Giving – Having God-like Generosity

God created us to be people who give.  We are to give our time, attention, possessions, money, and love for God’s service.  Jesus began this ministry of giving when he gave his life for us. (1 John 3:16-17)  Jesus is generous, and he expects us to be generous as well.  Giving is a tangible way to display that Jesus is first in our lives.  It is also to demonstrate our dependence upon God, and not on ourselves.  The easiest way to get started giving is to do just that and give.  Start by tithing a tenth of your finances to the church you attend.  Ten percent is a rule of thumb set up in the Old Testament – but don’t let that stop you from giving more.  Acts 4:32-35 (NLT) – “All the believers were united in heart and mind.  And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.  The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.  There were NO NEEDY people among them, because those who … (gave – PH) would bring the money to the apostles (church) to give to those in need.”

Steps to God-like Generosity: Acts 4:32-35

1.  Be united in Heart and Mind – Acts 4:32a

• Being united in fellowship with fellow believers reveals the necessity to give
• Our Hearts and minds should be centered on God and His Word
• Our hearts should be in tune with what the Holy Spirit has for us to do

When our hearts and minds are centered on God and His word, and we are in tune with the Holy Spirit our awareness of the needs around us will be made more aware to us.

2. Recognize that everything you have is not your own – Acts 4:32b

• Everything you own is a blessing from God
• Everything you have belongs to God
• God has the power to give and to take away Job 1:21

3. Share Everything you have – Acts 4:32c

• Graciously – Give above and beyond.  Don’t just give a simple 10 percent; however give everything that God lays upon your heart to give.  2 Cor. 9:7  “Each must decide how much to give”
• Willingly – 2 Cor. 9:7 “don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.”  But we are to give willingly not out of fear of reproach.
• Cheerfully – “If I give everything I have I will have nothing left.” – 2 Cor. 9:7b-8 “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.  And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (NLT)
• Freely – When you are united in Heart and mind, in tune with God, and you recognize everything you have is not your own then you will have no problem giving freely to those who are in need. 2 Cor. 9:9 “They share freely and give generously”

We desperately need to give of our time, resources, money, energy, and love.  Everyone that we encounter on a daily basis is in need of something.  It is our job to be compassionate toward others, determine their need, and give.    There is one thing that everyone is in need of, and that is Jesus Christ.  Let’s get out there and give.

Result of Being Ungenerous:

Malachi 3:8-10 (ESV) – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me.  But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions (generosity). You are cursed with a curse for robbing me.”

We wonder why God is not providing for us, we wonder why we are struggling financially, we wonder why God is not answering our prayers… it is because we are being ungenerous and are robbing God.  I am not promoting this name it and claim it faith, but God’s Word is saying that we are to give, and when we give He will provide, and when we don’t we are cursed.

Result of Having God-like Generosity:

Acts 4:33 – God’s great blessing was upon them

Acts 4: 34 – There were no needy people among them

2 Cor. 9:8 – God will generously provide all you need

2 Cor. 9:8 – You will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Cor. 9:9 – Because of their generosity “their generosity will be remembered forever.”   Example: “The Widow’s Mite: – Mark 12: 41-44