Living Generously - Part 1

This week we are starting a new sermon series called Living Generously. Over the next few weeks I want to invite you on an adventure. It is an adventure that is filled with great joy and endless stories of the goodness of God? It is an adventure that is never ending and always inspiring! It is hidden within the very heartbeat of Heaven for broken humanity. It is a call issued by God to live generously! John 3:16 reveals it perfectly: “For God so loved the world that He GAVE.” The English author and puritan preacher John Bunyan wrote many years ago, “you have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

Generosity is the remedy for a culture steeped in selfishness. Our society is laced with individuals and groups fighting to protect rights, dreams and futures. In this chaotic world God is calling the church to lead with a generous spirit. God is calling His church to live out the very spiritual DNA that He has placed within every believer. Our goal as a Christian is to be healthy and that is modeled in the life of Christ. Christ was exceedingly generous. Christ gave up perfection in Heaven to come to earth. Christ gave up every last drop of His own blood to pay for our sins. We are children of a generous God! We are created in His image. In Adam humanity rebelled but in Christ we have been re-created for His purpose. His purpose is the same today as it was from the very beginning. God’s plan is that we bless those around us! As we become a blessing, God extends His blessing.

Proverb 11:24-25 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

For Christians, generosity is not optional.

2 Corinthians 8:7 “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

Here is one of my favorite statements on generosity.

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

Selfishness is contrary to the nature of God! Generosity is a perfect manifestation of God’s heart to those around you! Make a decision today to be generous; not just with what you give but through the life you live! Learn to live generously.