The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon. You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul encouraged the church to be generous.
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written,
“He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.”Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Paul also wrote about generosity in his letter to Timothy.
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. - 1 Timothy 6:17-19
This is the devotional we are using for this series on generosity. Grab one for yourself here and then come back and go through the entire series.
Generosity is a Choice
What does generosity look like?
1. Choose to sow seeds.
You only reap what you sow. You will only reap what you have planted. This is true of all of life, not just money. If you sow a bad habit, you will reap a bad outcome. Don't invest in sin (disobedient living). Invest in your relationship with the Lord. Invest in your marriage, your children, and your other relationships.
Sometimes others will reap what you sow. Perhaps you reap what someone else sows. In this way, We are benefiting from someone else's generosity.
2. Choose willing deeds.
God loves a cheerful giver.
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9
Generosity is not reluctant. Generosity is about giving freely. Generosity is not forced. Paul uses "grace language," not "law language."
Is tithing the gold standard for living generously?
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. - 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Think of it this way. Instead of asking, "How much should I give?" ask "How much should I keep?" It all belongs to God. God is more interested in your heart.
3. Choose to meet needs.
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. - 2 Corinthians 9:10
The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered. - Proverbs 11:25
4. Choose to kill greed.
One method of decision making is to create a list of pros and cons. There is never a pro side to greed. There are, however, lots of cons.
Greed will always enslave us. Generosity will set you free.
You can read all posts in this series here.
