Transformative Generosity: Embracing God's Call to Give

Summary

Isaiah 32:5-7 speaks to the transformative power of Jesus and the coming kingdom of God, particularly in the context of a toxic money culture. In a world where financial exploitation is rampant, God calls His people to rise above and set a new standard of generosity. The passage highlights the contrast between the schemer, who uses deceit to harm the poor, and the generous person, who devises generous things and stands firm through their generosity. This call to generosity is not just about financial giving but about embodying a spirit of giving that reflects God's heart.

Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how God challenged me to give sacrificially at a young age, even when it seemed impractical. This act of obedience was a pivotal moment that reshaped my relationship with money and set me on a lifelong path of learning to excel in the grace of giving. The Bible encourages us to excel in giving, not as a duty but as a voluntary act of love and sacrifice. Giving is a response to God's leading, a way to meet needs, sow seeds, and empower God's work on earth.

Jesus' teachings in Luke 6:38 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasize that God loves a cheerful giver and promises that those who give will receive abundantly. The measure of our giving, whether sparing or generous, determines the measure of our blessing. The story of the widow's offering in Luke 21:3-4 illustrates that true generosity is not about the amount but the heart behind the gift.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of radical giving, from Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac to the boy who gave his lunch to feed 5,000. These stories remind us that God often asks us to give beyond our comfort zone, promising that He will provide and bless us in return. The principle of giving is countercultural, challenging the spirit of this age, but it is a powerful tool for transformation.

As believers, we are called to give for Jesus and the gospel, not for recognition or reward. Our giving should be motivated by a desire to make the world a better place and to see God's kingdom advance. When we give with the right heart, God promises to bless us abundantly, enabling us to be generous on every occasion and resulting in thanksgiving to God.

Key Takeaways:

- Generosity as a Standard: In a world plagued by a toxic money culture, God calls His people to set a new standard of generosity. This is not just about financial giving but about embodying a spirit of generosity that reflects God's heart. Generosity is a powerful antidote to the exploitation and deceit prevalent in our society. [01:19]

- The Transformative Power of Obedience: My personal journey of sacrificial giving taught me that obedience to God's call can transform our relationship with money. When we give in response to God's leading, we open ourselves to His provision and blessing. This act of faith can set us on a lifelong path of learning to excel in the grace of giving. [06:45]

- The Measure of Giving: The Bible teaches that the measure of our giving, whether sparing or generous, determines the measure of our blessing. True generosity is not about the amount but the heart behind the gift. The widow's offering in Luke 21:3-4 exemplifies this principle, showing that even the smallest gift, given with a generous heart, is significant in God's eyes. [24:25]

- Giving as a Response to God's Love: Our giving should be motivated by a desire to make the world a better place and to see God's kingdom advance. When we give for Jesus and the gospel, not for recognition or reward, God promises to bless us abundantly. This kind of giving is a powerful tool for transformation, both in our lives and in the world around us. [31:33]

- God's Abundant Provision: God is able to bless us abundantly, enabling us to be generous on every occasion. When we have a heart to give, God supplies and increases our ability to give, enlarging the harvest of our righteousness. This principle challenges us to trust in God's provision and to live with open hands, ready to give as He leads. [38:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:19] - Toxic Money Culture
- [02:33] - Personal Journey of Giving
- [06:45] - Sacrificial Giving
- [08:45] - The Grace of Giving
- [09:58] - Voluntary Sacrifice
- [11:38] - God's Provision
- [14:25] - Tension in Giving
- [15:57] - Biblical Examples of Giving
- [17:25] - Abraham's Sacrifice
- [19:08] - The Rich Young Ruler
- [21:20] - Giving for the Gospel
- [22:57] - The Measure of Generosity
- [24:25] - The Widow's Offering
- [26:10] - Personal Testimonies of Giving
- [29:06] - The Boy's Lunch
- [30:30] - Heart of Giving
- [33:19] - Expansion Offering
- [36:13] - Trusting God's Provision
- [38:34] - Seed to the Sower
- [39:50] - Enlarging the Harvest
- [41:32] - Material Seed for Spiritual Harvest
- [42:11] - Give Because You Get To

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 32:5-7
- Luke 6:38
- 2 Corinthians 9:7

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Observation Questions:

1. In Isaiah 32:5-7, what contrast is drawn between the schemer and the generous person? How does this relate to the concept of a toxic money culture? [01:19]

2. According to the sermon, what personal experience did the pastor share about sacrificial giving, and how did it impact his relationship with money? [06:45]

3. How does the story of the widow's offering in Luke 21:3-4 illustrate the principle of generosity? What does Jesus say about her gift? [24:25]

4. What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 say about the attitude God desires in a giver? How does this align with the sermon's message on giving? [30:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that generosity can serve as an antidote to the exploitation and deceit prevalent in society? [01:19]

2. What does the pastor mean by "the transformative power of obedience" in the context of giving, and how might this apply to one's personal financial decisions? [06:45]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the measure of our giving affects the measure of our blessing? How does this principle challenge common societal views on wealth and generosity? [22:57]

4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of giving as a response to God's love, and what implications does this have for the motivation behind our generosity? [31:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own financial habits. Are there areas where you feel called to set a new standard of generosity in your life? What steps can you take to embody a spirit of giving that reflects God's heart? [01:19]

2. Consider a time when you felt prompted to give sacrificially. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How might you be more open to such promptings in the future? [06:45]

3. The sermon emphasizes that true generosity is about the heart behind the gift. How can you cultivate a heart of generosity in your daily life, regardless of your financial situation? [24:25]

4. Think about a specific need in your community or church. How can you contribute to meeting that need, either through financial giving or other forms of support? [09:58]

5. The pastor shared a story about giving his savings to meet someone else's need. Is there a situation in your life where you feel called to give beyond your comfort zone? What might be holding you back, and how can you overcome it? [06:45]

6. How can you ensure that your giving is motivated by a desire to advance God's kingdom rather than seeking recognition or reward? What practical steps can you take to align your giving with this purpose? [31:33]

7. Reflect on the concept of "God's abundant provision" as discussed in the sermon. How can you trust in God's provision and live with open hands, ready to give as He leads? [38:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity as a New Standard
In a world dominated by a toxic money culture, God calls His people to set a new standard of generosity. This is not merely about financial giving but about embodying a spirit of generosity that reflects God's heart. Generosity serves as a powerful antidote to the exploitation and deceit prevalent in society. By choosing to live generously, believers can counteract the negative influences of a culture that often prioritizes wealth over compassion. This call to generosity challenges individuals to rise above societal norms and to live in a way that honors God and uplifts others. [01:19]

Isaiah 32:8 (ESV): "But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands."

Reflection: In what ways can you set a new standard of generosity in your daily interactions, beyond just financial giving?

Day 2: The Transformative Power of Obedience
Obedience to God's call can transform one's relationship with money and lead to a deeper understanding of the grace of giving. When individuals give in response to God's leading, they open themselves to His provision and blessing. This act of faith can set them on a lifelong path of learning to excel in the grace of giving. Obedience in giving is not about the amount but about the willingness to trust God and follow His guidance, even when it seems impractical. This transformative journey begins with a single step of faith, leading to a life enriched by God's abundant provision. [06:45]

2 Corinthians 8:3-4 (ESV): "For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to give sacrificially? How can you take a step of obedience today?

Day 3: The Measure of Giving
The Bible teaches that the measure of one's giving, whether sparing or generous, determines the measure of their blessing. True generosity is not about the amount but the heart behind the gift. The story of the widow's offering in Luke 21:3-4 exemplifies this principle, showing that even the smallest gift, given with a generous heart, is significant in God's eyes. This perspective challenges believers to examine their motives and to give with a heart full of love and compassion, trusting that God values the intention behind the gift more than its size. [24:25]

2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

Reflection: Reflect on your recent acts of giving. Are they motivated by love and generosity, or by obligation and recognition?

Day 4: Giving as a Response to God's Love
Giving should be motivated by a desire to make the world a better place and to see God's kingdom advance. When individuals give for Jesus and the gospel, not for recognition or reward, God promises to bless them abundantly. This kind of giving is a powerful tool for transformation, both in the lives of the givers and in the world around them. By focusing on the impact of their giving rather than the accolades, believers can align their actions with God's heart and contribute to the advancement of His kingdom on earth. [31:33]

Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV): "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from seeking recognition to genuinely advancing God's kingdom through your giving?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Abundant Provision
God is able to bless abundantly, enabling believers to be generous on every occasion. When individuals have a heart to give, God supplies and increases their ability to give, enlarging the harvest of their righteousness. This principle challenges believers to trust in God's provision and to live with open hands, ready to give as He leads. By trusting in God's abundant provision, individuals can experience the joy of giving and witness the transformative power of generosity in their lives and the lives of others. [38:34]

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more for His provision? How can you practice living with open hands today?

Quotes

1) "But I look back on that moment in my journey and I'm so thankful for it because that moment forever changed my relationship with money and it started for me what has become a lifelong journey of learning to grow in the grace of giving, in the grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8 verse 7 tells us that just as you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in your complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I wanna point out here, team, that the Bible's not talking about tithing when it talks about this. Tithing is returning. It's giving back to God that which rightfully belongs to Him. This is talking about giving." [08:45] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Giving is voluntary sacrifice. It's choosing to do something with our financial means to make a difference in the world beyond us. It's from the heart. It is a response. Giving is a response to the leading of God. Giving is meeting needs. Giving is sowing seeds. Giving is empowering God's work on the earth. Giving is being the hands and feet of Jesus. Giving is how we make the world a better place. And the Bible tells us, that God wants us to excel in giving. To sow financial seeds that will empower the work of God in our generation and make the world a better place. As believers in Jesus, we are called to give." [09:58] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "When I asked you, you gave to me. Now, when you're asking me, I've given to you. You are reaping because of what you have sown. Church, I want you to know that there is power in your giving. If you believe it, every campus, put your hands together and give your God some praise. Proverbs 11 verse 25. who live to bless others will have blessings poured upon them. And the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings is going to be saturated with favor. From the NIV Bible, it says a generous person will prosper and whoever refreshes others will themselves be refreshed. God wants his favor to be on your life." [13:00] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Giving creates tension because it is in opposition to the spirit of this age. I mean, think about some biblical examples and crazy biblical examples where Abraham waited 29 years for his son Isaac to be born. We don't know how old the kid is. We don't know how old the kid is. We don't know how old the kid is. We don't know how old the kid is. But we guess somewhere around the age of 12 to 14 years old, God speaks to Abraham and he says, I want you to sacrifice that son as an offering to me. Heavy. What a crazy thing to be asked to give. Yet the Bible tells us that Abraham, the very next morning, he gets up before the dawn, makes a three day journey, climbs the mountain of God, assembles an altar out of stones, takes his son Isaac that he's waited 29 years for, binds him with ropes and lays him on an altar, lifts a knife in the air, and is about to do what God asked him to do." [15:57] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "The Bible tells us that the rich young ruler, Jesus, looks at him with eyes of love and he says, sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and then come and follow me. Now let's get two things clear. Number one, Jesus absolutely wants us to give to the poor, but it is not exclusively, the only arena Jesus wants us to give to. Jesus was killed or betrayed by Judas because Judas wanted a bottle of perfume that had been poured over Jesus' feet to be sold and given to the poor. It's not about the direction of the giving. It's about the obedience of it." [19:08] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "The Bible tells us in Proverbs 11 verse 24, sorry, Proverbs 11, 24, the world of the generous gets larger and larger and the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. And we're gonna see this contrast everywhere we turn in the Bible. But right now, let's turn to our New Testament handbook on giving. 2 Corinthians chapter nine. I wanna take you on a little journey through this. I hope you're enjoying it so far. Buckle your seatbelts. We've got a little bit to go. 2 Corinthians chapter nine. We're gonna start reading in verse six. Remember this, Paul said, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. And whoever sows generously will also reap generously. You sow sparing, you reap sparing. You sow generous, you reap generous." [21:20] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "When it comes to giving, we should only ever give. We should only ever give what we've decided to give. If you are reluctant, don't give. If you feel under pressure or compulsion, don't give. Don't give. If you feel pressure, if you feel like you have to, don't give. Why? Because giving is about the heart. We don't give to get. That's not our desire. We should be immune from the thought that if we're given this offering that somehow we're then going to reap a hundredfold next week, we should be unable to be whipped up, hyped up, and we should never have a selfish motive attached to what we do. The motive must be not give to get, but give to give. I'm giving because I get to give. I'm giving because it is an honor to give." [30:30] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "God is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Look, God is able to bless you abundantly so that you always having everything you need can abound in good works. This is a verse that takes us wildly into the grace of giving because it's saying that God is literally able to bless you abundantly. Guys, listen up. You are the only person on earth who can decide what the right level of giving is for you. You're the only person on earth who can decide what the right level of giving is for you because here's the truth. God is able to bless you abundantly but there's a role that we need to play in His work being outworked through us." [33:56] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "God is able, but will we be willing? That is what we need to decide when it comes to this arena of giving. Because then it gets crazy. If we go to the next verse, this is literally what God says in verse 10. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich. You will be enriched in every way so you can be generous on every occasion. And so that through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving towards God. Wow. God says, supplies bread for food, but he also supplies seed to sowers. When God finds people with a heart to give, he says, if I can get it through you, I can get it to you." [37:40] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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