Impact: Generosity
Impact
Generosity
What is the most generous thing someone has ever done for you that did not involve money?
For me, it has been people investing their time in me.
Family: My mom and dad
Friends: John Will, Gerald Eckert, Frank Kramer, Dave Jaycox, Dave Modglin, Kabeta
Pastors:
Their generosity came through caring for me and taking the time to invest in my life.
Generosity
Generosity is a quality of being kind.
For me, generosity begins as a prompting of kindness, a moment when the Holy Spirit nudges me to respond to a need.
Examples:
This leads me to a question:
Is my heart in a place where God can prompt me to be generous?
For me, it has been people investing their time in me.
Family: My mom and dad
Friends: John Will, Gerald Eckert, Frank Kramer, Dave Jaycox, Dave Modglin, Kabeta
Pastors:
- Dr. Danny O’Guinn (evangelism)
- Frank Whitney (pastoral wisdom)
- Gerald Davidson (leadership)
- Todd Foreman (perseverance)
- Brian Lester (doing your best, and even how to drive a bus!)
Their generosity came through caring for me and taking the time to invest in my life.
Generosity
Generosity is a quality of being kind.
For me, generosity begins as a prompting of kindness, a moment when the Holy Spirit nudges me to respond to a need.
Examples:
- Helping someone in Walmart who couldn’t reach the top shelf
- Mowing a yard
- Responding when I see a need
This leads me to a question:
Is my heart in a place where God can prompt me to be generous?
Today is not about money, it is about mission.
It is about eternity.
2 Corinthians 9:6–15
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
9 As it is written:
“He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,
14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
There is no doubt that we should practice financial generosity.
“The generous will prosper, and those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” -Proverbs 11:25
Followers of Christ are generous because they understand everything they have belongs to God. They willingly and joyfully share their resources with God and others.
BUT…
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
9 As it is written:
“He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,
14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
There is no doubt that we should practice financial generosity.
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously… God loves a cheerful giver.” -2 Corinthians 9:6–7
“The generous will prosper, and those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” -Proverbs 11:25
Followers of Christ are generous because they understand everything they have belongs to God. They willingly and joyfully share their resources with God and others.
BUT…
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
1. Generous With Time and Skills
2 Corinthians 9:8
What abilities has God given you?
What skills do you excel in that you could pour into someone else?
Examples:
The apostle Paul himself was a tentmaker by trade.
Acts 18:3–4
So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Paul stayed and worked with Priscilla and Aquila because they shared the same occupation. He supported himself in Corinth during his second missionary journey, and every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Paul used his skills and time generously and God used that generosity to reach people with the gospel.
Could God be waiting for you or perhaps already using you to do the same through your time and skills?
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
What abilities has God given you?
What skills do you excel in that you could pour into someone else?
Examples:
- Volunteering in church ministries, community service, or non-profit work
- Mentoring someone, especially youth or those in need
The apostle Paul himself was a tentmaker by trade.
Acts 18:3–4
So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Paul stayed and worked with Priscilla and Aquila because they shared the same occupation. He supported himself in Corinth during his second missionary journey, and every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Paul used his skills and time generously and God used that generosity to reach people with the gospel.
Could God be waiting for you or perhaps already using you to do the same through your time and skills?
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
2. Generous With Hospitality
Examples of hospitality:
2 Corinthians 9:11–12
Liberality means being open-handed, open-hearted, willing to give freely and welcome others. This kind of hospitality leads people to thank God.
Remember the extra steps taken by the Good Samaritan:
Luke 10:33–35
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ?35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
He saw the injured man, had compassion, bandaged his wounds, poured on oil and wine, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn, took care of him, paid for his stay, and promised to cover any extra expense.
This story of generosity is still told today because his hospitality went above and beyond.
Should we not follow his example?
Should we not also be people who go the extra mile?
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
- Welcoming others into your home
- Inviting someone for a meal or fellowship
- Providing shelter or support to those in need
2 Corinthians 9:11–12
“You are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving to God. For this service not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.”
Liberality means being open-handed, open-hearted, willing to give freely and welcome others. This kind of hospitality leads people to thank God.
Remember the extra steps taken by the Good Samaritan:
Luke 10:33–35
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ?35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
He saw the injured man, had compassion, bandaged his wounds, poured on oil and wine, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn, took care of him, paid for his stay, and promised to cover any extra expense.
This story of generosity is still told today because his hospitality went above and beyond.
Should we not follow his example?
Should we not also be people who go the extra mile?
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
3. Generous with Spiritual Gifts
Examples:
These practices reflect Christian values of love, compassion, and community support.
2 Corinthians 9:13–15
13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
When we minister generously, people glorify God, recognizing the obedience of our confession of Christ and the grace of God within us.
God has given every Christian spiritual gifts!
The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
For the common good
1 Corinthians 12:7
To build up the church
1 Corinthians 14:12
To prepare us for works of service
1 Corinthians 12:4–6
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
God did not save us to be silent.
The gifts He gives are not meant to be wasted but to be used generously to reach the lost in our mission field.
John 4:35
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
- Sharing your faith
- Praying for others and their needs
These practices reflect Christian values of love, compassion, and community support.
2 Corinthians 9:13–15
13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
When we minister generously, people glorify God, recognizing the obedience of our confession of Christ and the grace of God within us.
God has given every Christian spiritual gifts!
The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
For the common good
1 Corinthians 12:7
“The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
To build up the church
1 Corinthians 14:12
"Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel."
To prepare us for works of service
1 Corinthians 12:4–6
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
God did not save us to be silent.
The gifts He gives are not meant to be wasted but to be used generously to reach the lost in our mission field.
John 4:35
“Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Today is not about money.
It is about mission.
It is about eternity.
Look for the fields ready for harvest.
Show generosity in every way, especially with your spiritual gifts.
Memorize and Do:
Proverbs 3:6
Memorize and Do:
Proverbs 3:6
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”
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