The Essential Quality of Generosity
DISCOVER THE ___________ ____________ _______ ______________ ____________ AS GOD LEADS ME.
Mark 12:41–44 (NLT) — 41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (NLT) — 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
My NEXT STEP today is to…….
- Memorize 2 Corinthians 8:7
- Invite my friends and family to church and seek opportunities to share my faith.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) — 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
HOW DO I DEVELOP THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF GENEROSITY?
- DECIDE TO _________ ______ ____________ _______________ ____________ TO GOD.
Matthew 6:21 (NLT) — 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT) — 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
- DETERMINE TO _________ ______________ AS INCOME COMES INTO MY LIFE.
1 Corinthians 16:2 (NLT) — 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
2 Corinthians 8:10–11 (NLT) — 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.
- DEDICATE MY FINANCES TO GOD BY ______________ _______ _______ ___________ TO HIS CHURCH.
Malachi 3:8–10 (NLT) — 8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
Deuteronomy 14:23 (The Living Bible, Paraphrased) — 23 Bring this tithe to eat before the Lord your God at the place he shall choose as his sanctuary; this applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn of your flocks and herds. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.
Matthew 23:23 (NLT) — 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.