MAIN IDEA True legacy generosity isn’t about pressure—it’s about joy, trust, and alignment with God’s Kingdom.

2 Corinthians 8:1–9 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Corinthians 9:6–11 (NLT) 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.” 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, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. Matthew 6:21 (NLT) Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

3 Marks of Legacy Generosity

1. Motivated by .

2 Corinthians 8:2,9 (NLT) …they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity…9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Corinthians 8:1–4,8-9 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is… 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) 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.”

2. Follows a sowing & reaping .

2 Corinthians 9:6,8 (NLT) 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. 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.

3. Applies the treasure .

A. Tests For A Heart That Treasures Kingdom Building.

• Matthew 6:21,24 (NLT) Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. …24 …You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
• 2 Corinthians 9:10–11 (NLT) 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

B. Tests For A Heart That Radiates The Generous Grace Of Jesus.

• 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT) You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
• 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

What Now?

• Invite the Holy Spirit to rewire your desires around Kingdom priorities.
• Evaluate your generosity annually & let your giving grow with your faith.
• Follow His pattern: “I give b/c my Savior gave Himself for me and I see every act of sacrificial generosity as a small reflection of Jesus’ sacrifice.”

Continuing the Conversation

1. Which part of the gospel increases your joy when you think about giving?

2. What “seeds” is God inviting you to plant more consistently right now?

3. What recent financial decision revealed something important about your heart?

4. Which area of God’s kingdom building is He prompting you to invest in during this season?