Christians know we are supposed to give to others. But what's the difference between being giving and being generous? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how living generously is the way of Jesus-followers.
You have a choice between generosity or greed. Greed produces owners, generosity produces stewards.
Greed says this is mine. Generosity says this is God’s. A giver will give of what is his; a generous person gives because it never was his.
Why should we be open handed?
1. Being generous is fun.
Acts 20:35 “You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
2. Generosity is needed.
For you:
a. Health benefits
b. Keeps greed at bay
1 Tim 6:9-10 “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
For others:
James 2:15-16 (MSG) “For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?”
3. Generosity is the heart of God.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave…”
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
God's goal in giving:
2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
God’s desire is to be generous to you so that you will be generous to others.
Are you open handed?