1 Now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you about the grace of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute]; 2 for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, 4 begging us insistently for the privilege of participating in the service for [the support of] the saints [in Jerusalem].
– 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-4
GENEROSITY BRINGS ABUNDANCE AND POVERTY INTO PROPER RELATIONSHIP
2 for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 8:2
24 There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty. 25 The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].
– PROVERBS 11:24
5 Not only [did they give materially] as we had hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His representatives] by the will of God [disregarding their personal interests and giving as much as they possibly could].
– 2 CORINTHIANS 8:5
GENEROSITY IS THE PROOF OF YOUR TRUST IN GOD’S ENOUGH
1 Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, “Can it really be that God has said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God said, ‘You shall not eat from it nor touch it, otherwise you will die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! 5 For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened [that is, you will have greater awareness], and you will be like God, knowing [the difference between] good and evil.” 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise and insightful, she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband with her, and he ate.
– GENESIS 3:1-6
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
– JOHN 10:10
GENEROSITY IS MY DISTINGUISHING WORK AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
7 But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you EXCEL in THIS gracious WORK [of giving] also .8 I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well. 9 For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed).
– 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7-9
TAKEAWAYS:
GENEROSITY IS AN EXERCISE OF TRUST AND FAITH TO BE PRACTICED NOT PERFECTED
THE POWER OF GENEROSITY IS CONTAGIOUS = PUT YOURSELF AROUND GENEROUS PEOPLE TO RECEIVE POWER FROM THEIR TESTIMONY TO ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN GENEROSITY
GENEROSITY AND POVERTY BOTH HAVE A PROMISE RETURNED – CHOOSE WISELY
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVATION:
DARE TO LIVE BEYOND
READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 8
- GENEROSITY BRINGS ABUNDANCE AND POVERTY INTO PROPER RELATIONSHIP
READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 8:2; PROVERBS 11:24-25; 2 CORINTHIANS 8:5
ASK:
Are your circumstances in right relationship with the generous abundance of an abundantly generous God?
- GENEROSITY IS THE PROOF OF YOUR TRUST IN GOD’S ENOUGH
READ: GENESIS 3:1-6; JOHN 10:10;
ASK:
Is your generosity showing proof of your trust in God?
- GENEROSITY IS MY DISTINGUISHING WORK AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7
ASK:
Is the degree of my generosity distinguishing me from the rest of society?
PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for your abundantly generous love, grace and mercy. Forgive me for withholding generosity. I commit to looking and living for you as a generous God by being lavishly generous.
Amen!