Defined by generosity
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Transcript of Defined by generosity
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Defined by Generosity
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
• Being simple and not simplistic• Living as who God made us to be• Moving from the Prodigal to the
Returned• Ask different questions• Our goal is to be content with who we
are.
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Main Idea
We experience true joy when our
lives are defined by generosity
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Prayer
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Biblical Foundation
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Biblical Foundation
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of life that really is life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Biblical Foundation
Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.
A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water
Proverbs 11:24-25
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
As the Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives, we begin to think less about ourselves and more about others. We begin to see the needs of others and wonder, If I don’t do something, who will? As this change takes place within us, we experience real joy. We discover that we find more joy in doing things for other people and for God than we ever did in doing things for ourselves.
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
This is what Jesus meant when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)
“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25)
How do we “gain” more than we “lose” when we give generously to others?
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Video
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Key Insights• God designed us to be generous• There are two “voices” that war against
our God-given impulse toward generosity: fear and self-gratification. As we put our faith in Jesus Christ and grow spiritually, we silence these voices and become more and more generous.
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Key Insights• A central theological foundation for
generosity is this: Life is a gift, and everything belongs to God.
• Most Christians agree that the tithe is still a good guideline for our lives today, and one that is pleasing to God.
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Key Insights• The Lord is pleased when we give
freely with grateful hearts. When offered in pure, selfless love, our offerings bless the Lord.
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Wesley Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but thine
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom though wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee.
Exalted for thee or brought low for thee
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Wesley Covenant Prayer
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal
Amen
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Questions
1. If you were participating in a debate, how would you defend: When God created humankind, God designed us to be generous.
2. What happens when we realize that our lives are not our own? What’s helped you realize this?
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Questions
1. Why do you think giving an offering was the central act of worship in early times?
2. Do you think that giving is central to what we do today? How do we change?
3. Why is giving challenging today? How do we overcome this?
Simplicity • Generosity • Joy
Wrapping it Up
We’re done!!!