Freedom Follows Following: The Heart of Generosity
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Sermon Notes
John 8:31,32
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The Indescribable Gift of Jesus
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Grace = Receiving something we don’t deserve and couldn’t earn – Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Surpassing = Outstanding, Superior, Exceptional, Greater, Better, Exceeding, Beating, Bettering, Besting, Outdoing.
The gift of Jesus is the motivation and the source of all generosity.
Generosity is a heart product not a math problem.
4 Principles of Generosity
1. Sowing & Reaping is a Thing
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2. Cheerful Giving Brings Out Laughter & Love
7 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.
3. Spiritual Generosity isn’t Subtraction
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
4. Generosity Provides for Needs and Prompts Praise.
11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
The increased speed and frequency of the thought “increased supply equals increased generosity” entering your mind is an indication on how deep supernatural generosity has gotten into your heart.
The outcomes of God’s sowing and reaping principle is this:
Our needs are met
Others needs are met
He is praised!
The Tax or Tip Mind Set Has to Change to Get to Supernatural Generosity
How Can I Become Generous?
Generosity comes down to 4 issues that have to be settled.
The Ownership Issue
The Ability Issue
The Fear Issue
The Forgiveness Issue
Settle the Fear Issue
Ephesians 3:20
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.