4 Questions About Generosity

Summary

Generosity is not about being rich. Scripture tells us in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 that all we need is food and clothing; in God’s perspective, anything beyond that is rich. If you have more than that, you have enough to become a generous giver. Your journey in life is discerning how God wants you to deploy the resources He entrusts you with. We can all take a step and live a life of generosity regardless of how much or how little we have.

• Why should I give?
  • I should give because Jesus assumes we will all give (Matthew 6:2).
  • I should give because this world is not my home. We should live with an eternal perspective. There is a connection between our spiritual lives and how we handle our money (Matthew 6:19-21).
  • I should give because it stretches my faith. When we give, we walk in faith that God truly cares about us, and it frees us from worry and anxiety as we release what He would have us steward and walk in trust and faith in Him (Matthew 6:25-26).
  • I should give because I want to experience joy (Acts 20:35).
    
• Why am I reluctant to give?
  • I am reluctant to give because I am not fully surrendered to Christ. When we are not fully surrendered to Christ, we do not truly believe God has our best interests in mind (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
  • Giving comes from a joy-filled heart.
  • Giving is a responsibility of the rich, and it is a privilege of the poor.
  • Giving is a reflexive response to the grace of God in our lives.
  • I can be reluctant to give because my treasures are here in this world, and I do not want to depart without them.
  • I can be reluctant to give because of my pride and desire for control (Matthew 6:33-34).
  • I can be reluctant to give because I can buy into the myth that money on Earth equals happiness (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12).
• How much should I give?
  • You cannot answer this question until you have answered the first two questions above, because you will quickly land in legalism or a formula approach to giving.
  • Many Christians think the standard of giving is 10 percent of your net or gross income.
  • Tithing is an Old Testament concept, but even then, it was not limited to 10 percent. And every New Testament example of giving goes beyond the tithe or 10 percent.
  • We can all live a life of generosity, regardless of how much or how little we have (Luke 21:1-4).
• Where should I give?
  • The first place to give is your local church where you are doing ministry and being ministered to (Galatians 6:10).
  • A secondary place to give is to other Christ-centered ministries.
  • In addition, give to any opportunity God brings into your life. The Lord will bring people in need across your path; be open and ready to give as the Spirit leads you (Luke 10:25-37).

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Rather than asking, “How much should I give,” the better question is, “How much should I keep?” Which question do you find yourself asking more? Ask the Lord to give you a heart of joyful generosity.
• Reflecting on the questions above, where do you feel the Lord convicting your heart the most? Pray and ask the Lord to help you not find your security in your belongings, and instead find your security only in Him. Share this with your community group or someone who can encourage you.
• This week, ask yourself the following questions: What is keeping me from giving generously? What do I need to release? What are the needs God is showing me that I might be His provision for? Discuss the answers with community and determine your next steps.

Other Mentioned or Recommended Resources

• Additional Scripture: Matthew 6:24; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 2:44-45; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
• Additional Resources: Moneywise; The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn; External Focus Ministry; Randy Alcorn’s 19 Questions to Ask Before You Give to Any Organization