This week, we had the privilege of hearing from Darrin Miller with a word on generosity. God is so generous to us and designed generosity to be beneficial; generous people are healthier, happier, have lower stress, improved relationships and extend their lives to others. As we grow in a deep understanding of God’s lavish love and generosity toward us, we will extend it more freely to those around us. 

Generosity: Someone showing generosity is willing to share time, money, food, skills or kindness to others. Generosity is a quality — like honesty and patience.

**Disclaimer** City Central church is and has been a generous church! It has been amazing to be a part of a Body that gives generously and powerfully. A generous body starts with generous individuals. If we are not careful, as individuals we can rely on others to be generous and we do not have to consider before the Lord for us as individuals. 

Generosity can include time, talents and treasure, and is an indicator of our heart posture before the Lord. 

Self-Evaluation:

  • Am I a generous person?
  • What makes me a generous person? Why or why not?
  • Would others say I am a generous person?
    • My spouse
    • My co-workers
    • My friends

Common obstacles to generosity:

  • Selfishness
  • Fear
  • Rationalization
  • Materialism
  • Greed
  • Protection of self
  • Being judgmental or critical 

Luke 21:1-4

1Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 

3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

  1. God is a Generous God

Salvation

Rescuing us from ourselves

Provider

  • Romans 5:8 – yet while we were still sinners, He died for us.
  • Ephesians 2:8 – it is by grace that you have been saved.
  • John 3:16 – for God so loved the world and gave His only Son.
  • James 1:17 – every good and perfect gift from God.
  • John 10:10b – I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.
  • Gen 22:14 – God is our Provider – Jehovah Jireh.

2 Corinthians 

9As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.’ 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

God is a generous God – lavish, gracious, kind, long-suffering, merciful, grace-filled. When we begin to understand God’s generosity towards us – spiritually, emotionally, physically -we will live more generously.


2. Key Generosity Scriptures:


Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV

24There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,
         And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous,And he who waters will himself be watered.

1 Timothy 6:18 NIV

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Matthew 6:21 NIV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Also see:

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (The Message and ESV)

Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)

Proverbs 22:9 (NLT) 

3. Generosity Key Takeaways

Generosity begins with Gratitude

  1. When I am reminded of God’s goodness, grace, kindness and provision in my own life, I can be generous.

Generosity is Sacrificial

  1. It costs us something to give of our time, talents and treasure.
  2. Maybe I can do less “me” things.
  3. Give out of our comfort not just out of our abundance.
  4. It’s not always comfortable but God meets us there and blesses us – He promises provision and blessing to those who live generously.

Generosity is a Choice

  1. It is a choice we make daily.
  2. Daily interactions.

Generosity is an Action

  1. It’s not generosity if I don’t do something.
  2. A generous heart acts towards the church, others, those in need, our own family, etc.

Generosity becomes a Lifestyle

  1. Like freedom in Christ, generosity can become a lifestyle.
  2. Not just behavior modification but a heart of generosity.
  3. Lord helps us to live generous lifestyles.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you personally define generosity? In what ways do you see it manifesting in your life?
  2. Reflect on the self-evaluation questions posed in the sermon notes. What insights did you gain about your own generosity, and how might you act on those insights?
  3. Discuss the common obstacles to generosity mentioned in the sermon (selfishness, fear, etc.). Which of these do you struggle with the most, and how can the group support each other in overcoming these barriers?
  4. How do the biblical passages discussed (e.g., the widow’s offering in Luke 21) challenge your understanding of what it means to give generously?

Application Questions:

  1. Gratitude plays a role in our ability and willingness to be generous. Spend time reflecting on all that you can thank God for! 
  2. As you reflect with thanksgiving, ask the Lord what specific ways He is calling you to be generous this next year.