Trusting God Through Generosity and Financial Stewardship
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound spiritual implications of money and generosity, concluding our series "Right on the Money." We began with a light-hearted reflection on childhood memories and the game show "The Price is Right," which served as a metaphor for understanding the value of things and the importance of perspective. This series has aimed to help us align our financial practices with our spiritual values, recognizing that money is a significant competitor for our hearts, as Jesus often taught.
We revisited the foundational truths that material possessions cannot satisfy, that money is not truly ours, and that Jesus is our ultimate treasure. These truths set the stage for a deeper understanding of financial stewardship. Last week, we addressed the practical challenges of debt and its impact on our ability to be generous. Today, we focused on the biblical principles of generosity, emphasizing that God calls us to trust Him beyond the numbers and the math.
We examined the example of the Corinthian church, which, despite its imperfections, was encouraged by Paul to practice regular and proportionate giving. Paul taught them to set aside resources consistently, not out of obligation but as an act of faith. This practice helps avoid the pressure of last-minute giving and fosters a habit of generosity. Paul also introduced the principle of sowing and reaping, illustrating that the more we sow, the greater the harvest we can expect, though the harvest ultimately belongs to God.
The sermon concluded with a heartfelt story of Bob Walker, a member of our church who exemplified a life of generosity in every aspect, reflecting the character of Jesus. His life serves as an inspiration for us to follow Jesus closely and live generously, trusting God to provide and multiply our efforts.
Key Takeaways:
1. Money as a Spiritual Issue: Money is not just a financial matter but a spiritual one, as it competes for our hearts. Jesus taught extensively about money because it reveals our affections and priorities. We must begin with the right perspective, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from Jesus, not material wealth. [05:21]
2. Trusting God Beyond the Math: God invites us to trust Him with our finances, even when the numbers don't add up. Our level of generosity reflects our trust in God. If we trust Him with our eternal destinies, we should also trust Him with our material possessions. [08:20]
3. Regular and Proportionate Giving: Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to give regularly and proportionately, making generosity a consistent practice. This approach prevents giving from feeling like an obligation and instead becomes an act of faith. [13:44]
4. The Principle of Sowing and Reaping: The law of the harvest teaches that sowing generously leads to a generous harvest. This principle is not about self-serving gain but about trusting God to multiply our efforts for His purposes. [28:12]
5. Living a Life of Generosity: Inspired by the example of Bob Walker, we are called to live generously in all areas of life, reflecting the character of Jesus. Generosity is not limited to finances but extends to love, encouragement, and grace. [39:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:29] - Lightening the Mood with "The Price is Right"
[04:20] - The Spiritual Issue of Money
[05:21] - Foundational Truths About Money
[06:36] - The Call to Trust God
[07:46] - Generosity as a Reflection of Trust
[09:42] - Learning from the Corinthian Church
[11:14] - Context of Paul's Letters
[12:28] - Practical Practices for Generosity
[13:44] - Regular and Proportionate Giving
[15:31] - Avoiding Leftover Giving
[17:25] - Generosity as a Priority
[18:20] - Proportionate Giving Explained
[20:19] - The Heart of Generosity
[22:13] - Personal Testimony of Giving
[26:21] - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
[28:12] - The Law of the Harvest
[30:05] - Trusting God in Generosity
[32:06] - Misunderstanding the Principle
[33:34] - Overcoming Fear in Giving
[35:32] - The Most Secure Place Financially
[38:20] - A Life of Generosity: Bob Walker's Story
[40:54] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Right on the Money"
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
2. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Paul give to the Corinthian church regarding their giving practices? (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)
2. How did the churches in Macedonia demonstrate generosity despite their circumstances? (2 Corinthians 8:1-2)
3. What principle does Paul teach in 2 Corinthians 9:6 about sowing and reaping, and how does it relate to generosity? [26:21]
4. In the sermon, what example was given to illustrate a life of generosity, and how did this person reflect the character of Jesus? [38:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul’s instruction for regular and proportionate giving challenge the common perception of giving as merely a financial transaction? [13:44]
2. What might Paul mean when he says that generosity should be an act of faith rather than an obligation? How does this align with the principle of sowing and reaping? [15:31]
3. How does the example of the Macedonian churches challenge our understanding of generosity in times of personal hardship? (2 Corinthians 8:1-2)
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between trust in God and financial generosity? [07:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current perspective on money. How does it align with the idea that money is a spiritual issue competing for your heart? What changes might you need to make? [05:21]
2. Consider a time when you trusted God beyond the numbers. How did that experience impact your faith and generosity? How can you apply this trust to your current financial situation? [08:20]
3. Do you have a regular and proportionate giving plan in place? If not, what steps can you take to establish one that reflects your faith and priorities? [13:44]
4. How can you incorporate the principle of sowing and reaping into your daily life, not just financially but in other areas such as time, love, and service? [28:12]
5. Bob Walker’s story exemplifies a life of generosity beyond finances. Identify one area in your life where you can practice generosity this week. [39:09]
6. Fear often hinders generosity. What specific fears do you have about giving, and how can you address them with faith and trust in God? [33:34]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to live generously, and what role can you play in fostering a culture of generosity in your church or small group? [40:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Money Reveals Our Heart's True Affections
Money is not merely a financial tool; it is a spiritual barometer that reveals our true affections and priorities. Jesus often spoke about money because it competes for our hearts, challenging us to examine where our true satisfaction lies. Material wealth can never fulfill the deepest longings of our souls, which are designed to find contentment in Jesus alone. By recognizing this, we can begin to align our financial practices with our spiritual values, ensuring that our hearts remain focused on what truly matters. [05:21]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, ESV)
Reflection: What recent financial decision have you made that reflects your true priorities? How can you ensure that your financial choices align with your spiritual values today?
Day 2: Trusting God When the Numbers Don't Add Up
God calls us to trust Him with our finances, even when the numbers don't seem to make sense. Our level of generosity is a reflection of our trust in God, who promises to provide for our needs. If we can trust Him with our eternal destinies, we should also trust Him with our material possessions. This trust is not about reckless financial decisions but about a faith that transcends mere calculations, believing that God can do more with our resources than we can imagine. [08:20]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a financial situation in your life where you are struggling to trust God? What step can you take today to demonstrate your trust in His provision?
Day 3: Cultivating a Habit of Generosity
Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to practice regular and proportionate giving, making generosity a consistent part of their lives. This approach prevents giving from feeling like an obligation and instead becomes an act of faith. By setting aside resources consistently, we avoid the pressure of last-minute giving and cultivate a habit of generosity that reflects our trust in God. This practice not only blesses others but also transforms our hearts, aligning us more closely with God's generous nature. [13:44]
"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: How can you incorporate regular and proportionate giving into your financial routine? What practical steps can you take this week to make generosity a consistent practice?
Day 4: The Law of the Harvest
The principle of sowing and reaping teaches that the more we sow, the greater the harvest we can expect. This is not about self-serving gain but about trusting God to multiply our efforts for His purposes. When we give generously, we participate in God's work, trusting Him to bring about a harvest that ultimately belongs to Him. This principle challenges us to view our resources as seeds that, when sown in faith, can produce a bountiful harvest for God's kingdom. [28:12]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What "seeds" can you sow today that might lead to a future harvest? How can you trust God to use your efforts for His purposes?
Day 5: Embracing a Life of Generosity
Inspired by the example of Bob Walker, we are called to live generously in all areas of life, reflecting the character of Jesus. Generosity is not limited to finances but extends to love, encouragement, and grace. By living generously, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our desire to reflect His love to others. This lifestyle of generosity invites us to look beyond ourselves and see the needs of those around us, offering what we have with open hands and hearts. [39:09]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what non-financial ways can you practice generosity today? How can you reflect the character of Jesus in your interactions with others this week?
Quotes
"Because as we discovered on week one, money is actually a spiritual issue. Because Jesus is after our hearts. And he acknowledged that money is one of the leading competitors for our hearts. And so he talked a lot about it. And he made it a spiritual issue because it is, because it has to do with our affections and our hearts." [00:05:33]
"But the Bible describes a God who is bigger, than the numbers, who is beyond the math. And here's the thing about God, is what He desires of us is that we would trust Him, right? I think that one of the big questions we have for God is, do you love me? And I think that one of the big questions that God has for us is, do you trust me, right?" [00:07:25]
"Our level of generosity, I think, it's not just about who we trust, it's about who we trust. It just reveals kind of who or what we put our trust in. And when you think about it, for those of us in this room who know and love Jesus, why in the world would we trust Him with our eternal destinies and not with our stuff?" [00:08:28]
"Paul does not want their giving to be or to feel coerced or manipulative or to give out of a sense of like reluctancy or compulsion, like I have to do this, right? And so he's trying to avoid that awkward thing where Paul kind of rides into town. He comes to the church. He says, hey, you guys, you were willing to help with this need. Where is it?" [00:14:40]
"Generosity becomes an act of faith and confidence in God's ability to meet my needs and to meet the needs of others through generosity, right? It's just simply an act of faith instead of feelings. And that's what Paul is trying to teach the church in Corinth. And so he gives them this simple practice. Every week, set something aside." [00:17:51]
"As you look throughout scripture, one of the ways that God taught the nation of Israel to learn how to give proportionately was when he called them to percentage giving, right? And so if you read through the Old Testament and actually find some of that in the New Testament as well under, you know, several times during the year in the life of the nation of Israel where God would say, I want you to bring in… what was called a tithe, which was like, you know, which meant, you know, 10%, okay?" [00:19:12]
"The principle is really simple, that the more seed you sow, the greater harvest you reap. You plant this little tiny seed, and what happens? It grows up and produces many times more. Seed, right? That's just the simple law of the harvest. And so as, like a farmer, say, a farmer, it would be counterproductive, it would be self-destructive for a farmer to use up all that he harvests." [00:27:29]
"Some people have taken that principle and made it self-serving, misunderstanding it completely, right? So some people have said this, oh, I love this principle. The principle is this. If I financially sow seed for God, he's going to really bless. He's going to really bless me, if I sow seed, if I financially do this, then God, you're going to fill my bank accounts to overflowing, right?" [00:31:00]
"I believe that the most secure place we can be financially is when we accept God's invitation to steward his stuff with generosity to steward his stuff his money his love his grace his forgiveness with his generous purposes in mind I think that's the most secure place we can be a place of faith and trust in him." [00:36:16]
"And one of the things I love about Bob is that he was such an authentic person, and he truly lived a life of generosity. I mean, he was generous. If you know him, he was generous in his love. He was generous in his encouragement. He was generous with forgiveness. He was generous with grace. He was generous with patience. He was generous." [00:38:08]
"Bob made a habit in his life that when he and his wife or he and his family went out to dinner, if they saw somebody in the restaurant who was sitting alone, he would invite them to their table and pay for their meal. He would just go up to a complete stranger and say, hey, would you like to come and join our family for dinner? He did that for years and years." [00:39:12]
"Life of generosity in every aspect he looked a lot like Jesus and my prayer for us as a church is that we would follow Jesus so closely that we would begin to look a lot like him too and he was the most generous person who ever walked the face of this planet in every area of life and I pray that would be true of you and I as well." [00:41:05]
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