our faith. It is a tangible way to assess whether we are living with an open hand or a closed fist.
Generosity is a reflection of our trust in God and our willingness to prioritize His kingdom over our own desires. It is an outward expression of an inward faith, demonstrating that we believe God will provide for our needs as we seek to meet the needs of others. By regularly reviewing our financial practices, we can ensure that we are living in a way that honors God and reflects His generosity. [06:54]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Take a moment to review your recent financial statements. What do they reveal about your priorities and trust in God? How can you adjust your giving to better reflect a heart of generosity?
Day 4: The Spiritual Significance of Tithing
Tithing is not merely a financial obligation but an act of faith and trust in God. It teaches us to prioritize God in our lives and helps us break free from the grip of greed. Tithing builds our faith by putting God first, even before our own needs and desires. It is a practical way to demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our commitment to His kingdom. By giving the first fruits of our labor to God, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him and that we trust Him to meet our needs.
The practice of tithing also helps us develop a habit of generosity and a mindset of abundance. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been given and how we can use it to bless others. As we faithfully tithe, we experience the blessings of living in alignment with God's principles and the joy of participating in His work. [20:03]
Malachi 3:10 (ESV): "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
Reflection: Reflect on your current practice of tithing. How does it reflect your trust in God and your commitment to His kingdom? What changes can you make to ensure that you are prioritizing God in your finances?
Day 5: Living Generously
Generosity is a God-focused, outward expression of trust in Him. It involves honoring God with the first fruits of our labor and being willing to meet the needs of others. Living generously allows us to experience the blessings of trusting God and helps us become a conduit of His love and provision. When we live generously, we reflect God's character and demonstrate His love to those around us. It is a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel and a tangible expression of our faith.
Living generously also helps us cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment. As we focus on giving rather than receiving, we become more aware of the many blessings we have received and more willing to share them with others. This mindset of abundance and gratitude enriches our spiritual lives and deepens our relationship with God. [14:14]
Acts 20:35 (ESV): "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, resources, or talents. How can you be a conduit of God's love and provision to someone in need?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Give God the glory. And what a person can accomplish with an open hand compared to a closed fist. I want you to think about that. It's an incredible difference what can be done and accomplished compared to a closed fist." [48:51] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "With an open hand, we can share. We can comfort. We can greet. We can help. We can serve. But try comforting someone. With a fist. I mean, I suppose you could still hug them or you could, of a sort, touch their shoulder. But I think we understand that there's a big difference in what's being communicated, in the effect of what we're doing, the difference between an open hand and a closed fist." [52:40] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Generosity at its core has a completely outward focus, a God focus that is committed to a life of trusting God and putting God first. You know, I have so many incredible blessings in life. One of the greatest blessings that I have is that I grew up in a home with parents that loved God and they served the Lord." [07:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Generosity is a God focus that is committed to a life of trusting God and putting God first. That is something spiritual about honoring God first in your life, honoring him with the first truth. Read the Old Testament, read God's instructions. They are instructive to us." [13:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How are you going to live your life? Closed? Wally, do you have any cash on you today? Any money? No money. None. Zero. Nada. Anybody have a $50 bill? $20 bill? Oh, Parnell. He's good. Okay, Parnell. Walk it right up here, my friend. It is easy for me to hold on to this. Stay right there, Parnell. Impossible to hold on to it." [15:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our series that we're in currently is called, called, Unstuck. And sometimes in life, we get stuck in patterns and attitudes that have a huge impact upon our life and upon our faith. To just get stuck. To just settle for average. But I believe that God is all about more than enough. And I believe God's desire is not average, but above average." [54:33] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Greed destroys your dependence upon God. No need to believe for a miracle, no need to walk in that impasse, no need to be where we're not sure how God is going to do it. Greed has no need, greed has no interest in trusting God. Greed seeks for abundance and then with that abundance says to itself, what will I do with all that I have, with all that I've accomplished, with all that my hands have built?" [59:37] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Generosity is a God focus that is committed to a life of trusting God and putting God first. That is something spiritual about honoring God first in your life, honoring him with the first truth. Read the Old Testament, read God's instructions. They are instructive to us. Thank God we don't live in an Old Testament relationship. We celebrate communion this morning. We have a new covenant, we have blessings of a new covenant." [13:04] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Tithing builds our faith because we give it first. We give it before everything else. I've eaten out of what is left. I've paid all my bills. I've eaten out. I've done all that I'm going to do. I've bought whatever I'm going to buy. Whatever I do, I did it. And now what I have left. Where is faith in that? Where is trusting God in that? Where is walking with Jesus? Trusting him." [22:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What we can't afford is not to honor God. What we can't afford, I'll say it again. For those of you that are already mad because I said it the first time, I'm going to say it again. What we can't afford is our excessive lifestyle and the debt that we have created and are now a slave to. That's what we can't afford. A stock place and it is a plague in the Christian church today." [23:38] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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