The Transformative Power of Obedient Giving
Summary
In "The Gift of Giving," the focus is on the profound impact that giving, directed by God, can have on both the giver and the receiver. The narrative begins with a personal account of a time when the Lord prompted the sharing of a seemingly insignificant amount of money with a young boy named Clemens. This act of obedience, although small, had a lasting effect, as years later, Clemens had grown into a worship leader and a university student, profoundly influenced by that simple act of generosity.
The message emphasizes that it is not the amount given that matters, but the obedience to God's prompting. Giving is portrayed as sowing seeds, which may not yield immediate results but will eventually grow and bear fruit. The story of Clemens is a testament to this truth, illustrating that even the smallest gift, when given in obedience to God, can have long-lasting effects.
The narrative also touches on the use of talents and time as forms of giving. It recounts the story of an elder in the church, Colin, who offers his financial expertise to help couples in marital distress due to financial issues. This is an example of how natural talents can be used for God's purposes, furthering the message that giving is not limited to monetary contributions.
Another personal story shared involves a rejected minister who needed a ride back to Durban. Despite initial reluctance and a series of unfortunate events, including a car door mishap, the decision to obey God's prompting to provide transportation led to an unexpected blessing. The minister, who was also a real estate agent, experienced an unprecedented surge in property sales that month, reinforcing the principle that one cannot outgive God.
The message also challenges the traditional concept of tithing, suggesting that the New Testament does not prescribe a set percentage for giving but rather focuses on the heart and intention behind the gift. It highlights the story of the poor widow who gave all she had, which was celebrated by Jesus, and contrasts it with the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about their contribution and faced dire consequences.
The narrative further explores the idea of giving without expecting anything in return, as exemplified by Jesus' healing of the ten lepers, where only one returned to express gratitude. This act of unconditional giving is presented as a model for believers to follow.
In conclusion, the message calls for believers to consider if they have the gift of giving and invites them to come forward for prayer to receive this gift. It emphasizes that giving is a form of worship, an exercise in faith, and an expression of love for one's neighbor. Living in God's will and being obedient to His voice is presented as the highest form of worship.
Key Takeaways:
- True giving is not measured by the amount but by the obedience to God's direction. When God prompts you to give, it is an opportunity to participate in His divine plan, and the impact can be far-reaching and transformative. The story of Clemens, who was deeply affected by a small monetary gift, is a powerful example of how God uses our obedience to bless others in ways we may never fully comprehend. [22:17]
- The use of one's talents for the benefit of others is a form of giving that aligns with God's purpose for our lives. When we offer our skills and expertise selflessly, as Colin did with his financial acumen, we not only solve practical problems but also demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. This kind of giving can strengthen relationships and build community within the church. [23:45]
- Giving without strings attached reflects the nature of God's grace. Just as Jesus provided salvation freely without conditions, our acts of generosity should not be tainted by expectations of reciprocity or behavior modification. This unconditional approach to giving allows the recipient to experience the pure love of God, free from human constraints. [17:28]
- The principle of sowing and reaping is a biblical truth that applies to giving. When we give cheerfully and faithfully, trusting in God's provision, we set in motion a cycle of blessing that often returns to us in unexpected ways. The story of the minister's car door being fixed in exchange for a real estate opportunity illustrates how God honors our acts of service and generosity with His abundant provision. [31:11]
- Giving is an act of worship that requires faith and expresses our love for God and neighbor. When we give, we are not only helping others but also engaging in a spiritual act that honors God. It is a declaration of our trust in Him to provide for our needs and a demonstration of our commitment to live according to His will. [32:35]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Gift of Giving
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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."
2. Mark 12:41-44: The story of the poor widow's offering.
3. Luke 17:11-19: The healing of the ten lepers and the one who returned to give thanks.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 say about the attitude we should have when giving?
2. In Mark 12:41-44, how does Jesus contrast the giving of the poor widow with that of the rich people?
3. According to the sermon, what was the impact of the small gift given to Clemens? [22:17]
4. How did the minister's act of giving a ride to Durban result in an unexpected blessing? [31:11]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God love a cheerful giver, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 9:7? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the heart and intention behind giving?
2. What lesson can be learned from the poor widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44 about the nature of true generosity?
3. How does the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 illustrate the concept of giving without expecting anything in return? [17:28]
4. In the sermon, how is the principle of sowing and reaping demonstrated through the personal stories shared? [31:11]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt prompted by God to give. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [22:17]
2. The sermon suggests using our talents and time as forms of giving. What natural talents do you have that you can offer to help others in your community? [23:45]
3. Have you ever given something without expecting anything in return? How did that experience affect you and the recipient? [17:28]
4. The sermon challenges the traditional concept of tithing. How do you determine the amount you give, and how can you ensure your giving is led by the Holy Spirit rather than obligation? [06:39]
5. Think about a situation where you gave reluctantly or under compulsion. How can you change your approach to giving to align more with being a cheerful giver? [05:55]
6. How can you incorporate the principle of sowing and reaping into your daily life, especially in terms of generosity and service? [31:11]
7. The sermon concludes by inviting believers to consider if they have the gift of giving. Do you feel called to develop this gift? If so, what steps can you take to cultivate it in your life? [33:18]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the principles of giving as an act of worship, obedience, and love, as highlighted in the sermon "The Gift of Giving."
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Amplifies Giving
Obedience in giving is not about the magnitude of the gift but the willingness to follow divine direction. When one feels the nudge to give, no matter how small the amount, it is an act of faith in God's larger plan. The story of Clemens, who was deeply impacted by a modest financial gift, serves as a reminder that the seeds planted through obedience can grow into significant blessings for others. This form of giving is not transactional but transformational, as it aligns the giver's heart with God's purpose and allows them to become a conduit of His grace and provision.
"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." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt prompted to give. Did you follow through? Reflect on the outcome and consider how you might respond to future promptings with obedience.
Day 2: Talents as Tools for Generosity
Utilizing one's talents for the benefit of others is a profound expression of giving. It is not limited to financial contributions but includes offering skills and expertise, as exemplified by Colin's financial guidance to couples. This form of giving extends the love of Christ in practical ways, addressing real-world problems and fostering a sense of community. It is a reminder that everyone has something to contribute, and when talents are used in service to others, they become a powerful tool for spiritual growth and kingdom building.
"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 unique talents or skills do you possess? How can you use them this week to serve someone in your community or church? [23:45]
Day 3: The Grace of Unconditional Giving
Giving without expecting anything in return is a reflection of God's unconditional love and grace. This approach to generosity mirrors the way Jesus provided healing and salvation, freely and without conditions. When gifts are given selflessly, they allow the recipient to experience God's love in its purest form. This challenges the giver to release control and trust that the act of giving is a blessing in itself, regardless of the response or outcome.
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." (Luke 6:35)
Reflection: Can you think of a situation where you can give without any expectation of gratitude or return? How might this act of giving change your perspective on generosity? [17:28]
Day 4: Sowing Seeds of Generosity
The biblical principle of sowing and reaping applies to all forms of giving. When one gives cheerfully and with faith, trusting in God's provision, it sets in motion a cycle of blessing that can return in unexpected ways. The story of the minister's car door being fixed in exchange for a real estate opportunity is a testament to how God honors our generosity. This principle encourages believers to give with a cheerful heart, knowing that God is faithful to provide for their needs in return.
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you can sow a seed of generosity. What might be holding you back, and how can you overcome it to trust in God's provision? [31:11]
Day 5: Worship Through Giving
Giving is an act of worship that demonstrates faith and expresses love for God and neighbor. It is not merely a transaction but a spiritual discipline that reflects one's trust in God's provision and a commitment to live according to His will. When believers give, they are engaging in worship, acknowledging God as the source of all they have, and choosing to steward their resources for His glory.
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16)
Reflection: How does your giving reflect your worship and love for God? What steps can you take to make giving a more intentional part of your spiritual practice? [32:35]
Quotes
1) "When you sew, you're sewing, and sometimes when you sew, you don't see the stuff growing the next day or at the same time. Sometimes you so and you'll only see it later." [21:36] (Download)
2) "It's not the amount, it's to listen and that gift of God he given you, if he gives you a gift he'll direct you how to use it and when you use it it's going to have long-lasting effects." [22:17] (Download)
3) "When you are directed by God, it's not going to be backfiring, let me tell you. And if it had backfired, so what? So we must learn to give without strings attached." [16:02] (Download)
4) "Giving is a form of worship, it's an exercise in faith, you got a PL now you're going to reap later, it's love for our neighbor, it's living in his will." [32:35] (Download)
5) "God is a generous giver, and I would like to give as God gives, but my own, you see there's a vast difference between a generous person and a person with a supernatural gift to giving." [04:30] (Download)
6) "When we give cheerfully and faithfully, trusting in God's provision, we set in motion a cycle of blessing that often returns to us in unexpected ways." [31:11] (Download)
7) "If you give, he gives back to you pressed down, shaken together, running over. I'm very glad that when we read Psalm 23, it says he fills our cup to overflow." [03:43] (Download)
8) "Don't put strings attached if you're going to give. If they squander it, it's not your baby, but you got to be careful it's God telling you, otherwise they will squander it." [17:28] (Download)
9) "The biggest worship you can ever give God is if you live in his will, if you do what he tells you, if you're obedient when you hear his voice." [31:50] (Download)
10) "If you're going to do something by faith, throw out the human reason. Miracles, you got to throw out the reasoning." [14:40] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?