The Secret of Generosity

This morning, I spoke on the Secret of Generosity, drawing six principles from 2 Cor. 9.

1.  OWNERSHIP -- Give to Keep a Right Perspective.  God owns it all (Ps 24:1) and we get to use it for a while.

“He supplies seed to the sower & bread for food” v. 9

2. GRATITUDE -- Give to Say Thank You.  Everything we enjoy is a blessing from God's hand -- so we give to express our thanks.  The beautiful thing is that we can't outgive God..  He gives -- we respond by giving back -- and then he blesses us with more!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” v15

3. LOVE --  Give to Show Your Love.  When we love deeply, we desire to give.  I experienced that at Christmas.  Shopping for my wife was a delight because I love her and desire to express that by giving.

“Not reluctantly or under compulsion” v 7

4. JOY: Give Until it Feels Good  Some folks say "Give until it hurts" -- but don't do that -- Give until it feels good!  At first, the decision to be generous may be difficult -- but if you follow through it will bring great joy!  The happiest people in the world are the most generous.

“God loves a cheerful giver.” v7

5. MISSION: Give to Make a Difference.  Together, we can accomplish much more than any one of us can do alone.  As we give, we make a difference for eternity.

“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God.” v13

6. TRUST: Give as a Statement of Faith.  Do you really believe God will provide for you if you follow through with his plan of generosity?  He has never failed anybody yet, and he will not start failing with you!

“Whoever sows generously will reap generously” v. 6

What is the Greatest Gift You Can Give?  Yourself!  You Give your Best When You Give Yourself!

And that's what Jesus did for us.  He gave himself completely!  John 3:16


Jesus Is The  Indescribable Gift! (v. 15)

He is the greatest example of sacrificial generosity. . .

Ownership -- “I must be about my Father’s business” --“Not my will, but your will be done.”

Gratitude -- 1 Cor 9 -- Cup of Thanksgiving -- participation. 1 Cor 11:24 -- “Given Thanks Broke it and said -- This is my Body Broken for you”

Love “He showed them the full extent of love” John 13

Joy: “For the joy before him endured the cross"  Heb 12:2

Mission: “I Have come to do your will Oh God” Heb 10:7   “Seek & Save the lost.

Trust: “Father, Into your Hands I commit my spirit.”

Jesus gave His All for You.  Will You Give Your All for Him?

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