Transformative Stewardship: Trusting God Through Generous Giving
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to be stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. As we invest in the ministry of our church, we become instruments through which God touches countless lives. Our giving is not merely a financial transaction; it is a spiritual act that transforms us from the inside out. When we give, we are not just parting with our money; we are offering a part of ourselves, our labor translated into capital. This act of giving changes us because it is an expression of who we are and our commitment to God's work.
Our financial stewardship is a reflection of our discipleship. True disciples of Jesus give generously and joyfully because they are following the example of Christ Himself. As we give, we become more like Him, and our lives are marked by the same magnanimity that characterized His earthly ministry.
Throughout Scripture, we see God's faithfulness in providing for His people. From manna in the wilderness to the widow's replenished oil, God's provision is evident. He is not only the God of the past but also of the present, actively involved in our lives today. When we trust Him with our finances, we begin to compile our own catalog of blessings, witnessing firsthand His faithfulness.
As we consider our own giving, we must remember that God does not call us to do something without also enabling us to do it. He equips us for every good work He has called us to, including the stewardship of our resources. When we step out in faith to tithe and give, we can trust that God will provide for us, just as He has promised.
In closing, I urge you to examine the evidence of God's faithfulness, exercise your faith by acting on His Word, expect God to respond in His timing, and experience the blessings that come from obedience. As we move forward, let us embrace stewardship as an act of worship, trusting that as each of us is blessed individually, our church will be blessed corporately.
Key Takeaways:
- Stewardship is not merely about money; it is about our hearts and our relationship with God. When we give, we are expressing our trust in Him and acknowledging His lordship over our lives. This act of obedience is a testament to our faith and a declaration that we value God above all else. [47:06]
- God's provision is not limited to our understanding or our past experiences. He is the God of the present, actively working in our lives. When we trust Him with our resources, we open ourselves up to witness His faithfulness and to receive blessings that we could not have imagined. [01:01:37]
- The act of giving is transformative. It is not just about the financial aspect but about the change it brings to our character and our priorities. As we align our actions with God's will, we become more like Jesus, and our lives reflect His generosity and love. [36:35]
- God equips us for the tasks He calls us to. When we are called to give, we can be confident that He will provide the means for us to do so. This principle is not just about tithing but about every aspect of our lives where God calls us to step out in faith. [39:07]
- Our giving should be rooted in the promises of God. He has assured us that if we are faithful in our stewardship, He will meet our needs according to His riches in glory. This promise is not just about material wealth but about the abundant life that comes from walking in obedience to Him. [53:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NKJV)
> "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
2. Malachi 3:10 (NKJV)
> "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."
3. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
> "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, what kind of giver does God love, and what does He promise to those who give in this manner?
2. In Malachi 3:10, what does God challenge His people to do, and what does He promise in return?
3. How does Philippians 4:19 describe God's provision for our needs?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate God's faithfulness in providing for His people? ([40:25])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "cheerful giver" as described in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, and how does this reflect our relationship with God?
2. How can the promise in Malachi 3:10 encourage believers to trust God with their finances?
3. How does the concept of God supplying "according to His riches in glory" in Philippians 4:19 impact our understanding of His provision?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how does the act of giving transform our character and priorities? ([36:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you trusted God with your finances. How did you see His faithfulness in that situation? ([41:44])
2. How can you cultivate a heart of cheerful giving in your daily life? What practical steps can you take this week to give joyfully? ([45:02])
3. In what ways can you compile your own "catalog of blessings" to remind yourself of God's faithfulness? ([01:01:37])
4. How can you align your financial decisions with the principle of stewardship as an act of worship? ([47:06])
5. What specific area of your life is God calling you to step out in faith and trust Him more? How can you take a tangible step in that direction this week? ([39:07])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to embrace the principles of stewardship and experience the blessings of obedience? ([01:07:44])
7. Think of a recent financial decision you made. How did it reflect your trust in God's provision, and what might you do differently in the future to better align with His promises? ([53:52])
Devotional
Day 1: Giving Reflects Our Trust in God
True stewardship goes beyond the act of giving; it is a profound expression of trust in God and a recognition of His sovereignty over our lives. When individuals give, they are not just transferring funds to the church; they are demonstrating a tangible commitment to God's work and acknowledging that everything they have comes from Him. This act of faith is a spiritual discipline that shapes the giver's heart, aligning it more closely with God's heart. As believers practice this form of worship, they find that their priorities shift, and their dependence on material wealth diminishes, replaced by a reliance on God's provision and promises.
The transformation that occurs through giving is not limited to the spiritual realm; it often has practical implications as well. As one invests in the kingdom of God, they may witness changes in their own life—changes in how they view money, how they make financial decisions, and how they prioritize their time and resources. This shift is not always easy, but it is always rewarding, as it brings individuals into closer fellowship with God and with their community of faith. [47:06]
"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you." - 1 Chronicles 29:14
Reflection: How does your current pattern of giving reflect your trust in God's sovereignty over your life?
Day 2: Witnessing God's Faithfulness
The Bible is replete with stories of God's unwavering faithfulness to His people. These accounts are not just historical records; they are reminders that God is still active and present in the lives of believers today. Trusting God with one's finances is a step of faith that opens the door to experiencing His provision in new and unexpected ways. It is an invitation to witness the reality of God's promises in one's own life, to compile a personal catalog of blessings that testify to His goodness and care.
When individuals choose to trust God with their resources, they may find that their worries about the future lessen. They learn to live with open hands, ready to receive God's blessings and to share them with others. This posture of expectancy does not mean that they will never face financial challenges, but it does mean that they can face those challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with them and for them. [01:01:37]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you experienced God's provision in a way that strengthened your faith?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Giving
Giving is not merely a financial decision; it is a spiritual practice that has the power to transform the giver. As believers align their actions with God's will, they become more like Jesus, reflecting His generosity and love in their own lives. This transformation is not instantaneous; it is a process that unfolds as individuals continue to give and to serve. Over time, they may notice that their desires change, that they are more concerned with the needs of others than with their own comfort and security.
This change is a sign of spiritual growth, a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. As they give, they are not just supporting the church or various ministries; they are participating in the very work of God, becoming co-laborers with Christ in the mission of redemption and restoration. [36:35]
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." - 2 Corinthians 9:6
Reflection: In what ways has the practice of giving impacted your character and priorities?
Day 4: Equipped for Every Good Work
God does not call His people to tasks without also providing the means to accomplish them. This principle holds true for the stewardship of resources as well. When God prompts an individual to give, they can step out in faith, trusting that He will provide what is needed. This assurance allows believers to give generously, not out of their abundance, but out of their trust in God's ability to supply.
This divine provision is not limited to financial resources; it includes the spiritual gifts, talents, and opportunities that God gives to each person. As believers use these gifts in service to others, they discover that God's equipping is comprehensive, preparing them for every good work He has called them to do. [39:07]
"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 area where you feel God is calling you to give or serve, and how can you trust Him to equip you for this task?
Day 5: Rooted in God's Promises
The act of giving should be grounded in the promises of God. He has assured His people that if they are faithful in their stewardship, He will meet their needs according to His riches in glory. This promise encompasses more than material wealth; it speaks to the abundant life that is found in walking in obedience to God. As believers give, they do so with the expectation that God will honor His word, providing not only for their material needs but also for their spiritual growth and well-being.
This assurance allows believers to give freely and joyfully, knowing that their security is not in their bank accounts but in the faithfulness of God. As they live out this principle, they become witnesses to others of God's goodness and provision, encouraging others to trust in Him as well. [53:52]
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." - Malachi 3:10
Reflection: How does your giving reflect a life rooted in the promises of God rather than in personal security?
Quotes
1) "When God changes your money, he changes you. When God changes how you think about your money, that change goes much deeper than your billfold; it goes right to your heart." [36:35] (Download) 2) "True disciples give, they give and give and give, and Jesus' disciples are big-souled and magnanimous, and the reason is that's the way Jesus was. Disciples are like Jesus." [01:02:28] (Download) 3) "Anyone who chooses to maintain his fear that God will not provide for him will never know the blessing of God. We either live by fear or we live by faith." [01:03:08] (Download) 4) "God doesn't call the enabled; he enables the called. When he calls you, he is committed to do for you whatever it is you need so that you can accomplish the thing he's asked you to do." [39:07] (Download) 5) "God's promises are the foundation of our giving. If you do what God has called you to do, God is obligated to help you do it. You don't have to do this thing alone." [54:31] (Download) 6) "God blesses us out of the riches of his glory. This promise is in direct response to our faithful stewardship and Paul makes this promise to the Philippians in response to their investment of God's provision in his life." [53:52] (Download) 7) "If we give to the Lord before we give to ourselves, we put ourselves in a position where we have to trust him and know that he will make up for us whatever we have surrendered to him." [55:53] (Download) 8) "God blesses us out of the reservoir of his grace. His reservoir of Grace will never run dry. Does God have enough Grace for everyone? Absolutely. By Grace we are all saved." [45:46] (Download) 9) "If you're sitting on the edge of Faith trying to decide whether to begin tithing, I hope this lesson will move you forward. I hope you will take this step and trust God." [43:04] (Download) 10) "God never out promises himself. In this situation, it's not what we can do, but it's what God can do. We focus on what God can do, and the disappointment begins to go away." [44:19] (Download)
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