Studies show that we’re happiest when we’re giving. Generosity actually produces JOY in our lives. When we give with eternity in mind, we not only make a difference in other people’s lives, but it also changes us!
Notes 📓✏️:
“You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35b (NLT)
You are happiest when you are generous.
Biblical generosity impacts generations.
“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Surrendered Hearts
United in Purpose
Eyes on Eternity
The heart is where generosity begins.
Money is one of the strongest rivals for our hearts.
Every day, remind yourself: It all belongs to God.
What you think you own is actually on loan.
“Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.”
Proverbs 23:5
United in Purpose
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Eyes on Eternity
“They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.”
2 Corinthians 8:4
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal!”
Matthew 6:19-20
“Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”
Luke 16:9
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- In 1 Corinthians 8, the Macedonian church gave generously despite experiencing extreme poverty and sever trials. What does this teach us about the relationship between our circumstances and our ability to be generous?
- Pastor Lisa said that “what you think you own is actually just on loan.” How does this perspective change the way we might think about managing our resources?
- Why do you think Jesus talks about money more than almost any other topic in the Bible, and what does this reveal about the connection between our finances and our hearts?
- What are some practical examples of “storing up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20)?