Living Generously
Series: The Ultimate Lifestyle
April 20, 2008 Pastor Bill Bump
Acts 20:35(GN)
“Remember the words the Lord Jesus Himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’”
Giving is to be an important quality in our life as indicated by the emphasis the Bible gives it:
The word believe, or believer, or believing is used 275 times in the Bible.
The word pray, or prayer, or praying is used 371 times in the Bible.
The word love, or lover, or loving is used 714 times in the Bible.
The word give, or giving is used 2162 times in the Bible.
Luke 6:38(NIV)
“Give, and it will be given to you...For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
1. GIVING MAKES ME MORE LIKE GOD
John 3:16(NIV)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”
God is a giver.
2. GIVING DRAWS ME CLOSER TO GOD
Matthew 6:21(NIV)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
3. GIVING IS A VICTORY OVER MATERIALISM
I Timothy 6:17-19(NIV)
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them...to be generous and willing to share. In this way...they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Deuteronomy 14:23(LB)
“...The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your lives.”
4. GIVING STRENGTHENS MY FAITH
Malachi 3:10(NIV)
“Bring your whole tithe to My storehouse. Test Me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you won’t have room enough for it!”
Giving requires faith.
5. GIVING IS AN INVESTMENT FOR ETERNITY
I Timothy 6:18,19(LB)
...give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others, whatever God has given you. By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourself in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity.
6. GIVING BLESSES ME IN RETURN
Proverbs 22:9(NIV)
A generous man will himself be blessed...
Psalm 112:5,6(NIV)
Good will come to him who is generous...A righteous man will be remembered forever.
Proverbs 11:25(NIV)
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
7. GIVING MAKES ME HAPPY
Acts 20:35(GN)
“Remember the words the Lord Jesus Himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than receiving.’”
There are only two types of people in life: takers and givers
I Chronicles 29:9(NIV)
The people rejoiced...for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David also rejoiced greatly.
