BE RICH IN GENEROSITY
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
17-19 Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life. 20-21 And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given! Guard it with your life. Avoid the talk-show religion and the practised confusion of the so-called experts. People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith. – 1 Timothy 6:17-21 (The Message)
1. The to Generosity
– It’s not an option, but a
– The wealthy are to live a life of
– We are to put our trust in and not riches
The challenge for many is that over time, wealth can become a substitute for God
2. The of Generosity
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
3. The Eternal of Generosity
“In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” – 1 Timothy 6:19
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot – Missionary
4. The Practical of Generosity
“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” – 1 Timothy 6:18 (ESV)
‘And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.’ – 2 Corinthians 9:8–11 (ESV)