Radical Generosity: Stewardship and Community in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound and often challenging topic of generosity and money, drawing inspiration from Acts 4. The early church exemplified a radical unity and selflessness, where believers shared everything they had, ensuring no one was in need. This passage challenges us to reconsider our relationship with possessions and wealth, urging us to view them not as personal assets but as resources entrusted to us by God for the benefit of others.
We delved into the idea that true generosity stems from recognizing that everything we have is not ours but God's. This perspective shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship, allowing us to freely give and support those in need. The early church's example of selling possessions to meet communal needs serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of collective generosity.
Moreover, we discussed the importance of aligning provision with vision. Having resources without a clear purpose can lead to waste, while vision without provision limits our ability to effect change. By combining both, we can meet needs and transform lives, much like the early believers did.
We also addressed common misconceptions about wealth and poverty within the Christian context. Poverty is not inherently virtuous, nor is wealth inherently sinful. Instead, it's about how we use what we have to serve God's kingdom. The call is to be generous stewards, using our resources to support God's work and bless others.
Finally, we encouraged practical steps towards generosity, such as supporting specific needs within our community, like providing a piano for Kat to enhance our worship experience. This act of giving is not just about meeting a need but sowing into a greater move of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity and Generosity in the Early Church: The early believers were united in heart and mind, sharing all they had to ensure no one was in need. This radical generosity challenges us to view our possessions as communal resources rather than personal assets. [52:48]
2. Stewardship Over Ownership: Recognizing that everything we have is God's changes our approach to giving. It shifts us from a mindset of ownership to one of stewardship, allowing us to freely support others without fear of lack. [59:34]
3. Aligning Provision with Vision: Having resources without a clear purpose can lead to waste, while vision without provision limits our impact. By aligning both, we can meet needs and transform lives, much like the early church did. [01:10:58]
4. Challenging Misconceptions About Wealth: Wealth is not inherently sinful, nor is poverty inherently virtuous. The key is how we use our resources to serve God's kingdom and bless others, being generous stewards of what we've been given. [01:13:07]
5. Practical Generosity: Supporting specific needs within our community, like providing a piano for worship, is not just about meeting a need but sowing into a greater move of the Holy Spirit. Generosity is a practical expression of our faith. [01:27:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [51:49] - Introduction to Generosity
- [52:48] - Unity and Sharing in Acts 4
- [53:32] - The Power of Community Generosity
- [54:24] - Reading the Bible with the Holy Spirit
- [56:24] - Questions on Generosity
- [58:04] - The Culture of Ownership
- [59:34] - Stewardship Over Ownership
- [01:02:30] - Vision Meets Provision
- [01:03:48] - Misconceptions About Wealth
- [01:04:42] - The Role of Abundance
- [01:06:36] - Generosity and the Kingdom
- [01:10:58] - Provision with Vision
- [01:13:07] - Challenging Wealth Misconceptions
- [01:27:54] - Practical Steps in Generosity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Generosity and Money
Bible Reading:
- Acts 4:32-37
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the attitude of the early believers towards their possessions according to Acts 4:32-37? How did this reflect their unity? [52:48]
2. How did the apostles manage the resources that were shared among the believers? What was the outcome of this management? [53:32]
3. In the sermon, what example was given to illustrate the concept of "provision with vision"? [01:10:58]
4. What practical example of generosity was mentioned in the sermon that involved supporting a specific need within the community? [01:27:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of stewardship over ownership challenge modern views on personal wealth and possessions? [59:34]
2. What are some misconceptions about wealth and poverty that were addressed in the sermon, and how do they align with biblical teachings? [01:13:07]
3. How can aligning provision with vision transform the way we approach generosity in our communities? [01:10:58]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between generosity and the movement of the Holy Spirit? [01:27:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current mindset towards your possessions. Do you view them more as personal assets or as resources entrusted to you by God? How might this perspective shift impact your approach to generosity? [59:34]
2. Consider a specific need within your community that you feel passionate about. How can you align your resources with a vision to address this need effectively? [01:10:58]
3. What steps can you take to challenge any misconceptions you might have about wealth and poverty in your own life? How can these steps lead to a more generous lifestyle? [01:13:07]
4. Think about a time when you felt prompted to give but hesitated. What was the reason for your hesitation, and how can you overcome similar barriers in the future? [56:24]
5. The sermon mentioned providing a piano for Kat to enhance worship. Is there a specific way you can contribute to a communal need in your church or community? [01:27:54]
6. How can you cultivate a culture of generosity in your family or small group? What practical actions can you take together to support this culture? [01:31:39]
7. If you were given a significant amount of money to increase your ability to be generous, what would you do with it? How does this reflect your current priorities and values? [01:16:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Unity and Generosity
The early church in Acts 4 demonstrated a profound unity and selflessness, where believers shared everything they had to ensure no one was in need. This radical generosity challenges us to view our possessions as communal resources rather than personal assets. By embracing this mindset, we can foster a community where everyone is cared for, and no one is left in need. The early church's example serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of collective generosity and the strength found in unity. [52:48]
Acts 4:32-33 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."
Reflection: Think of a possession you hold dear. How can you use it to bless someone in your community this week?
Day 2: Stewardship Over Ownership
Recognizing that everything we have is God's changes our approach to giving. It shifts us from a mindset of ownership to one of stewardship, allowing us to freely support others without fear of lack. This perspective encourages us to see our resources as tools for serving others and advancing God's kingdom. By embracing stewardship, we can experience the joy of giving and the freedom that comes from trusting God to provide for our needs. [59:34]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you struggle with ownership. How can you begin to practice stewardship in that area today?
Day 3: Aligning Provision with Vision
Having resources without a clear purpose can lead to waste, while vision without provision limits our impact. By aligning both, we can meet needs and transform lives, much like the early church did. This alignment allows us to use our resources effectively and intentionally, ensuring that our efforts are directed towards meaningful and lasting change. When provision meets vision, we can accomplish great things for God's kingdom and make a significant difference in the world around us. [01:10:58]
Proverbs 29:18 (ESV): "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Reflection: What is one vision or goal you have for serving others? How can you align your resources to support this vision?
Day 4: Challenging Misconceptions About Wealth
Wealth is not inherently sinful, nor is poverty inherently virtuous. The key is how we use our resources to serve God's kingdom and bless others, being generous stewards of what we've been given. This understanding challenges us to examine our attitudes towards wealth and poverty, recognizing that both can be used for God's glory when approached with the right heart. By focusing on generosity and stewardship, we can break free from misconceptions and use our resources to make a positive impact. [01:13:07]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV): "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: Reflect on your current financial situation. How can you use your resources, whether abundant or limited, to serve others and honor God?
Day 5: Practical Generosity
Supporting specific needs within our community, like providing a piano for worship, is not just about meeting a need but sowing into a greater move of the Holy Spirit. Generosity is a practical expression of our faith, demonstrating our commitment to God's work and our love for others. By taking practical steps towards generosity, we can create a ripple effect of blessing and transformation in our communities, inviting others to experience the love and grace of God. [01:27:54]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Identify a specific need in your community that you can support this week. How can your generosity contribute to a greater move of the Holy Spirit?
Quotes
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there was no needy person among them." [00:53:50]
"I mean, I don't know about you, but our society is very much mine, mine, mine. Don't touch my stuff. This is mine. I earned this, actually. I worked really hard for this. This is mine. I deserve this because of this. Mine, mine, mine. How absolutely compelling that there was a culture where people didn't even consider their possessions to belong to them." [00:58:22]
"Wouldn't it be great? In our lives, if when we had money and then we heard of a need, we'll say, oh, I can sort that for you. Sure, have this. Here you go. I'll sell my house. Why? I've got three. Wouldn't that be great? Genuinely, wouldn't it be great if we had more than enough property that when we hear of need and people need houses, we can say, have one of mine." [01:06:04]
"People who know that God is the source of all wealth and all provision and use that to serve the kingdom, I would suggest that they are being cheered in through the gates of heaven." [01:08:29]
"Now what's interesting about this is he had an Aston Martin to sell in order to fund a film to see the lives of people change so that we can see less people taking their own life. That is provision with vision. Right? So that's the gold right there. You can have provision but if you don't have vision for it you just spend it and you'll end up probably with not very much at the end of it." [01:11:50]
"If you aren't already generous, you won't be when you have more. Earthly riches will buy someone a meal, but greater riches will multiply a meal to feed 5,000. If God isn't first in your finances, he isn't first in your life." [01:15:46]
"If we think we're the source then we have got a problem. Like a really big problem. Because if we start to come into more and more wealth but we think we're the source. Then actually it will probably crush us and it won't go well for us. But when we realize we're effectively employed as money managers for the person who is limitless in his resources and he's like can I give you some more? Will you steward this for me?" [01:14:08]
"Prosperity isn't selfish because it isn't about you. If you can't steward money you can't steward cities. How about this one? us at the moment. If you can't steward money, you can't steward nations." [01:16:40]
"Wouldn't it be great if, as a family, we had some people here today that were able to say, 15 people that said, I've got £100. 15 people. How many people we got in the room? I don't know. I'm terrible at maths. But like, more than 15. And do you know what? If you're here today and you're like, £1,500 for a piano, like, I just need some money for food. Like, we would love to provide for you too." [01:27:19]
"there are so many dreams that god has planted in our house in our house actually in this house there's a lot of dreams can i ask you if you are in business in the field of business if like you had to fill out drop down menu and you'd click business is your field whether you're self -employed or you work for a business can you just put your hand up so look around you now these people need to be blessed because these people are in business but isn't it interesting how few amongst a whole and it's not that people are all doing worthy things with their time but if we want to really step into the dreams and visions that god has for this community we need more provision to add to vision and that means let's start go out and make and stack loads of money for the kingdom for his kingdom we're not saving for our future we're saving for the future he has for ashford and the nations" [01:28:18]
"Holy Spirit, we stand together as family, just as the church, the early church in Acts stands. And we say, we break off a spirit of poverty from this church community and this church family. And we say, enough is enough, no more. And instead, we declare abundant provision for this family. Abundant provision, not as an end in itself, but so that we can say yes to the dreams and visions that you have placed in us to see the world change. Change our thinking." [01:31:06]
"If the enemy can get and keep you sick and poor, he can limit your destiny. If you're more passionate about investing in your future than God's future, your priorities need to change." [01:16:15]
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