Three stories of greater generosity:
I. THE WIDOW AT ZAREPHATH
1 Kings 17:7-16
A. The
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Malachi 3:10-11 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
B. Generosity expresses faith in God’s power to
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Q: Does your generosity reflect a faith in a God who promises to
Additiional Notes:
II. DAVID AND THE THRESHING FLOOR
1 Chronicles 21:1-24
A. The
B. The
C. Generosity exposes the condition of our
Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Q: How would you describe your
Additiional Notes:
III. THE WIDOW’S MITE
Luke 21:1-4 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
A. The
Luke 12:48 (NAS) And from everyone who has been given much shall much be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.
B. Generosity elevates ability over
Luke 21:4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Q: Does your
Additiional Notes:
IV. SUMMARY:
A. Generosity expresses faith in God’s power to
B. Generosity exposes the condition of our
C. Generosity elevates ability over
Additiional Notes:
Discussion Questions:
- How would you describe your generosity – on a scale of 1-10?
- What do you think keeps you from being more generous?
- What would be one thing you could do to apply faith in your giving?
- Explain your understanding of “proportional giving” and why the AMOUNT of your gift isn’t as important as the heart behind it.