Craig Smith • Generosity • November 27, 2022
The great Holidaze “greed” temptation: what can I
, not what can I
…
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35b)
The motivation of charity is not because we should **(
), but because we care (
) – “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” (Phil. 4:10)
Generosity demands that you “open up”…
• Your
(
) – “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.” (Exod. 25:2)
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6-7)
• Your
(
) – “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47a)
• Your
(
) – “All spoke well of Him (Jesus) and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips.” (Luke 4:22a)
• Your
(
) – “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity… Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Cor. 8:2-4)
• Your
(
) – “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” (Prov. 22:2)
A generous life is a
life – “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Prov. 11:25)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)
