Excel in Generosity
2 Corinthians.8:1-7 ESV
1 We want you to know, brothers, [a] about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor [b] of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you [c]—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
Prayer: Father God thank you for accelerating us in this act of grace, we posture our hearts to give and receive the scripture. Holy Spirit speak to us, lead us, guide us, and transform us for your glory Amen.
Generosity is at its core, a lifestyle--a lifestyle in which we share all that we have, are, or will ever become, as a demonstration of God’s love and a response to God’s grace. A church cannot merely talk about generosity, nor can individual Christians simply commit to "being generous." For generosity to be a real and powerful witness to God’s love, our actions are of much significance. Generosity flows from an understanding that all we have, are, or will ever become, is not
ours to possess. Generosity results in practically sharing with others what we have been given for the advancement of the kingdom and the glory of God.
• bigheartedness • bountifulness
• bounty
• generousness • largesse
• largess
• liberality
• munificence
• openhandedness • openheartedness • philanthropy
• unselfishness
1 We want you to know, brothers,[a] about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
1- Generosity starts in the church
Paul brings us into this knowledge that generosity is found by God’s grace and empowered by grace, giving us the ability to be or become generous people, which then leads to us being defined as a generous church. our generosity does not stop within this group of believers, it should exude to our community and beyond...
The grace of God has been giving to us, therefore we should distribute, demonstrate, and define grace to our neighbors.
2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
2- Generosity is developed by your passions and pressures of life.
Paul witnessed an overflow of generosity while the church and its people were experiencing a severe test of affliction. This is a challenge to us that even when you are in a season of testing or affliction we should remain or become more generous. Our emotions and attitudes are everywhere but should end up reflecting the abundance of joy. This joy is not driven by our conditions it should be driven by His grace that is given to us by the Father through His son Jesus Christ. Not forgetting their extreme poverty... there is always a time to be generous. Generosity is born out of affliction, joy, and poverty. This is a God formula that caused generosity to overflow.
God has a way to do some unique things with unique people...
3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor [b] of taking part in the relief of the saints—
3- Generosity reflects heart and hands
We must be generous intwined with integrity. Paul calls our attention to the actions of our heart and hands. we must give according to our means... not at the base of our means but beyond our means and it is done by the work of your hands as it is stated by their own accord reflecting that it is not pushed or coerced. We are called to give cheerfully as in 2 Corinthians 9. They begged to be a part of this act of grace... This reflects your heart on so many levels.
Generosity will enable you to counter the normal or exceed what we do normally. Today I want to challenge you to apply scripture to your heart and hands and surpass your generosity for the remainder of this year during this celebratory season.
5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
4- Generosity is a action or response of a surrendered life to the Lord
A surrendered life to the Lord will always supersede man's expectations. Born out of surrendering your life to the Lord is your response to Him and to the people around you. This forms what I call cross-like behavior. It is amazing how a life surrendered to the Lord changes and transforms us beyond recognition to the people who have known us our entire lives. We do not act the same, respond the same, or give the same. But it is by the grace of God that we respond to give God the glory and by his will God gives us grace to act.
6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you [c]—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
5- Generosity will cause you to excel in everything
As Paul empowered Titus to demonstrate generosity, I want to empower you to demonstrate generosity and make it a lifestyle. Generosity is an act of grace. This grace will cause you to excel in every spiritual area in your life. So excel in your faith... Excel in your speech, excel in knowledge, excel in all earnestness, excel in love for one another, excel in generosity.
You do so well in so many things—you trust God, you’re articulate, you’re insightful, you are passionate, you love us—now, do your best in this, too.
Excel in generosity...
Christ was and still is the ultimate demonstration of Generosity from God our Father. God loves us and he loves the world
Let us pray...