Sermon 3: The Promise - The Rewards of Generosity
Title: "Blessed to Bless: The Rewards of Generosity"
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NASB) - "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed."
Introduction:
- Illustration: George Müller, a Christian evangelist and the founder of orphanages in 19th-century England, is a powerful example of sacrificial giving and experiencing God’s abundant blessings. Müller dedicated his life to caring for orphans, relying solely on prayer and faith for provision rather than asking for donations. Despite never directly requesting financial support, Müller sacrificially gave everything he had to the cause of caring for children, trusting God to supply all their needs.
One of the most well-known stories from Müller’s life occurred when there was no food left to feed the hundreds of children in his orphanage. Instead of panicking, Müller gathered the children and staff around the empty tables and prayed, thanking God for the food He was going to provide. Moments later, a knock came at the door—a local baker had brought enough bread to feed everyone, saying he had felt led to bake extra bread that morning. Shortly after, a milkman’s cart broke down right outside the orphanage, and he offered all the milk to Müller’s orphanage before it spoiled. Through these miraculous provisions and countless others, Müller was able to care for thousands of orphans throughout his lifetime, all without ever soliciting funds.
Müller’s life exemplifies how sacrificial giving, accompanied by unwavering faith, can lead to experiencing God’s miraculous and abundant provision in unexpected ways.
Recap of Sermon 1: "The Source of Receiving: Understanding True Blessings"
In the first sermon of our series, we explored the origin and meaning of “receiving” from a biblical perspective. We looked at how the principle of giving and receiving is rooted in God’s character and His design for blessing His people. We learned that receiving isn’t just about getting something for ourselves, but about opening our hearts to the full measure of what God wants to pour into our lives. By studying key Scriptures, we saw that the flow of blessings begins when we cultivate a generous spirit and trust that God will provide. This foundation sets the stage for understanding how giving leads to abundant blessings.
Recap of Sermon 2: "Abraham’s Generosity: A Gateway to God’s Promise"
In the second sermon, we focused on the story of Abraham’s generosity in Genesis 18. Abraham’s willingness to sacrificially give to strangers resulted in one of the greatest promises from God—the birth of his son, Isaac. We examined how his act of hospitality and faith set the stage for receiving God’s extraordinary blessing. This sermon highlighted how our own generosity, even when it requires sacrifice, can open doors to God’s favor and unexpected rewards. We were encouraged to trust that when we give with a heart aligned to God’s will, He is faithful to bless us in return, often in ways that exceed our expectations.
- God's Promises to the Generous
- Biblical Promises:
- Malachi 3:10: God’s promise to open the windows of heaven for those who tithe.
- This is the part that should be a “given”. The “tenth/tithe” is not an extra, it is a given.
- I started talking to you that this series was not about “your money”. I still am not however, the “tithe” is not your money, it is God’s. That is the part that is a “given”.
- Proverbs 19:17: Lending to the Lord by giving to the poor. “Lend to the Lord” is (H3867) To Unite, to abide with, to join
- As you “give” (not your tithe) you are uniting with the Lord
- New Testament Insights:
- The Nature of God's Rewards
- Spiritual and Material Blessings:
- God’s rewards include peace, joy, contentment, and material provision (Philippians 4:19).
- When we trust God with our resources and embrace a lifestyle of generosity, He blesses us in ways that extend far beyond material wealth. Philippians 4:19 (NASB) says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This promise reveals that God’s rewards include not only meeting our material needs but also providing deeper, spiritual blessings such as peace, joy, and contentment.
God’s provision is holistic—He cares for every aspect of our lives. When we give generously, God responds by granting us peace that surpasses understanding, even in uncertain circumstances. This peace comes from knowing that our needs are securely in His hands. Along with peace, we experience true joy—the kind that isn’t dependent on our possessions but on the satisfaction of living in alignment with God’s will. Generosity also brings contentment, freeing us from the pursuit of more and teaching us to find fulfillment in God alone.
While material provision is one part of God’s reward, His greatest blessings come in the form of spiritual abundance. By prioritizing generosity and trusting God to meet our needs, we find ourselves living in the fullness of His peace, joy, and contentment—rewards that money cannot buy and that overflow into every area of our lives.
- Eternal Perspective:
- Emphasize eternal rewards and treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).
- In Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB), Jesus teaches, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This passage challenges us to shift our focus from earthly possessions and temporary gains to the eternal rewards that await us in heaven. Earthly treasures are fleeting—they decay, lose value, and can be taken away. In contrast, the treasures we store up in heaven are secure, unchanging, and everlasting.
The concept of eternal rewards encourages us to invest in what truly matters: living for God’s kingdom. Every act of generosity, every sacrifice for others, and every decision to prioritize God’s will over our own desires contributes to these heavenly treasures. Jesus is reminding us that our resources should not just be used for personal gain but for advancing God’s purposes. The impact we make through our generosity echoes into eternity, with rewards that far surpass anything this world can offer.
Focusing on eternal rewards also reorients our hearts. As we prioritize storing up treasures in heaven, our values and desires align more closely with God’s. Our attachment to earthly things loosens, and our passion for eternal matters grows. This mindset not only brings freedom from the grip of materialism but also fuels our joy and purpose as we live in light of eternity. When we live generously with heaven in mind, we are investing in something that will never fade—a reward in God’s presence that lasts forever.
- Living in the Overflow
- Encouraging an Abundance Mindset: Trusting God to Provide (Philippians 4:6-7)
- As believers, we are called to live with an abundance mindset, rooted in the belief that God is our provider and sustainer in all circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB) reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage encourages us to let go of fear, scarcity, and anxiety, replacing them with trust in God’s provision. An abundance mindset flows from knowing that God’s resources are limitless and that He desires to meet our needs as we depend on Him.
When we embrace an abundance mindset, we are freed from the pressure to cling tightly to our resources. Instead, we can give generously, serve others freely, and approach life with gratitude and peace, knowing that God will supply what we need. This mindset shifts our focus from worrying about lack to anticipating how God will show up and provide. Trusting in God’s abundance leads to a life marked by faith, contentment, and the joy that comes from knowing that our Heavenly Father is in control, providing for us beyond what we could ask or imagine.
- Impact on Others:
- The Ripple Effect of Generosity: Inspiring Others and Spreading God’s Love
Generosity has a profound ripple effect that goes far beyond the initial act of giving. When we choose to give, whether through our time, resources, or compassion, it not only meets immediate needs but also inspires others to do the same. One person’s generosity can spark a chain reaction of kindness, motivating others to give and creating a culture of selflessness. This ripple effect is a powerful way to spread God’s love, as people experience the joy and impact of generosity firsthand and are encouraged to pass it on.
This principle is evident in the early church, where believers’ acts of sharing and caring for one another inspired more people to join the community of faith. Generosity isn’t just about the material resources given—it’s about the love, hope, and encouragement that are multiplied through each act. When others see the fruit of generosity—how lives are changed, needs are met, and God’s love is demonstrated—they are often moved to participate, creating an ever-widening circle of blessing that reflects God’s heart for the world. Generosity not only blesses the recipient but also transforms the giver and ignites a desire in others to live with the same open-handed, loving spirit.
