2 Corinthians 9:6-9 [NLT] Big Idea — Generosity reflects the heart of God and leads to freedom and joy in the Christian life. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”[a]8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, What Does God’s Word Say About Generosity 1.God’s Generosity Toward Us God’s generosity is at the of the gospel. John 3:16- 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. “The measure of all love is its giving, The measure of the love of God is the cross of Christ.” – J.I. Packer 2.Generosity as a Lifestyle Christians are called to be with their time, talents, and treasure. Luke 21:1-4 1While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Acts 2:44-45 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.’ 3. The Attitude of Giving The word “cheerful” conveys the idea of willingness , not a forced obligation. 2 Corinthians 7:7 “7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 4. The Joy of Generosity Brings joy and freedom, breaking the of materialism and… Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. The Impact of Generosity (Six Treasure Principle Keys + 1) It moves your focus off . It reminds you that owns everything. It helps my to focus on causes. It reminds me that heaven, not earth is my home and that stored in will last forever. It is the only antidote to . It serves as a reminder that God has prospered me not to raise my standard of but to raise my standard of . It reminds me I should not live for the dot but for the . “God's money has a higher purpose than my affluence ... Giving affirms Christ's lordship. It dethrones me and exalts Him. ... it shifts my vested interests from earth to heaven - from self to God. Giving breaks me free from the gravitational hold of money and possessions. Giving shifts me to a new centre of gravity – heaven.” ~ Randy Alcorn. Author, The Treasure Principle What Now? Examine your heart. Review Scriptures tied to generosity. Review your spending / budget. What does it reveal about your heart priorities? Think about where you are on the Generosity Journey. Just do something. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to giving freely? 2. In what ways do you live out the value of generosity as part of your lifestyle? 3. If you inspected your spending statements, what might it reveal about your heart’s priorities? 4. What is one step you could take to help you move forward on the generosity journey for the God’s kingdom?