Stewardship and Generosity

Jul 23, 2024

Stewardship and Generosity Series

Announcements

  • Welcome to visitors from the church in Mexico.
  • Celebrated 10th wedding anniversary of Maudie and Autumn.
  • Multiple birthdays in July.
  • Notable renovations in the church sanctuary: expanded space, walls being removed, meetings may occur in various locations.

Introduction to the New Series

  • Series: Stewardship and Generosity.
  • Extensive preparation for the series involving reading, research, and groundwork.
  • Aim: Change lives, not just build a building or gather offerings.
  • Emphasis on the Holy Spirit planting seeds and transforming minds.

Series Goals and Expectations

  • Desire for a radical change and breakthrough through the series.
  • Importance of understanding God's heart on giving, generosity, and stewardship.

Need for Repentance

  • Admission to neglecting teachings on tithing and giving.
  • The last sermon focus on tithing was over 15 years ago.
  • Recognition of the need for regular teaching on biblical generosity and offering.

Key Topics and Concepts

  • Stewardship: Managing the affairs of someone else (God's resources).
    • Areas of stewardship include time, talent, treasure, trials, seasons, relationships, and words.
    • Example from Matthew 25, parable of the talents.
  • Generosity: Giving freely and liberally from the heart.
    • Luke 6:37-38: Emphasis on giving freely and receiving in return.
    • Deuteronomy 15:7-8: Connection between heart and hand in generosity.

Practical Applications of Giving

  • How to Give: Cheerfully, generously, from the heart.
  • What to Give: Time, talent, treasure, worship, words, and lives.
  • Stewarding well leads to receiving more responsibilities and blessings.

Biblical References and Stories

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-15: Sowing and reaping principle, cheerfulness in giving.
  • Matthew 25:14-30: Parable of the talents.
  • Luke 6:37-38: Measure you give, will be measured back.
  • Deuteronomy 15:7-8: Open heart and hand.
  • Mark 12:41-44: The poor widow's offering.
  • Matthew 6:19-24: Treasures in heaven.
  • Proverbs 11:24-26: Blessings from generosity.
  • Proverbs 3:9-10: Honor the Lord with first fruits.

Encouragement and Closing Thoughts

  • Emphasis on the heart and attitude in giving rather than the amount.
  • Encouragement to be the most generous person others know.
  • Call to impart generosity and stewardship in all areas of life.

Call to Action and Prayer

  • Invitation to pour out what we have as worship, just as the woman with the alabaster jar.
  • Prayer for a spirit of stewardship and generosity.
  • Open altar for personal reflection and prayer.

Summary: This lecture emphasizes the importance of giving and stewardship from a biblical perspective, encouraging participants to adopt attitudes of generosity and to recognize the spiritual and practical impacts of their giving.