Show Me the Money: An Invitation to Generosity

Devotional

Day 1: The Foundation of Generosity—God’s Abundant Provision

True generosity begins with recognizing that God is abundantly generous, providing for His people from the very beginning and inviting us to reflect His character by living open-handedly. From the creation of the world, God filled the earth with everything necessary for life and invited humanity to partner with Him, but the entrance of greed distorted this relationship. Throughout history, God has continually demonstrated His faithfulness, providing daily manna for the Israelites and establishing rhythms of generosity in their community life. As image bearers, we are called to trust in God’s provision and to steward what He gives us, remembering that all we have belongs to Him and is meant to bless others as well. [16:38]

Genesis 1:28-30 (ESV)
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

Reflection: Where in your life do you struggle to trust that God is generous and will provide for your needs? How might remembering His past faithfulness help you live more open-handedly today?

Day 2: Exposing the Enemy of Generosity—Greed and Its Subtle Forms

Greed is a subtle and insidious enemy that can take root in our hearts without us realizing it, manifesting not only as a desire for more but also as anxiety and worry about having enough. Jesus warns us to be on guard against all kinds of greed, reminding us that the pursuit of our own comfort and security, apart from trust in God and care for others, leads us away from the life He intends. Greed is not just about abundance; it can also be present in seasons of lack, when fear causes us to hold tightly to what we have. Regularly examining our hearts and motives helps us resist the pull of greed and embrace a life of generosity. [19:44]

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 do worry or fear about your finances reveal a lack of trust in God’s provision? What is one practical step you can take this week to loosen the grip of greed in your heart?

Day 3: The Joy and Freedom of Generosity

Generosity is not a burdensome command but an invitation into the abundant, joy-filled life that Jesus promises. When we live open-handedly, giving to others and meeting needs as the Spirit leads, we experience a freedom from anxiety and the tyranny of possessions. The early church modeled this radical generosity, sharing everything so that no one was in need, and their joy and unity became a powerful witness to the world. The good life is found not in accumulating more, but in giving and blessing others, discovering the happiness and fulfillment that comes from living as channels of God’s grace. [26:30]

John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Reflection: Think of a time when you gave generously—how did it affect your sense of joy and freedom? What is one way you can test Jesus’ words this week by giving in a way that stretches you?

Day 4: Generosity as a Response to Grace

Generosity flows naturally from experiencing God’s grace; it is not about obligation but about responding to the love and kindness we have received. The early believers in Acts shared their possessions freely, not because they were compelled by law, but because God’s grace was powerfully at work in them. When we recognize that we are recipients of God’s extravagant love, we are moved to meet the needs of others, becoming answers to prayer and instruments of hope in our community. Our generosity becomes a testimony to the world of God’s goodness and the transforming power of His grace. [28:43]

Acts 4:32-35 (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. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Reflection: Who in your life has experienced God’s grace through your generosity? Ask God to show you a specific person or need this week where you can be an answer to someone’s prayer.

Day 5: Practicing Generosity—Start Where You Are

Living a generous life is not about waiting for the perfect moment or having abundance, but about starting with what you have and giving cheerfully, consistently, and sacrificially. Generosity grows as we make intentional choices—setting aside resources, making small sacrifices, and responding to needs in our immediate community. As we discipline ourselves to give, even in small ways, we cultivate a heart that is sensitive to God’s leading and ready to bless others. The journey of generosity is a daily practice, and each step opens us to greater joy, freedom, and impact for God’s kingdom. [35:34]

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reflection: What is one small sacrifice you can make this week—such as skipping a treat or luxury—and use those resources to bless someone in your community? How might this simple act help you grow in cheerful, consistent generosity?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the invitation Jesus extends to live a life of radical generosity—a life that stands in stark contrast to the culture of accumulation and self-preservation that surrounds us. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 challenges the notion that life is about amassing wealth and possessions. Instead, Jesus calls us to be “rich toward God,” to recognize that everything we have is a gift from our abundantly generous Father, and to steward those gifts for the sake of others and the kingdom.

From the very beginning, God’s story with humanity has been one of abundance and provision. In the garden, Adam and Eve were surrounded by God’s generosity, but the lie of scarcity led them to take what was not theirs. This same fear of not having enough still drives much of our behavior today, often manifesting as greed or anxiety. Yet, God’s provision for Israel in the wilderness—daily manna and quail—was meant to teach trust in His faithfulness and to foster a community where everyone’s needs were met.

Throughout Scripture, God’s people are called to intentional generosity: leaving the edges of their fields for the poor, tithing, and caring for the vulnerable. In the New Testament, Jesus raises the bar—not by setting a new percentage, but by inviting us to see ourselves as stewards, not owners, of all we have. The early church embodied this, sharing everything so that “there were no needy persons among them.” Their generosity was a direct response to the grace they had received.

Living generously requires us to confront the subtle enemy of greed, which can take the form of both hoarding and anxious worry. The antidote is to trust God’s abundance, to believe that He knows our needs and will provide. Generosity is not about a legalistic rule, but about walking in step with the Spirit, listening for God’s invitations, and responding with open hands and joyful hearts.

Practical steps include starting where you are, giving cheerfully and consistently, making small sacrifices, and looking for needs right in your community. The joy and freedom found in generosity far surpass the fleeting satisfaction of acquiring more. As we allow God’s grace to overflow through us, we become the answer to someone else’s prayer and participate in the life that is truly life.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Generosity Is Our Foundation From creation to the cross, God’s nature is to give abundantly. We are made in His image, called to reflect His generosity in the way we handle our resources. When we remember that everything we have is from Him, it shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship, freeing us to give without fear. [10:08]
2. Greed Is Subtle and Multiform Greed isn’t just about wanting more; it can also show up as anxiety and worry about not having enough. Jesus warns us to be vigilant, as greed can quietly take root in our hearts, distorting our priorities and relationships. True generosity requires regular self-examination and a willingness to let go of both excess and fear. [17:15]
3. The Line Between Wisdom and Greed Is Thin There is wisdom in saving and planning for the future, but it’s easy to cross into self-reliance and hoarding. The question is not “How much must I give?” but “How much can I give?” Walking in generosity means listening to the Spirit, being flexible, and sometimes making uncomfortable choices for the sake of others. [25:17]
4. Generosity Is a Response to Grace, Not Obligation The early church’s radical sharing was not driven by law, but by the overwhelming experience of God’s grace. When we truly grasp what we’ve received in Christ, generosity becomes a joyful response, not a burdensome duty. Our giving becomes a tangible expression of the gospel to the world around us. [28:43]
5. Start Small, Start Now, and Start Here Generosity doesn’t require wealth or grand gestures. Begin with what you have, give consistently and cheerfully, and look for needs in your immediate community. Even small sacrifices can become powerful acts of love when offered to God, and they open the door to deeper joy and freedom. [32:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Jerry Maguire and “Show Me the Money”
[01:51] - The Parable of the Rich Fool
[03:38] - Why Jesus Talks About Money
[04:18] - Competing Masters: God or Money
[06:47] - Reading Luke 12:13-34
[08:52] - Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be
[10:08] - God’s Generosity in Creation and Exodus
[13:07] - Old Testament Foundations for Generosity
[15:24] - Jesus Raises the Bar on Giving
[16:38] - Exposing the Enemy: Greed
[19:44] - Scarcity, Anxiety, and Trust
[24:39] - Joy and Freedom in Generosity
[27:08] - The Early Church’s Radical Generosity
[32:43] - Practical Steps to Live Generously
[36:24] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[41:51] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 12:13-34 (ESV) — 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 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.”
16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 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. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. ...
29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Observation Questions

In the parable Jesus tells, what does the rich man decide to do with his abundance, and how does God respond to his plan? (Luke 12:16-21)
According to Jesus, what is the connection between our treasure and our heart? (Luke 12:34)
What are some of the specific instructions Jesus gives about worry and seeking the kingdom in Luke 12:22-31?
The sermon mentions that greed can show up as both hoarding and anxious worry. What examples from the sermon or the passage illustrate these two forms of greed? [19:07]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus warn so strongly against all kinds of greed, and why might it be difficult for people to recognize greed in their own lives? [17:15]
The sermon describes God’s provision of manna and quail in the wilderness as a lesson in trust and community. How does this Old Testament story help us understand Jesus’ teaching about generosity and worry? [11:19]
The early church is described as sharing everything so that “there were no needy persons among them.” What motivated this kind of radical generosity, and how is it different from simply following a rule or law? [28:43]
The line between wise planning and greed is described as “thin.” How can someone discern whether their saving and planning is wise or has crossed into self-reliance or hoarding? [25:17]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to see everything we have as a gift from God, not something we own. What is one area of your life (money, time, possessions) where you tend to think like an owner instead of a steward? What would it look like to shift your mindset in that area? [16:08]
Greed can show up as anxiety about not having enough. When was the last time you felt anxious about your finances or resources? How might trusting God’s abundance change your response in that situation? [19:44]
The sermon suggests starting small and starting now with generosity. What is one practical step you could take this week to give cheerfully and consistently, even if it feels small? [32:43]
The early church’s generosity was a response to God’s grace, not obligation. How has God’s grace impacted your willingness to be generous? Is there a specific story or moment that comes to mind? [28:43]
The speaker shared stories of people in the church meeting needs in their community. Is there a need you are aware of right now—either in your small group, neighborhood, or workplace—that you could help meet? What would it take for you to respond? [35:00]
The sermon encourages making small sacrifices to bless others (like giving up coffee for a week). What is one thing you could give up or change in your spending this week to create space for generosity? [34:13]
Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If someone looked at your bank statement or calendar, what would they say you treasure most? Is there anything you want to change about where your “treasure” is going? [08:52]

Sermon Clips

There is a direct connection between how we manage our money and our stuff and our spiritual life. And Jesus makes it really clear that the good life is the generous life, which of course begs the question, well, how do we live a generous life? And that question is what we're going to spend the rest of our time together trying to answer. [00:09:01] (23 seconds) #GenerousLifeJourney

We live in a culture that is obsessed with more. The newest iPhone, a better car, a bigger house, a more luxurious vacation. And this quest for more is really just a soul-sucking cycle that we never actually get to the finish line. But for us to get out of that cycle, we have to be really intentional. We have to begin to think differently and to live counter-culturally. [00:09:25] (28 seconds) #CounterCulturalLiving

Our God is an abundantly generous God. If you go back to the first pages of Genesis, Genesis 1, 2, and 3, we see God just creatively making this world that is teeming with potential, that has abundant life, everything necessary for life in the garden. And into this abundance, he places the crown of his creation, Adam and Eve. And he invites Adam and Eve to partner with him, to rule and reign. [00:10:01] (28 seconds) #AbundantCreatorPartnership

Underneath greed is always a lack of trust. It's a fear that there will not be enough. And that fear causes us to hold so tightly with clenched fists to whatever comes to us that we have a hard time remembering that it is not all for us. [00:19:52] (19 seconds) #FearBlocksGenerosity

I think if we begin to think about what God has given us as the potential for our greatest kingdom fruitfulness, our wealth, our possessions, they have the potential to be our greatest asset for kingdom fruitfulness. But if we're not careful, they will become our greatest hindrance. Now the problem is not money. Money in and of itself is not the problem. It is the love of money, as Paul says. [00:21:53] (31 seconds) #KingdomFruitfulnessChoice

A life of generosity actually requires us to walk in step with the Spirit, and to listen to Jesus, and be open-handed, and willing to flex, and to move, and to respond when God gives us an invitation to respond. And that's exciting, but it's also uncomfortable, because we start to ask like, well, how much is enough? How much is enough for me to give? But that's the wrong question. It's not how much must I give? It's how much can I give? [00:25:51] (28 seconds) #SpiritLedGenerosity

Generosity is the response to God's grace. It was true in the early church, and it's true for us today. And I believe with my whole heart that the local church is the hope of the world. The local church is the vehicle through which Jesus has chosen to make himself known and to redeem and reconcile the world. And what that means is that you and I are very likely the answer to someone else's prayer. [00:28:53] (27 seconds) #ChurchHopeAndGrace

Make a little sacrifice. Look at your life. This goes beyond like maybe your regular giving that you decide on. Look at your life, decide what you can maybe give up for a week or for a month. And the money you normally spend on that thing, use it to bless somebody else. Use it to meet a need. [00:33:55] (19 seconds) #SacrificeToBless

I have been changed by the grace of God. I've experienced the reality of the gospel, and I want nothing more than to live a life walking with Jesus, grounded in his love, so that my life is just an outpouring of his love. I want to live open-handed. I want to experience the joy in giving instead of in receiving, and I want that for us as a community. [00:35:37] (26 seconds) #GraceChangedLife

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