TAKE NOTES - November 15, 2020

November 15, 2020

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020

"Getting to the Heart of Generous Living" sermon by Pastor Daniel Mills


1. Generous living is rooted in the character of God

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 8:9 - 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 8:5 - 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.

2. Grow in joy, grow in generous living: what is your outlook?

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 - Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 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.

2 Corinthians 8:12 - Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - 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. 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.”

3. Generous living is a holistic part of our faith

2 Corinthians 8:6-7 - 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. 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.

4. Generous living is a reflection of our growth in the Gospel

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

James 2:18 - Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

5. The climax of generous living is seen in forgiving those who hurt you

Genesis 45:10-11 - You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me with all your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. I will take care of you there, for there are still five years of famine ahead of us. Otherwise you, your household, and all your animals will starve.