Reflecting God's Grace Through Joyful Stewardship
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound understanding that our giving is a reflection of God's grace and a testament to our stewardship as believers. We are stewards of God's gifts and graces, and it is through our offerings—be it time, talents, or financial resources—that we mirror the generosity of our Creator. God has bestowed upon us the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, a gift that is not earned by our deeds but given freely out of His boundless love. This gift is not something we can boast about, for it is not a reward but a grace-filled offering from our Heavenly Father.
As we come to the Lord's table, we are reminded that our offerings are a response to the grace we have received. We give not out of obligation or pressure but out of a cheerful heart, reflecting the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. Our previous experiences, such as the joyous tradition of shouting during the offering at my former church, serve as a reminder that giving is an act of worship, a moment to celebrate rather than a mere transaction.
We explored the Biblical principles of stewardship, understanding that everything we have is God's, and we are merely managers of His assets. This perspective shifts our focus from ownership to stewardship, from a closed fist to an open hand. An open hand symbolizes a spirit of gratitude and welcome, a readiness to give and receive blessings.
Our spirituality is deeply connected to our giving. As we pour clean water into a cup of dirty water, so too do we, as the church, have the opportunity to influence our community positively. By continuously offering clean, Christian influence, we displace the negative and multiply the number of people joining us in this mission. Our goal is to spread the influence of God's kingdom, and it is in this giving—regardless of where—that our souls find nourishment and joy.
Key Takeaways:
- Our giving is a reflection of the divine generosity we have received from God. When we give, we do so not to earn salvation but to express our gratitude for the grace that has been freely given to us. This understanding liberates us from the misconception that our works can save us and allows us to give joyfully and without reservation. [49:14 <74TAsxDiKiw>]
- Stewardship is not about funding budgets or projects; it is about recognizing that everything we have is God's and managing it faithfully. As stewards, we are called to use the resources entrusted to us wisely, not clinging to them with a closed fist but holding them with an open hand, ready to share and serve others. [31:45 <74TAsxDiKiw>]
- The act of giving is an integral part of our worship and should be approached with joy and enthusiasm. Whether it is through shouting during the offering or bringing our gifts to the communion table, we celebrate the opportunity to give back to God as a response to His abundant blessings. [41:42 <74TAsxDiKiw>]
- True joy is found not in perpetual happiness but in the assurance that God is with us through all circumstances. When we give, our souls are nourished, and we experience joy in the Lord, even amidst life's challenges. This joy is a deep, abiding sense of God's presence and provision. [43:45 <74TAsxDiKiw>]
- Displacement Theory in our spiritual practice suggests that by consistently contributing positive, Christian influence to our surroundings, we can gradually transform our community. As we give of ourselves, we invite others to join in this transformative work, thereby expanding the reach of God's kingdom on earth. [45:08 <74TAsxDiKiw>]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 24:1 - "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
2. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
3. 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 24:1, who owns everything in the world? How does this understanding affect our view of stewardship? [32:33]
2. What does John 3:16 reveal about God's nature as a giver? How does this influence our own giving? [36:36]
3. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, what attitude does God love when we give? How was this demonstrated in the pastor's previous church tradition of shouting during the offering? [40:27]
4. How does the concept of an open hand versus a closed fist relate to our attitude towards giving and stewardship? [29:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing that "the earth is the Lord's" (Psalm 24:1) change the way we manage our resources? What practical steps can we take to live out this truth? [32:33]
2. Reflect on the significance of God giving His only Son (John 3:16). How does this ultimate act of giving set a standard for our own generosity? [36:36]
3. Why is it important to give cheerfully and not under compulsion, as stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7? How can we cultivate a joyful attitude towards giving in our own lives? [39:53]
4. The sermon mentioned the "Displacement Theory" in our spiritual practice. How can consistently contributing positive, Christian influence transform our community? [45:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Think about your current attitude towards your possessions and resources. Do you see yourself more with an open hand or a closed fist? What steps can you take to adopt a more open-handed approach? [29:50]
2. Reflect on a time when you gave cheerfully. How did it impact your relationship with God and others? How can you make cheerful giving a regular practice in your life? [39:53]
3. The sermon emphasized that our giving is a response to God's grace. How can you remind yourself daily of the grace you have received and let it inspire your generosity? [49:14]
4. How can you apply the "Displacement Theory" in your own community? Identify one specific area where you can consistently contribute positive, Christian influence. [45:08]
5. The pastor shared a story about shouting for joy during the offering. How can you bring more joy and enthusiasm into your acts of giving and service? [40:27]
6. Consider the resources you have been entrusted with (time, talents, finances). How can you manage these resources more faithfully as a steward of God's gifts? [31:45]
7. True joy is found in the assurance that God is with us through all circumstances. How can you cultivate this deep, abiding joy in your life, especially during challenging times? [43:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude in Generosity
Generosity is not merely a transaction; it is an expression of the grace that has been lavishly poured upon us. When one gives, it is not to earn favor or salvation, which are gifts that cannot be bought, but to show appreciation for the unmerited grace received. This act of giving should stem from a place of thankfulness, recognizing that everything one has is a blessing from above. It is a celebration of the divine generosity that has been experienced, a way to honor the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This understanding frees individuals from the misconception that their works can save them, allowing them to give joyfully and without reservation [49:14].
"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
Reflection: How can you express your gratitude for God's grace through your actions and giving this week?
Day 2: The Heart of Stewardship
Stewardship is a profound recognition that everything in possession is not truly owned, but entrusted by God. As stewards, the call is to manage these resources with faithfulness and wisdom. This perspective shifts the focus from personal ownership to divine stewardship, encouraging a posture of an open hand rather than a closed fist. An open hand symbolizes a spirit of generosity and readiness to share the blessings received. It is a reminder to serve others with the resources entrusted, whether they be time, talents, or financial means, and to do so with a spirit of gratitude and willingness [31:45].
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10
Reflection: What is one resource God has entrusted to you, and how can you use it to serve others this week?
Day 3: Joyful Worship Through Giving
Giving is an integral part of worship, an act that should be approached with joy and enthusiasm. It is a moment to celebrate the opportunity to give back to God in response to His abundant blessings. This celebration can take many forms, from shouting during the offering to quietly placing a gift on the communion table. The act of giving is not about the amount or the visibility of the contribution but about the heart's posture, reflecting the joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus. It is a chance to express worship and gratitude in a tangible way, rejoicing in the privilege of being able to contribute to God's work [41:42].
"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
Reflection: In what ways can you transform your act of giving into a more joyful expression of worship?
Day 4: The Assurance of Joy in Giving
True joy is found in the assurance of God's presence through all circumstances. When one gives, it is an opportunity for the soul to be nourished and to experience joy in the Lord, even amidst life's challenges. This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of God's presence and provision. It is a reminder that happiness is not dependent on external situations but on the internal certainty of God's love and faithfulness. Giving becomes a conduit for experiencing this joy, as it aligns one's actions with God's generous nature and purposes [43:45].
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." - Habakkuk 3:17-18
Reflection: How does giving enhance your sense of joy in God's presence, even when facing difficulties?
Day 5: Transformative Influence Through Giving
The Displacement Theory in spiritual practice suggests that by consistently contributing positive, Christian influence to our surroundings, we can gradually transform our community. As the church, the opportunity to influence the community positively is like pouring clean water into a cup of dirty water; the clean influence displaces the negative. This metaphor illustrates the transformative power of giving oneself to others, inviting them to join in the work of expanding God's kingdom on earth. It is a call to be agents of change, using the resources and influence given to make a positive impact in the world [45:08].
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Reflection: What is one way you can positively influence your community this week through your giving?
Quotes
1) "When we have a spirit of gratitude, we create a hand that is open... An open hand symbolizes a spirit of gratitude and welcome, a readiness to give and receive blessings." [30:30 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
2) "Our attitude towards our money, whether it's open or closed, is an indication of our spirit and our heart." [30:30 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
3) "There's something in me every time I connect deeper with serving another person selflessly... I always grow deeper because of it because I'm reflecting God." [39:24 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
4) "The intention of giving is that when we give, friends, it's worship... the offering was at the time of communion because it's what we call the response to God." [41:42 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
5) "Joy in the Lord comes even when life is hard... when people are giving their offerings, their soul is nourished and they find more joy in the Lord." [43:45 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
6) "In displacement Theory... if we as the church continue to flow clean Christian water into all of our spaces... eventually we will displace the other influences." [45:08 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
7) "We are stewards of God's gifts and Graces to us... we are managing what God has given us and we are making sure we do the very best with it." [33:53 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
8) "God is a giver... because we're created in God's image, we are givers too... when we give, we reflect who Jesus is within us." [37:26 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
9) "If you want to give to something and you don't believe our church is where you want to give, it does not matter as long as you're giving because what matters to God is that you're giving to something that benefits the kingdom of God." [47:20 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
10) "Salvation is not a reward for good things that we have done, so none of it can be boasted by us... our salvation is just a gift." [49:14 <74TAsxDiKiw>] (Download)
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