Generosity actually gives you joy and happiness! Joyful generosity does not come from giving out of abundance but from giving out of gratitude. Pastor Jeremy encourages us to choose to be generous even when gratitude feels impossible because when we give, people’s stories are changed!
Notes 📓✏️:
Joyful Generosity – Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt
“Joyful Generosity”
Acts 20:35 (Msg); “You’re far happier giving than getting.”
Joyful generosity does not come from giving out of abundance but giving out of gratitude.
Gratitude is obedience not a response to preferred circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV); “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Thankfulness is sometimes a choice.
I Corinthians 8:3 (Amp Classic); “But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].”
Immaturity thinks about self.
Maturity thinks about God and others.
Matthew 2:1-3, 9-11 (NIV); “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem… After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
What can we learn from these wise men?
1. Their giving began with seeking truth.
Giving requires determination.
2 Corinthians 9:7; “Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give.”
2. Their giving created joyful excitement.
2 Corinthians 9:7b; “…for God loves a cheerful giver.”
3. Their giving was worship to Jesus.
Giving to God brings you closer to Him.
4. Their giving required a journey.
We are all on a journey in our generosity.
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- What does Pastor Jeremy say about the relationship between generosity and happiness?
- How can gratitude serve as a form of obedience, according to the sermon?
- What are some challenges people might face when trying to practice joyful generosity?
- In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul instructs to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances”. How do we apply this instruction to our everyday lives?