This week, Pastor Chris shared a message on the lavish generosity of God that frees us to live generously toward others. The flesh tells us that a preserved life is a thriving life, but God tells us that the most joy-filled people are those who give generously. As we obediently give, we witness God’s kind provision and we are a blessing to others.
Proverbs 11:24–25 (NLT)
24 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. 25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Mark 14:3–9 (ESV)
3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
Luke 10:38–39 (ESV)
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.
Luke 10:42 (ESV)
42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
God’s Overwhelming Generosity
Acts 14:17 (ESV)
17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”
Psalm 19:1 (MSG)
1 God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
James 1:17 (ESV)
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Ephesians 1:4–5 (ESV)
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
John 3:16 (ESV)
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
We are Created to Live Generously.
LIFE ~ Labor, Influence, Finances, Expertise.
- Labor ~ giving a helping hand
- Influence ~ using our position of authority
- Finances ~ blessing others monetarily
- Expertise ~ sharing a skill set or knowledge
“If people get their attitudes right toward money, it will help straighten out almost every other area of life.” Billy Graham
Benefits of Generosity
- Generosity transforms us spiritually.
- Generosity shows the world Christ is alive.
“The early church was strikingly different from the culture… the pagan society was stingy with its money and promiscuous with its body. A pagan gave nobody their money and practically gave everybody their body. And the Christians came along and gave practically nobody their body and they gave practically everybody their money.” Tim Keller
3. Generosity allows us to invest into things that matter.
4. Generous People Have an Abundance Mindset
Luke 12:15 (ESV)
15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NCV)
Tell the rich people to do good, to be rich in doing good deeds, to be generous and ready to share. By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future. Then they will be able to have the life that is true life.
“The older I get, the more I’ve come to believe that nothing I buy can take away my loneliness, fill my emptiness, or heal my brokenness.” Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)
Living Generously…
- Think Generously (Mind)
- Live Generously (Will)
- Give Generously (Emotions)
Later is Lethal!
Discussion Questions:
- We read the account of the woman anointing Jesus’ feet in Mark 14:3-9. What does this teach us about devotion and sacrifice?
- What are some specific ways God has been generous to you?
- Revisit the LIFE acronym and share how you can be generous in these areas.
Application Questions:
- Pastor Chris left us with a question to ask the Lord, “Lord, what are you saying to me regarding generosity?” Spend time listening to the Lord and then obey!
- Pastor Chris also mentioned there may be injustices around money. If that applies to you, get prayer! Reach out to a friend from your Life Group to walk you through an injustice prayer time.