Flourishing in Generosity

Series: Flourish

Summary

Flourishing in Generosity

Pastor Aaron Sutherland

God wants us to flourish in all things including the finances and resources that we are to be wise stewards of. In this message we will seek out the timeless wisdom of God in handling the powerful tool known as money.

I. WE FLOURISH IN GENEROSITY WHEN WE RECOGNIZE THE GIFTS WE ALREADY HAVE

1 Timothy 6:6-8

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

"Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor."

Ben Franklin

My amount of resources never determines my peace, only my amount of contentment determines that.

Psalm 50:23 (CEB)

The one who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving is the one who honors me. And it is to the one who charts the correct path that I will show divine salvation.

II. WE FLOURISH IN GENEROSITY WHEN WE FIGHT AGAINST THE DARK SIDE OF MONEY

1 Timothy 6:9-10

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Timothy 6:17

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Jim Elliot

III. WE FLOURISH IN GENEROSITY WHEN WE VALUE THE ETERNAL OVER THE TEMPORARY

1 Timothy 6:18-19

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

"I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare."

C.S. Lewis

We must learn to have money without allowing money to have us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What steps could you take today that would help you to see the gifts you already have and/or grow in contentment?

2. How have you experienced the dark side of money? What lessons are you learning in that regard?

3. In what ways have you seen the temporary resources given to you in this life, exchanged for that which has eternal value?

Speaker: Aaron Sutherland

February 12, 2023

Aaron Sutherland

Lead Pastor

Flourishing in Generosity

Series: Flourish

Summary