Whole-Life Generosity: Moving Toward The Life That Is Truly Life
Generosity Is A Matter of The Heart
Matthew 6:19-21
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35, ESV)
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17–19, ESV)
Whole-Life Generosity: An overflowing life gratefully released to God for the blessing of others. ----- Why did Jesus put such an emphasis on money and possessions? Because there is a fundamental connection between our _______________ lives and how we think about and handle _______________!
How We Handle Our Money: • _______________ our heart • _______________ our heart
Questions: • How are my finances shaping my heart? • What is deeply within my heart, underneath my financial behaviors?
Generosity is a matter of the _______________ before it is a matter of ____________________________
4 Joy-Filled Heart Transformations That God’s Grace Wants To Produce In Us
1. From _________________________
“Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.” (1 Chronicles 29:10–16, ESV)
Every blessing that we don’t turn into _______________ has the potential to turn back into _______________.
Behavior: We give thanks to God because we understand that God is the _______________, and we see everything as a _______________ from his gracious hand.
2. From _____________________________
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11–13, ESV)
Two Keys To Contentment: • _______________ • ________________
Behavior: We _________________________
3. From Anxiety To Trust
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31–33, ESV)
Two Questions Anxiety Dwells On: • What if I don’t have enough for ________________? • What if I don’t have enough for ________________?
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17, ESV)
I will not trust in riches, but in Him who richly provides!
Behavior: We ________________________
4. From ____________________________
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)
“Love is the overflow of joy in God that meets the needs of others.” John Piper Behavior: We ____________________________
Three Priorities: • _______________ the lost (Evangelism) • _______________ believers (Discipleship) • _______________ the poor (Mercy and Justice)
“How can those who belong to a Savior who was willing to go to the cross not be generous with their money and their lives?” David Platt
Making It Personal:
• God’s richest provision for us is eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. The beginning point for the life that is truly life is being in a right relationship with God by responding to his grace through repentance and faith. Is this foundational relationship a reality in your life?
• Spend time reviewing and reflecting on the major points of this teaching. What will it look like to grow in these four heart transformations?
• What adjustments is God calling you to make to express His joyful generosity through your life?
• Who can you share these truths with?
Ready to take your Next Step?
• Go by the Next Steps area today after the service • Fill out a Connect Card and drop it in the offering box • Text Next to 803-637-8484 • Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps.”