Generosity Discussion with Todd McMichen and Leo Sabo
In this week’s zoom meeting, we are joined by Todd McMichen to discuss Generosity.
Notes
Giving is central to everything
You can’t do anything for others without giving. Whether it is our time, gifts/abilities, or our treasure, giving is always required as we serve God or we help/serve people. (Matthew 10:8, Colossians 3:23-24, Luke 6:38)
The way we give reveals what we value and who we value.
As it relates to giving financially, it is the clearest indicator of what we really believe and in whom or what we trust. (Prov. 11:24-25)
Created to be generous
Made in His image - We were created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27). He is generous; therefore, we are designed and meant to be generous.
Sin’s impact - from “God” focused to “us” focused.
A tug-of-war in our heart that causes us to want to hoard instead of give. (Proverbs 3:27)
Selfishness and self-preservation work against our spiritual design to be generous.
Maintaining a generous spirit
Consider all you have
Everything we possess, even the abilities we have to gain wealth has been given to us. (Deuteronomy 8:8)
God has freely given to us everything - we have not been given what we deserve (nothing earned). (Romans 8:32)
Recall God’s generosity from your past
We’ve all experienced God’s faithfulness, especially in difficult times.
God has promised to provide. (Matthew 6:25-33)
Remembering and declaring His goodness serves not only to remind us that he is faithful, it also strengthens our faith to trust him in our current circumstances.
Practice Generosity
Giving increases our trust in God - when we give, whether it’s our time or our money, it requires trusting God more, that he will take care of our needs. (Proverbs 11:24-25)
It’s not the size of the gift that matters, it’s the heart behind the decision and action of giving that matters. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Being conformed to the image of Christ requires that we live and give as he did, consistently and sacrificially.
Supporting Scriptures:
Genesis 1:26a-27 “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,… So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;”
Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Proverbs 11:24-25 “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.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
Deuteronomy 8:18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
Questions:
Why is giving regularly an important part of a Christian’s life?
Why do people struggle with being generous, especially when giving money?
How do we ensure we are making the right giving decisions?
