Generosity
Part of Red Letter Living
May 21, 2023

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Generosity

  1. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
    Matthew 6:1

  2. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
    Matthew 6:2

  3. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”
    Matthew 6:3

  4. “so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
    Matthew 6:4

Types of Rewards in Generosity

1. Joy from the act itself

  • That’s why Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

2. The reciprocal nature of generosity

  • “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
    Galatians 6:7-10

  • Rewards in Heaven: 5 Crowns

Rewards in Heaven

1. Victor’s Crown

  • “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
    1 Corinthians 9: 25-27

2. Crown of Rejoicing

  • “ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?”
    1 Thessalonians 2:19

3. Crown of Righteousness

  • “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
    2 Timothy 4:8

4. Crown of Life

  • “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
    James 1:12

  • “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
    Revelation 2:10

5. Crown of Glory

  • “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
    1 Peter 5:4

Summary

  • Do the right thing for the right reasons (v.1)
  • Giving is part of following Jesus (v.2)
  • Give for an audience of One (v.3)
  • Enjoy the reward of God (v.4)

How do you apply this?

  1. Decide to be generous
  2. Check your motive
  3. Actually give your time, talents, and treasures
  4. Reflect the glory to God

Challenge
Give in secret this week.