Kaleo 02: Followup on Called to Generosity

We are kaleo, or called by Christ to be generous beyond what we can afford. We will answer this call by ________________________.

Objective: To fill in the blank.

For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
2 Corinthians 8:3 (NLT)

Describe a time when you have benefited from another person’s generosity. How did this person’s generosity make you feel?

At what times or in what situations do you feel it’s easier for you to be generous? At what times can it be difficult?

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely...
Psalm 112:5 (NIV)

...the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than receive.”

Acts 20:35 (NIV)

A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Which resources (time, finances, possessions, your home, etc.) are you currently being generous with? Which resources could you be more generous with?

What kind of impact do you think it will have on others as they see us become more generous and give beyond what we can afford?

How will you personally answer Christ’s call to be generous beyond what you can afford? How will you answer this call as a group?

For Further Study

Icebreaker:
Think for a moment about your possessions. What is the one thing you own that holds the most value to you personally?

Read Acts 4:32-37.
This passage gives us a look at the early church and how Christians were generous with all of their possessions. As a result there was no poverty among them. (4:34)
What attitude did the believers have toward one another? (4:32)
How did the Christians show their unity? (4:32)
How effective was the apostles’ witness? (4:33)
What godly quality enhanced the unity and service of the early Christians? (4:33)
What did some better-off Christians do from time to time? (4:34-35)
How did the early wealthy believers disburse the money they got from selling their lands or houses? (4:35)
What was exemplary about Barnabas? (4:36-37)
How was Barnabas’ generosity singled out? (4:36-37)

In this scripture, the believers sold their land and homes to aid the poor. Do you think you think you could donate or sell something as valuable as real estate or a vehicle to help someone in need? Would it be difficult? Why or why not?

Is it easier to be generous to strangers or to those we know such as our family, friends, or fellowship? Why?

Describe someone you know that stands out as a true “Barnabas” in your view.

What type of impact on the world could the church make if all Christians were generous like Barnabas was in this passage?

Final thought:
Share any specific needs you may have with trusted friends so they can pray with you and assist you with your needs.

Pray in your quiet time this week for God to give you opportunities to be generous to others with either your time or resources or both.

Additional Resources:

Quotes that will inspire and challenge you to answer the call of Generosity

“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our minds to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”

-Barbara Bush

“Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.”

-John D. Rockefeller Jr.

“Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow.

-Thornton Wilder

“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”

-Winston Churchill

“The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.”

-Walt Whitman

“Generosity during life is a very different thing from generosity in the hour of death; one proceeds from genuine liberality and benevolence, the other from pride or fear.”

-Horace Mann

“Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”
-Dale Evans

“The poor don’t know that their function in life is to exercise our generosity.”
-Jean-Paul Sartre

“Many people despise wealth, but few know how to give it away.” -Francois De La Rochefoucauld

Website:
http://www.generousgiving.org This website is designed to motivate followers of Christ toward greater Biblical generosity and features a number of resources to aid Christians in being more generous to others.

Books:

The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving
by Randy Alcorn

Fields of Gold: A Place Beyond Your Deepest Fears, a Prize Beyond Your Wildest Imagination
by Andy Stanley

Money: The Currency of Christian Hedonism
by John Piper


Think. Discuss. Live.

g-ram