Intro
I. A Starbucks in St. Petersburg Florida had a great day of generosity.
i. A 10 hour pay it forward streak. 457 customers, took their paid-for coffee and gave to pay for the next person.
ii. What a great display of generosity right? Makes you feel great right? Until you think… who broke the streak?
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Picture of Peter Schorsch.
I. He showed up ordered, his coffee was announced as paid. When asked to pay it forward, he said no.
i. When interviewed by the news he said it felt forced. "When the barista asks you to pay it forward, it's no longer spontaneous".
a. He didn't want to give out of guilt or obligation.
ii. He said some people were actually driving to get a coffee at this location, just because they heard about it.
iii. He then proceeded to tip $100 to the barista.
iv. It takes a jerk to break a pay-it-forward streak of 10hrs. He's got a point. He shares Paul's point of view.
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The Invisible Currency
I. We continue in the series about generosity where we've been sharing our vision for the year…Discover M.O.R.E.
i. More Multiplication
ii. More Outreach
iii. More Room
iv. More Equipping
II. Generosity is more than fundraising.
i. More than screens and buildings
ii. It's more than a money issue, it's a heart issue.
i. We must give willingly, because we have received grace.
ii. It's the model Jesus left, so we will follow it.
III. Many of us, have started to give, others for the first time.
i. It's not just money we are asking for. It's much MORE.
ii. Let's continue discovering more about how God sees and purposes money in chapter 9.
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2 Corinthians 9:1-5 NLT
1 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
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2 Corinthians 9:1-5 NLT
3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
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2 Corinthians 9:1-5 NLT
1 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.
I. Have you ever been a part of something you didn't need to be a part of?
i. A meeting at work that could have been an email.
ii. Have you ever needed positive and encouraging music, just to tune in and find out its pledge drive season?
a. It's not that you don't care about Maria from Nebraska gave $5, I'm just not planning to give.
II. What is paul saying?
i. We've talked enough about willingness, heart, and intention.
a. If you haven't decided you're going to give, this isn't for you.
b. Go back a chapter and be inspired to give.
ii. It's time to go to the next step.
a. It's not time to give yet! You first have to get ready.
III. Let me be upfront, today you will not be required to give any promises or money to this vision.
i. In two weeks, on the 23rd is our commitment Sunday.
ii. But before we get there, there are things we need to do to prepare.
a. Prepare our minds, hearts, and finances.
iii. That day, we don't want it just to be a promise or just emotion.
iv. WE don't want your giving to be just another offering.
a. We know that God's will is that generosity grows in each of us and transforms us, while impacting those around us eternally.
IV. So we don't want just a giving campaign or spike in offerings, we want a church that grows in generosity.
i. But just like a fire, that kind of generosity requires three things to flourish.
ii. 3 things in this passage about generosity that will help prepare us to give.
Point 1 - Ignite Generosity with Inspiration
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2 Corinthians 9:1-2 NLT
1 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
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Outline
I. Paul shared with others that they were given.
a. It isn't invasive.
i. Private part is the amount. Public part is that we are generous.
ii. Not pride, but with intention of encouraging others.
II. There is a TikTok guy from Mexico that buys all the merchandise for street vendors.
a. Gives away the stuff and tells the vendor to go home and rest.
i. The vendor was blessed, the giver was too.
a. But you know who else? Me! The viewer!
i. Even we feel those warm feelings of happiness.
ii. And I wasn't even there!
III. Generosity is contagious
a. Before they gave anything, they had already given so much.
b. The impact cannot be seen right away, but it spreads like wildfire.
IV. You aren't giving money, you are sparking generosity in others.
a. Eliminates doubt and hesitation.
i. There are people who will never give until they see it in someone else.
b. Shows they aren't alone!
i. Someone has to prime the pump.
V. There is something different between a spender and a philanthropist.
a. A person of wealth and financial maturity stops making basic transactions and at begins to make strategic investments.
i. They could buy a $1000 iPhone. That looks just the same as the last 13.
ii. Oh, but it has Air Drop. Sorry!
1. Instead they look to invest in an up and coming tech company.
b. They stop seeing money at face value and use it as a tool for impact.
c. And the fear of giving is then over come.
VI. Maybe Story
a. In the desert was a pump with a sign and a bucket of water.
i. Don't drink the water, use it to prime the pump.
ii. When you're done, please fill the bucket for the next person.
b. What if the pump was dry? What if you wasted the only water.
i. The man used it to pump and out of it flowed cold, refreshing water.
c. Generosity isn't just about what leaves your hand.
Money depletes when given, generosity grows when given
I. Yes, giving feels like losing. Generosity isn't meant to grow you, but to impact others.
a. The invisible impact of generosity is greater than the visible cost.
b. A candle doesn’t burn out because it shares its flame—it creates more light.
i. That flame can be used to light another. The light fills the room.
II. One day, you and I were lost in the darkness of our sin.
a. But for God so loved the world!
i. He paid the highest possible visible cost of his one and only son.
ii. To shed the light on me and you and spark a new life.
b. One where we aren't tied to money, not afraid to give generously.
c. You aren't transferring funds, you're growing the light.
III. It has to start somewhere.
a. Let our prayer be, God, before you light the fire of generosity in the church, light the flame in my heart.
b. I want to be the spark in my family, in my community, in my church.
START WITH ME LORD
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Point 2 - Fuel Generosity with Commitment
Accountability. Group effort.
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2 Corinthians 9:3-4 NLT
3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them!
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I. Group Project,
a. There was always someone who cared too much.
i. If that was you, your sock drawer is organized.
b. Then there was me. Responsible, but if it was due tomorrow, I'll do it tomorrow.
i. I cared, just not today. Procrastinator.
c. Those who never cared to even answer the emails.
i. We messaged on Myspace. Late 1900s.
ii. In fact, one time, the last presenter didn't show up. We had a short presentation.
II. The problem was the teacher graded the project as a whole.
a. It wasn't an individual grade depending on effort.
i. Either we all passed or all failed.
b. In those moment, the nerds step up.
i. So the mission wouldn't fail.
III. Pareto Principle - 20% of the team does 80% of the work.
a. Even in churches.
i. There is a 20% that gives generously and that makes up the majority of the total contributions.
ii. More than 20% gives, of course, but the load is uneven. Not everyone does.
IV. Paul brings accountability.
a. We struggle with this.
i. Some people don't attend church because every service, money is asked for or talked about.
b. We see generosity differently. As part of our spiritual growth.
V. We have accountability for every other spiritual practice.
a. Bible, Praying, Worship, Attending church.
b. Why is money any different?
i. Growth requires commitment and accountability.
VI. Paul says, I need to make sure that you are ready! That you show up!
a. Maybe some of them heard of the offerings being sent and thought, oh, someone else has got it.
i. If they really need it, I'll give.
ii. Accountability is needed, because commitment is required.
b. Paul is saying, there is no such thing as a passive member in the church.
GIVING TABLE
I. There is a part to play for everyone and we all have to step up.
a. There is a need and God wants to use people to meet that need.
b. Why wouldn't he use the church? Those who supposedly are willing to be like him most, why would he use anyone else.
i. And God doesn't just use the rich ones. Not one person needs to give everything.
ii. Regardless of how large or small the contribution, God wants to use everyone.
II. Wouldn't it be great if Pastor Matt's wish came true and Wemby walked, well, crawled through those doors.
a. Guess what, we have all the money we need cuz he's going to start tithing here!
b. Or what if God just miraculously decided to add zeroes to the bank account of the church!
i. Can he do it?! OF Course
c. Why would he?
III. Feeds the 5000
a. Disciples said, the people are hungry. Send them home.
b. You feed them. Went to money. We don't have enough.
i. Jesus never meant, you find the way to provide.
c. What he was saying is I want to use you to provide.
i. When he asked, what do you have, someone stepped up.
ii. A kid who was the only one who packed a lunch.
IV. We don't know his name or who his parents were.
a. We don't know his age or why he was there.
b. We just know him as the kid who made the decision to trust Jesus and be used that day.
i. The one kid who decided to show up and partner with God in one of the greatest miracles of Jesus on this Earth.
V. God doesn't want to just provide! He wants to use you!
a. Why would I refuse? Why would I say, no Lord, use someone else!
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Generosity is not a passive transaction—it’s an active partnership with God.
I. Each moment of generosity is an opportunity to be used by God for mighty things in this church.
a. God wants to continue using Discover Church.
b. And guess who is the church? You!
II. We're in this together!
a. There is no backing out! If we are to be salt, yet salt loses its saltiness, you lose your purpose!
b. We have to step up and trust that God is going to provide, all we have to do is say yes to his calling to generosity.
III. You aren't just giving money, you are partnering with God.
a. My commitment be the fuel to the generosity in this church.
b. I never want to miss out on the opportunity to be used by God and to be a part of the miracle.
c. I want to be a part of the impact of Discover Church.
We're in this Together!!
Point 3 - Sustain Generosity with a Plan
Budgeting. Intentional.
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2 Corinthians 9:5 NLT
5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
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I. One of the worst feelings in the world is missing out on an opportunity.
i. We went to the cornyval one time and I thought I took enough cash.
ii. I didn't! It went to parking and then I found out they had funnel cakes, roasted corn, Lemonade.
i. I could have had them all, but ended up having to choose one.
ii. Because I wasn't ready!
II. You've been there.
i. You see a person in need and you don't have cash or coins.
i. And you feel God calling you to give, but all you have is apple pay!
III. One of the things I admire of our Pastor Matt is his readiness to give.
i. You may not have caught this, but last year when he went to Africa, he mentioned to me the amount we were sending to the project.
ii. Then he also mentioned an extra amount. I asked why, he said. If a need of a pastor, church, or person comes up, our church will be ready to give.
iii. If you remember, we gave not only to the project, but to putting roofs on church buildings in that country.
i. That wasn't part of the plan, but we were able to provide.
IV. In fact, he came back and announced it, and many of you that day gave to put 2,3,4 roofs on churches.
i. You were READY!
ii. When generosity is part of the plan, you will always be ready to give.
i. Generosity can only be sustained with a plan.
V. Paul had already shared this with him since a year before when they committed to giving. Let's read that verse.
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1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NLT
Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
If you don't budget generosity, you'll never have enough to give
I. Hope is not a good strategy when it comes to generosity.
i. The greatest acts of generosity do not happen by accident, they are intentional investments.
II. If it's true that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
i. What's in your wallet?
i. You have bills money. You have food money. You have spending money.
ii. Do you have generosity budget?
ii. Generosity will never be sustainable without a plan
III. There is another reason why Paul wasn't just encouraging the church to wait until he arrived to give half or all of their belongings and savings!
i. That's growth.
i. It would have been good, but consistent giving is better.
i. One time giving makes you feel good and has great impact.
ii. But only consistent giving brings growth.
IV. Only one leads to growth. Consistency creates growth.
i. What does growth in generosity look like?
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GENEROSITY LADDER
I. There are categories of givers in a church.
i. The difference here isn't how much you give. It's the consistency with which you give.
ii. Frequency.
II. Tithe
i. Many churches today criticize the tithe as a continued Biblical practice.
i. We believe that the Bible does indicate it as something we should do.
ii. We don't have time to go into all of it, but let me tell you that the tithe isn't about a percentage.
ii. It's about a habit. The habit of trusting in God in a different way.
i. Giving is not a luxury. Not giving just when I have leftover.
ii. It's not admission. Not giving just when I attend church.
iii. It's not a tip. Not giving just when the pastor is funny gives a good word.
iv. It's not a payment for services received from the Lord.
III. The tithe says, I depend on you Jesus.
i. Recognize that part of your income will always go to generosity.
ii. Keeps the vision in front.
iii. Cures scarcity. If you put 10% in God's hands, the leftover 90% will go further than the 100% in mine.
i. Reminds of source.
Money grows your budget, but generosity grows you.
I. Although I pray for job promotions, more work, good business deals
i. We pray God increases your generosity, not just your bank account.
II. It's not the final step of growth. Generous is above and beyond.
i. When you adjust your budget to make room for God.
i. Recognizes the all-powerful source that makes miracles.
I. Put your money where your heart is.
i. Make a plan.
ii. Align your budget with your heart.
II. Change me Lord, Grow me.
i. Make me more like you.
STAND TO YOUR FEET
What does a Generous church look like?
I. A while back, I saw a prominent church do something radical.
i. While they passed the buckets each service to receive the offering.
ii. One Sunday they did something different, a reverse offering.
II. It required a giving, generous church.
i. Valued impact over money.
ii. To not steal money, to not care if it did.
iii. To not complain that it was wasted, to give even more.
I. What if we did that?
i. Would we be able to do it in all services?
ii. It's scary, because it's unheard of.
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God is the God of never befores and better than evers.
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
I. Something you've never done before.
i. God I don't want to just ask you to do what you did in another church.
ii. Do something great and amazing through the generosity of our church.
iii. 4 million for a vision of two years is nothing to you
iv. I believe you will do
II. And do it through Discover church.
i. We are the lid to what God can and will do in us and through us.
i. Let's trust in the Lord together!
Prayer
I. We are the spark. Shape us into the image.
II. WE will be the fuel. We answer the call.
III. We will plan for it. Let our life reflect every day our trust in you.