—— Pastor Ken Claytor | "Activate Generosity" | (follow along) | Oct. 27, 2024

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
  • ↪ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ACTIVATE?

• Definition: Make something active or operative to start it off, trigger it, or set it in motion.
• Generosity changes lives.
• What is generosity?
  • It's a virtue that involves giving good things to others freely and abundantly. It's a quality of being kind and giving. Not giving to get.
• We give because we love God and we love other people.
• Give without expecting anything at all.
• Forgiveness, intercession, serving, and discipleship can be an act of generosity.
• Even the smallest acts of generosity can mean a lot to someone.
• Psalm 112:5
  • ↪ Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
• Proverbs 22:9
  • ↪ He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives his bread to the poor.
• 2 Corinthians 8:7
  • ↪ But since you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
• Proverbs 19:6
  • ↪ Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
• Generosity produces responsibility and favor.
• 1 Timothy 6:17-19
  • ↪ Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
• What does this verse mean?
  • Do good.
  • Be Rich in good works.
  • Ready to give.
  • Willing to share

WHAT STOPS US FROM BEING GENEROUS?

• 1. We don't want to be taken advantage of.
• 2. We gave too much of ourselves before.
• 3. We feel overwhelmed, and overworked and feel like we don't have anything to give.

HOW DO WE BECOME MORE GENEROUS?

• Have an open heart and an open hand.
• Stewardship over ownership
• Look for giving opportunities