Unordinary Generosity: Transforming Lives Through Compassion
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family! It's always a joy to gather together and sing about all that God has done. If you're wondering why we come together every Sunday, it's because God is still moving us from places of death into places of life. Maybe you're here today feeling surrounded by circumstances that feel like death, and you need God to break in and give you life to the full. We've been journeying as a church from Pentecost, the moment when Jesus rose again and sent His Spirit to be one with His people. What began 2,000 years ago is still happening today. God is actively making all things new, not just in the world but in our lives right now. There's something in each of our lives that God wants to transform from death to life.
As we continue this journey, we see that God's people experienced a physical manifestation of the Kingdom of God. They lived in a way that was victorious over death, experiencing both spiritual and physical transformation. Last Sunday, we talked about how God is transforming us to become part of a new body, each with a unique purpose. This week, we're learning about another aspect of God's transformation: unordinary generosity.
In Acts 4:31-35, we read that after the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They spoke the word of God boldly and were one in heart and mind. No one claimed any of their possessions as their own; they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's grace was so powerfully at work in them that there were no needy persons among them. Those who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
This unordinary generosity was a physical manifestation of the Kingdom of God. It looked strange to the world because people were doing crazy things like selling their possessions and sharing everything. But this generosity created a culture of compassion, moving people from seeing others' needs as competition to seeing them as opportunities to be who God called them to be.
Generosity is hard because it challenges our natural inclination to hold onto what we have. We often believe the lie that we will never have enough, which leads to a scarcity mindset. This mindset creates a culture of competition and puts us in a contentious relationship with God. Ananias and Sapphira's story in Acts 5:1-11 illustrates this. They sold a piece of property but kept back part of the money for themselves, lying to the Holy Spirit. This lie led Ananias to death, showing that living under the lie of scarcity leads to death.
In contrast, Joseph, also known as Barnabas, sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles' feet. This act of generosity was evidence of the transformational work of the Holy Spirit in his life. Generosity is not about how much we give but about the transformation that happens in our hearts. When we live like Jesus, we become conduits of God's grace and love, not containers. God always fills what has been voluntarily emptied.
Generosity moves us from a culture of competition to a culture of compassion. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit's transformational work in our lives. When we let go of the lie of scarcity and trust that God will provide, we experience life in abundance. Let us pray that God will expose the lies that lead us to death and help us live lives of unordinary generosity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Generosity Creates a Culture of Compassion: Generosity shifts our perspective from seeing others' needs as competition to viewing them as opportunities to fulfill God's calling in our lives. This transformation fosters a community where needs are openly shared and met, breaking the cycle of shame and competition. [49:57]
2. Generosity as Evidence of the Holy Spirit's Work: True generosity is not about the amount we give but the transformation in our hearts. The Holy Spirit changes our perspective, leading us from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. This transformation is evident in the early church, where there were no needy persons among them. [53:02]
3. Scarcity Leads to Competition and Contention: The lie of scarcity creates a culture of competition and puts us in a contentious relationship with God. Ananias and Sapphira's story illustrates how living under this lie leads to death. In contrast, living in God's truth leads to life and abundance. [47:11]
4. Transformation from Containers to Conduits: We are not meant to be containers of God's blessings but conduits. When we hold onto what we have, it becomes stagnant. But when we freely give, God continually fills us with His grace and love, leading to a life of abundance. [56:02]
5. Trusting God to Provide: The lie of scarcity tells us that what we have is never enough and that God won't provide. But God's truth is that He will always fill what has been voluntarily emptied. Trusting in God's provision leads us to live lives of unordinary generosity, reflecting His Kingdom on earth. [59:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:16] - Introduction and Context
[32:01] - The Continuation of Pentecost
[32:38] - God's Desire for Transformation
[33:10] - Physical Manifestation of the Kingdom
[33:41] - Unordinary Generosity
[34:12] - Acts 4:31-35 Reading
[35:16] - The Challenge of Generosity
[36:13] - Generosity is Hard
[37:09] - Personal Story of Generosity
[39:46] - The Lie of Scarcity
[41:07] - Joseph and Ananias
[47:11] - Scarcity and Competition
[49:57] - Generosity Creates Compassion
[53:02] - Evidence of the Holy Spirit
[56:02] - From Containers to Conduits
[59:37] - Trusting God to Provide
[01:00:21] - Prayer and Confession
[01:01:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:31-35: "After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need."
2. Acts 5:1-11: "Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.' When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, 'Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?' 'Yes,' she said, 'that is the price.' Peter said to her, 'How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.' At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events."
#### Observation Questions
1. What happened to the believers after they prayed in Acts 4:31? How did this affect their behavior? ([34:12])
2. How did the early believers demonstrate their unity and generosity according to Acts 4:32-35? ([34:45])
3. What was the consequence for Ananias and Sapphira when they lied about their generosity in Acts 5:1-11? ([42:51])
4. How did the early church respond to the needs of their community, and what was the result? ([34:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the unity and generosity of the early believers in Acts 4:32-35 reveal about the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives? ([34:45])
2. How does the story of Ananias and Sapphira illustrate the dangers of a scarcity mindset? ([42:51])
3. In what ways does generosity create a culture of compassion, as seen in the early church? ([49:57])
4. How does the transformation from a container to a conduit of God's blessings change one's perspective on generosity? ([56:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the tension between generosity and scarcity. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([36:44])
2. How can you shift your perspective from seeing others' needs as competition to viewing them as opportunities to fulfill God's calling in your life? ([49:57])
3. What steps can you take to become a conduit of God's blessings rather than a container? ([56:02])
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with a scarcity mindset. How can you trust God to provide in that area? ([47:54])
5. How can you foster a culture of compassion within your small group or community? What practical actions can you take to meet the needs of others? ([49:57])
6. Think of a person or family in your community who is in need. What can you do this week to demonstrate unordinary generosity towards them? ([34:45])
7. How can you regularly remind yourself of God's promises to provide, especially when you feel tempted to hold onto your resources tightly? ([47:54])
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity Creates a Culture of Compassion
Generosity shifts our perspective from seeing others' needs as competition to viewing them as opportunities to fulfill God's calling in our lives. This transformation fosters a community where needs are openly shared and met, breaking the cycle of shame and competition. In the early church, believers were one in heart and mind, sharing everything they had. This unordinary generosity was a physical manifestation of the Kingdom of God, creating a culture of compassion and mutual support. When we embrace this mindset, we move from a place of scarcity and competition to one of abundance and compassion.
Generosity is challenging because it goes against our natural inclination to hold onto what we have. We often believe the lie that we will never have enough, leading to a scarcity mindset. However, when we trust in God's provision and embrace a generous spirit, we create a community where everyone's needs are met, and we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. Let us pray that God will help us see others' needs as opportunities to be who He has called us to be. [49:57]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection: Think of a need you see in your community. How can you respond with compassion and generosity today?
Day 2: Generosity as Evidence of the Holy Spirit's Work
True generosity is not about the amount we give but the transformation in our hearts. The Holy Spirit changes our perspective, leading us from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. This transformation is evident in the early church, where there were no needy persons among them. The believers' unordinary generosity was a testament to the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, creating a community where everyone's needs were met.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, we become conduits of God's grace and love. This transformation moves us from a place of fear and scarcity to one of trust and abundance. As we live out this generosity, we reflect the Kingdom of God on earth, showing the world the power of God's love and provision. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, leading us to live lives of unordinary generosity. [53:02]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform your perspective on generosity today?
Day 3: Scarcity Leads to Competition and Contention
The lie of scarcity creates a culture of competition and puts us in a contentious relationship with God. Ananias and Sapphira's story illustrates how living under this lie leads to death. They sold a piece of property but kept back part of the money for themselves, lying to the Holy Spirit. This lie led Ananias to death, showing that living under the lie of scarcity leads to death.
In contrast, living in God's truth leads to life and abundance. When we trust in God's provision and embrace a generous spirit, we move from a place of competition and contention to one of trust and abundance. Let us pray that God will expose the lies that lead us to death and help us live lives of unordinary generosity. [47:11]
Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV): "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel scarcity. How can you trust God to provide and move from competition to compassion today?
Day 4: Transformation from Containers to Conduits
We are not meant to be containers of God's blessings but conduits. When we hold onto what we have, it becomes stagnant. But when we freely give, God continually fills us with His grace and love, leading to a life of abundance. This transformation from containers to conduits is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, creating a community where everyone's needs are met.
When we live like Jesus, we become conduits of God's grace and love, not containers. This transformation moves us from a place of fear and scarcity to one of trust and abundance. As we live out this generosity, we reflect the Kingdom of God on earth, showing the world the power of God's love and provision. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, leading us to live lives of unordinary generosity. [56:02]
Luke 6:38 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a blessing you have received. How can you become a conduit of God's grace and love by sharing this blessing with others today?
Day 5: Trusting God to Provide
The lie of scarcity tells us that what we have is never enough and that God won't provide. But God's truth is that He will always fill what has been voluntarily emptied. Trusting in God's provision leads us to live lives of unordinary generosity, reflecting His Kingdom on earth. When we let go of the lie of scarcity and trust that God will provide, we experience life in abundance.
Generosity moves us from a culture of competition to a culture of compassion. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit's transformational work in our lives. When we let go of the lie of scarcity and trust that God will provide, we experience life in abundance. Let us pray that God will expose the lies that lead us to death and help us live lives of unordinary generosity. [59:37]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God's provision. How can you take a step of faith and trust God to provide in this area today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Good morning, church family. How we doing this morning? Good. Man, it's so good to be with you. I love that song. I love the singing about all that God has done. And if you are wondering, like, why we come every Sunday morning as Jesus followers, why we gather together in community, that song for me sums it all up because God is still moving us from places of death into places of life. Amen? And maybe you're here today and, like, that feels so true and so needed in your life. Maybe you're living in the midst of what you would describe as situations or circumstances where death is, like, all around you. And you need today for God to break in and say, I am here to give you life, to give you life to the full, life to abundance." [31:16]
2. "Generosity is hard. Anybody else? I feel like I'm, this first service too, I feel like I'm the only one. Either that or nobody wants to, speak up because it makes you uncomfortable. But the truth is, I think underneath it all, generosity is hard. Because generosity says, what's mine is yours, right? But I think at the deep levels of even our posture towards giving and our posture towards giving ourselves and time and talents, resources, all that kind of stuff, giving our lives, the reality is we don't like living under what's mine is yours. Because the truth is, most of us believe this, what's mine isn't yours, in fact." [36:44]
3. "I think it speaks to something that's deep in our hearts. In terms of our relationship with generosity and this transformative work that God is wanting to do in our lives. And within that perspective of how the world works, I believe there's a lie that the enemy of your soul and mine has seeded into our hearts that drives that emotion and it drives the activity of our lives in response to that emotion. Because here's the lie. I think we believe, we believe the lie that we will never have enough. I wonder if this describes how you feel about life at certain times of life. Maybe how you feel right now. When you go to write your bills, and you look at your bank account, and this lie is reinforced, isn't it? You will never have enough. Enough is never enough." [40:29]
4. "Generosity is not about how much you write in a checkbook, you know? We can have a church full of people who give all kinds of money and yet still are ruled by the culture of scarcity in their lives. Because you're in control. Because you don't trust God. It's easy to say I'll give. I'll give this much, right? While I'm holding on to everything else. I'm protecting myself from all of the potential threats to what I have because I believe at the end of the day that what I have isn't enough. But what if God could set you free? What if God could open your eyes to a new way of living? I believe he wants to change our perspective." [56:02]
5. "And really all of it reveals this heart issue in a response to the scarcity in our lives. And it keeps us from living a life of life and instead leads us on a pathway towards death. So scarcity puts us in direct competition with others. It also puts us in a contentious relationship with God. And we noticed what happened with Ananias. Paul said to him, Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit? It says, in the passage here, and having kept some for yourself, the money you received from the land, it didn't belong to you before it was sold. Didn't you own it? He goes on to say, what made you think of doing such a thing? You've not just lied to humans, but you've lied to God." [47:11]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Generosity creates a culture of compassion. That moves me from seeing you and your need as competition or threat to what I have. And instead it opens my eyes and awareness to your need as an opportunity to be who God's called me to be. Check it out in the passage of scripture. Joseph shows us this reality, a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles called Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. He sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles feet. He was living in this transformative reality." [49:57]
2. "Generosity, I believe, is the evidence of the transformational work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. And friends, here's where the rubber meets the road. Because your faith journey is not about your decision to change and do something different. Your faith journey, the way God intends it that will lead you to life, flows out of a transformational work of the Holy Spirit in your life. And there is no substitute. God was working in this group of people and something happened because of his presence there. Check it out in Acts chapter 4 verse 33. It says this, Listen. It says what? So powerfully at work in them. They had this encounter with the Holy Spirit, with Jesus, the risen Christ that changed everything." [53:02]
3. "Scarcity is rooted in the lie that God is unable to do what he promises. If we are living under the oppression of the lie that enough will never be enough, that it's running out. If you think about it, underneath that is a belief that if it runs out, God won't be there. If it runs out, I didn't have enough in the first place. And I'm not just talking about your resources. I'm talking about even our perspective and our faith in God to, to make good on his promises. When I'm, when I'm standing at the precipice from this life into the next, you see what I'm talking about? This, what we're talking about today is not your checkbooks. This is a life and death issue for us because at the end of the day, if scarcity rules your life, it tells you you, you not only do you not have enough money, it's going to run out, but you don't have enough time and, and God isn't going to be there to help you." [48:42]
4. "And all of a sudden, when I become a conduit and enter into the realities of the kingdom of God, where the things that are received are given, things that are voluntarily emptied are always filled. And all of a sudden, God begins to pour into my life and begins to say, John, you didn't know abundance until now. You didn't know what it meant to receive all that I could give you. You didn't know what it meant to be completely available to my grace. And God will begin to pour into you." [58:44]
5. "And we continue in this wonderful story where God's people experienced this movement of God going in and entering into their very lives, where God and humanity became one. And all of a sudden, in that unification, in that restoration, God's people started living a different way. And really what it was so cool is this physical manifestation of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God in the world where life vanquished and was victorious over death. And the people of God experienced not just a spiritual transformation, but they were experiencing a physical transformation." [33:10]
6. "So we enter back into the story. This people were encountering the Holy Spirit. They were experiencing a transformation and it played out in really cool ways in their lives. Here's one example. Joseph was one of the community of faith there in that day. He was a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostle called Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. And he, like many others, saw a need and he sold a field he owned and he brought the money and put it at the apostle's feet. And now another man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property just like Joseph. But something happened in their relationship with generosity. With his wife's full knowledge, Ananias, he kept back part of the money for himself. But brought the rest and put it at the apostle's feet as if to play the part in the community." [41:07]
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