Greedy Generosity
10/13/2024
We’ve all felt the emotional pull of a heartfelt plea for generosity. A natural disaster strikes, and relief organizations run pictures of the devastation to inspire people to give money. An orphanage shows photos of a small child. A missionary tells a heart-wrenching story that inspires us to open our wallets. But what if there was another reason to be generous? What if we believed that generosity wasn’t just about addressing someone else’s needs but addressing one of the deepest needs in our souls? What if there was a selfish reason to be generous? Join us Sunday as Pastor Gary explores how generosity helps the soul of the giver.
Passage
Matthew 6:19-34
Principle
##Greed## is a cancer of the ##soul##, and ##generosity## is the only ##cure##.
Practice
Practice ##Prioritized##, ##Percentage##-based, ##Progressive## Giving.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Mr. Rogers famously told his audience that when bad things happen, they should always look for the people who help. As you think about the natural and man-made disasters of recent years, what have you noticed about those who help? How can and should the church be prepared to help in times of crisis? Why is this important?
HEAR
Read Acts 11:27-30
- Why would God reveal an impending famine to His church? What did the church in Antioch do with this information? What does the Church at Antioch’s response tell you about this church?
- Relate the situation in Acts 11 to our church. How can Aspire be more responsive to the Holy Spirit and the opportunities He may give us to be generous?
Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
- Describe Paul’s stewardship plan for the Church at Corinth. Why do you think he didn’t want there to be a collection when he arrived?
- Where was the money going, and why? (see v. 3 & Acts 11:27-30)
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
- To what does Paul attribute the generosity of the Macedonians? Does this seem counterintuitive to you? If so, why? Have you ever seen an example of generosity rising from affliction and poverty?
- Based on what Paul says, what are the differences between the churches in Macedonia and the Church at Corinth?
- How does Jesus’ poverty make us rich? How does that explain the generosity of the Macedonians? Does the Church today reflect the generosity of Jesus? Why is this an essential part of the church’s mission?
HUDDLE
How do you practice generosity with your time? With your talents? With your treasure? Is your financial support of Kingdom work a bigger or smaller percentage of your budget now than last year, five years ago, or ten years ago? In what ways do you believe the Lord is calling you to be more generous? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Deuteronomy 14
- Day 2: Deuteronomy 15
- Day 3: Malachi 3
- Day 4: Matthew 6
- Day 5: Acts 11
- Day 6: 1 Corinthians 16
- Day 7: 2 Corinthians 8
Think Deeper
- How full are your closets, attic, and storage units? Why do you have all that stuff?
- What concerns you most about being radically generous?
- What will you do this week to practice generosity?
Suggested Reading
How to Be Rich, by Andy Stanley
The Paradox of Generosity, by Christian Smith
The Generosity Factor, Ken Blanchard
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.