Stewardship and Generosity: Advancing God's Kingdom Together
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of our giving and the biblical principles surrounding wealth and stewardship. Our church's mission is to love others as God loves us, and we achieve this through our four "love lanes": the next generation, our church community, local partners, and global partners. These initiatives are made possible through our collective generosity, which allows us to expand our facilities, support local and global missions, and plant life-giving churches across the nation.
We delved into the concept of tithing, emphasizing that it is an act of worship and honor towards God, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings. The tithe, or the first tenth of our income, is a way to express gratitude and trust in God's provision. However, the focus of our discussion was on "The Other 90," exploring how the Bible guides us in managing the remaining 90% of our resources.
We examined the lives of notable Christian business leaders like John D. Rockefeller, J.C. Penney, and Mary Kay Ash, who integrated their faith with their work, demonstrating that honoring God in our financial practices can lead to both personal and communal blessings. These examples illustrate that wealth, when used righteously, can significantly advance God's kingdom on earth.
Furthermore, we discussed the value of money and the importance of viewing our work as a form of worship. By working enthusiastically as if for the Lord, we align our daily efforts with God's purposes, allowing His Spirit to guide and bless our endeavors. This perspective challenges the notion that spirituality is linked to poverty, instead encouraging us to see wealth as a tool for good when placed in the hands of godly individuals.
In closing, we prayed for a renewed understanding of our potential to contribute to God's kingdom through our work and resources. We asked for God's guidance to awaken our full potential and to help us live out our faith in practical, impactful ways.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Generosity: Our giving supports a wide range of initiatives, from local community projects to global missions, demonstrating that our collective generosity can have a profound impact on the world. By investing in God's kingdom, we participate in a diversified blessing that reaches many lives. [30:14]
2. Tithing as Worship: Tithing is an act of worship and honor, acknowledging God as the source of all blessings. By giving the first tenth of our income, we express gratitude and trust in God's provision, believing that 90% with God goes further than 100% without Him. [36:51]
3. Integrating Faith and Work: The lives of Christian business leaders show that integrating faith with work can lead to both personal and communal blessings. By honoring God in our financial practices, we can attract His favor and contribute to the expansion of His kingdom. [39:36]
4. The Value of Money: Money itself is not evil; it is how it is used that matters. When resources are in the hands of godly individuals, they can be used to advance God's kingdom and do immense good in the world. [50:53]
5. Work as Worship: Viewing our work as a form of worship aligns our daily efforts with God's purposes. By working enthusiastically as if for the Lord, we allow His Spirit to guide and bless our endeavors, transforming our work into a holy and impactful contribution to His kingdom. [59:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [30:14] - Impact of Giving
- [33:19] - Opening Prayer
- [36:51] - Understanding Tithing
- [37:58] - The Other 90
- [39:36] - Faith in Business
- [40:41] - God First, Business Second
- [41:46] - Faith-Driven Success
- [43:29] - Biblical Wealth Principles
- [44:50] - Value of Money
- [47:16] - Money and Spirituality
- [50:53] - Resources for God's Kingdom
- [52:11] - Biblical Examples of Provision
- [54:58] - Vision for the Future
- [57:58] - Prayer for the Church
- [59:09] - Work Enthusiastically
- [01:06:57] - Awakening Potential
- [01:12:13] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
2. 1 Timothy 6:10 - "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
3. Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four "love lanes" mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the church's mission? [30:14]
2. How did the sermon describe the act of tithing, and what is its significance according to the pastor? [36:51]
3. Can you recall any examples of Christian business leaders mentioned in the sermon who integrated their faith with their work? [39:36]
4. What perspective on money and wealth was challenged during the sermon? [50:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the biblical principle of tithing as an act of worship and honor towards God? [36:51]
2. In what ways did the sermon suggest that integrating faith with work can lead to blessings, both personally and communally? [39:36]
3. How does the sermon address the common misconception that spirituality is linked to poverty? [50:53]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of work in a believer's life, and how is it connected to worship? [59:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current approach to giving. How can you align it more closely with the concept of tithing as an act of worship? [36:51]
2. Consider your work environment. How can you integrate your faith into your daily work practices to honor God? [39:36]
3. What steps can you take to view your work as a form of worship, and how might this change your attitude towards your job? [59:09]
4. Identify an area in your life where you might be serving "two masters." How can you refocus your priorities to serve God wholeheartedly? [47:16]
5. Think about a financial decision you are currently facing. How can you apply biblical principles of stewardship to make a God-honoring choice? [50:53]
6. How can you use your resources to contribute to the church's mission and the four "love lanes"? [30:14]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's provision in your life. How can this experience encourage you to trust Him with your finances and resources? [36:51]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Transformative Power of Generosity
Generosity is not merely an act of giving; it is a profound expression of love that can transform both the giver and the receiver. When we give, we participate in a divine cycle of blessing that extends beyond our immediate surroundings. Our collective generosity supports initiatives that range from local community projects to global missions, demonstrating that our contributions can have a far-reaching impact. By investing in God's kingdom, we become part of a diversified blessing that touches many lives, fulfilling our church's mission to love others as God loves us. [30:14]
"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: Think of a specific way you can contribute to a local or global initiative this week. How can your generosity reflect God's love to others?
Day 2: Tithing as an Act of Worship
Tithing is more than a financial transaction; it is an act of worship and honor towards God. By giving the first tenth of our income, we acknowledge God as the source of all blessings and express our gratitude and trust in His provision. This practice challenges us to believe that 90% with God goes further than 100% without Him. Tithing is a tangible way to demonstrate our faith and reliance on God's promises, allowing us to experience His abundant provision in our lives. [36:51]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current approach to tithing. How can you make it a more intentional act of worship and trust in God's provision?
Day 3: Integrating Faith and Work
The lives of Christian business leaders like John D. Rockefeller, J.C. Penney, and Mary Kay Ash illustrate that integrating faith with work can lead to both personal and communal blessings. By honoring God in our financial practices, we can attract His favor and contribute to the expansion of His kingdom. This integration challenges us to view our work as a platform for living out our faith, allowing God's principles to guide our decisions and actions in the marketplace. [39:36]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current work environment. How can you integrate your faith into your daily work practices to honor God and bless others?
Day 4: The Righteous Use of Wealth
Money itself is not evil; it is how it is used that matters. When resources are in the hands of godly individuals, they can be used to advance God's kingdom and do immense good in the world. This perspective challenges the notion that spirituality is linked to poverty, instead encouraging us to see wealth as a tool for good. By aligning our financial practices with God's purposes, we can become stewards of His blessings, using them to make a positive impact in the world. [50:53]
"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." (1 Timothy 6:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: Evaluate your current financial practices. How can you use your resources more effectively to advance God's kingdom and bless others?
Day 5: Viewing Work as Worship
Viewing our work as a form of worship aligns our daily efforts with God's purposes. By working enthusiastically as if for the Lord, we allow His Spirit to guide and bless our endeavors, transforming our work into a holy and impactful contribution to His kingdom. This perspective encourages us to see our daily tasks as opportunities to serve God and others, making our work a meaningful expression of our faith. [59:09]
"Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your current job or daily responsibilities. How can you approach your work with a mindset of worship, allowing it to be a reflection of your faith and dedication to God?
Quotes
1. "You know, when you give here, when you invest in the kingdom of God, the investment is diversified and blesses all kind of people. Come on. Are you partnering with us? If not, why not? You know, this is good soil. You know, as you leave today, there's gonna be giving boxes or you can scan the QR code on the screen or you can do like most of us, just download our app and you can give that way. Thanks again. And remember, together, let's keep facilitating miracles." [30:14] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord not only wants to save your soul, God wants to save your life. He wants to save your life. He wants to help us in our practical lives and where we live." [33:19] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A tithe is when we, it's all about worship, and it's all about honor. It's when we honor God with the first tenth. of any financial income. We honor God with the first tenth of any financial income." [36:51] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you do this, your 90 % will go further with me than 100 % by yourself. That's the tithe. That's the tithe. Lord, I'm worshiping in you first and foremost." [36:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There seems to be a connection with the Christian faith, with the scriptures, with those who take them seriously, not just hear about them, but actually put them into practice that does not limit our ability to make wealth, but actually attracts it." [37:58] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Somebody here needs to wake up to the principle that, that God's way is better. It's always better, and it will result in blessing in our lives." [41:46] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It's been said the worst way to help the poor is to be poor. And it's, it's, I want to say time it. It's, it's long overdue. The enemy's keeping you just living from week to week. That, that, that season I say in Jesus name is coming to an end." [50:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Imagine for a moment, all the good that could be done in the world. If wealth, if resources were in the hands of passionate, dependable, godly men and women. Passionate. Church isn't an option for me. Faith isn't an option for me. In fact, I bring my faith into where I work." [52:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Whatever you do, come on. Don't say whatever you do, whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart. By the way, I just want to say this in passing work, um, our vocation, uh, what we do for a living, uh, that's not a part of the curse." [01:01:11] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Lord, help us to wake up to who we are. Lord, help someone wake up to their full potential. I'm tired of living at this place. Maybe there's a better way." [01:06:57] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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