Sermon Reflections from First Fruits | Alex Hardt | November 10, 2024
Pastor Alex’s sermon this Sunday caused me to ponder my own generosity and to examine where my generosity comes from. I think most people want to think of themselves as generous, whether they actually are or not. Scripture tells us that God desires that generosity be part of our character and promises that generosity will come from Him. Our generosity is to be the result of being “in Christ” and having the Holy Spirit indwell us. Believers have a spirit of generosity that is evident in their lives because of JESUS!
There are definite benefits to having generosity as part of our character. Consider these scriptures:
Psalm 112:5 “God will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.” God’s Holy Spirit will be evident in our lives.
Proverbs 11:25: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” God will cause us to prosper and be refreshed. Prosperity is not limited to material wealth but could include spiritual, mental and emotional prosperity as well.
Proverbs 22:9: “A generous man will himself be blessed for he shares his food with the poor.” Generosity brings blessings.
Paul described the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” Even though they were ‘poor’ monetarily and under great persecution, they could be and were generous. Their generosity came from the great thankfulness they had for their salvation and the grace God had provided by sending Jesus.
Jesus is the root of our generosity. He is the one who gave it all for us, that we might know Him and have a relationship with Him. Through and by God’s grace, we can be and are made generous if our hearts are willing. 2 Corinthians 9:11 puts it this way: “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.” God gives us the resources to practice generosity and that generosity should lead us to giving thanks to God from which everything comes. Generosity brings glory to God.
Here are a few lessons and truths about generosity:
1. God’s greatest expression of generosity was sending Jesus to save us.
2. Our generosity through Christ brings glory to God!
3. Christ-like generosity brings blessings into our lives and the lives of others.
As you ponder generosity and how it is manifested in your life, consider these challenges:
Take a serious look at your own generosity. Is it motived by Jesus and doing good deeds in His name, or is it self-serving and based on a desire to look good in the eyes of others? James 2:14-17 gives us further guidance on this. “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Are there attitudes or previous actions that are keeping you from being generous? 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Linda
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