Generosity

the big idea:

This is the second segment in a number of sermon series that will clarify what Jesus really said concerning some of the most challenging topics today. We all get a little uncomfortable when the topic of money comes up. Jesus, however, was not at all uncomfortable with the topic. That’s because he knew that money wasn’t really the issue. The issue was the heart.

Jesus came from the viewpoint that everything we are and have comes from God—the God who not only promises to provide generously for all our needs, but also gave up his own life so that we could have and enjoy life to the full. As we take a closer look at what Jesus said about generosity we seek to better understand God’s heart and what his overwhelming generosity looks like and means for our everyday lives.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26).

the breakdown:

November 12:  Generous God

Generosity starts with trust. If we trust that we’ll always have what we need, that there’s no need for worry or anxiety, that it’s not necessary to hold so tightly to the things we have, we will experience the incredible and liberating freedom called generosity. God promises to care for all our needs. Do we believe his promise?

Scriptures: Psalm 37:16-26; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Luke 12:22-34; Psalm 121

Sermon Text:  Luke 12:22-34

November 19:  Generous Life

We tend to think that generosity relates only to our money and material possessions. Yet, the scriptures teach that everything we are and have comes from God. That means generosity is an attitude of the heart that touches every aspect of our lives and behavior.

Scriptures: Proverbs 3:1-10; Colossians 4:2-6; Luke 16:1-15; Psalm 62

Sermon Text:  Luke 16:1-15

Thanksgiving Eve: Generous Vision

God provides so richly and generously not because he has so much to give (which he does!), but because he loves us so very much. Generosity finds joy in meeting a need. Our world is so full of need. Each need is an opportunity to show our gratitude by loving as God as he so richly and graciously loved us.

Scriptures: Isaiah 58:1-9a; 1 John 3:16-18; Matthew 25:35-40; Psalm 100

Sermon Text:  Matthew 25:34-40

November 25:  Generous Heart

We sometimes think that we can’t be “generous” because generosity inherently means giving away lots of something and we don’t necessarily have “a lot” of anything. But generosity, as we’ve learned is a matter of the heart and is measured in sacrifice.

Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:8-16; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Mark 12:41-44; Psalm 65

Sermon Text:  Mark 12:41-44