Generosity

Intro

Throughout this series, we’ve been learning about the gift of Jesus. Hopefully, as we’ve explored this together, you’ve caught a glimpse of just how generous our loving God is. In this guide, we’ll be looking at our response to this generosity. As recipients of God’s amazing gifts, God now invites us to partner with him in reflecting his generosity to the world.

How would you define the word: generosity?

Exploring the Scriptures

John 3:16 (Philippians 2:3-9) | What does this teach us about the generosity of God?

Luke 10:25-37 | How did the characters in this parable demonstrate (or fail to demonstrate) generosity? 

Acts 4:32-35 | What do you think might have been the impact of these generous Christians?

Five principles as we reflect God’s generosity.

1 Chronicles 29:10-14 | 1. Realise that everything we have has been given to us by God.

1 Peter 4:10-11 | 2. Realise that God blesses us so that we can bless others.

Note: the word “steward” here reminds us that everything ultimately belongs to God.

Acts 20:35 | 3. Realise that there is a bigger blessing in giving than receiving.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 | 4. Realise that God wants us to give cheerfully.

2 Corinthians 9:8 | 5. Realise that generosity is an expression of faith.

2 Kings 6:8-23 | How does this story show us the power of generosity?

The Gift of Jesus

Generosity flows out of a heart filled with love. That’s why God is so generous, because he is the embodiment of love. He’s all about radical giving, even when it isn’t deserved. And now God invites us to join his revolution of giving. It doesn’t come naturally to us, and it goes against much of the culture of our world, but it’s something we can do when God’s Spirit lives within us. As we learn to live generously, it will have a healing effect upon our world, allowing us to experience a little bit of heaven right here and now.

Living It

Discuss: If there is more blessing in giving than receiving, why is it sometimes so hard to give?

Challenge: What’s something you can do this week to reflect God’s generosity more?