Tightrope: Generosity/Stewardship

Tightrope: Generosity and Stewardship

Pastor Aaron Sutherland

As we walk the tightrope of trusting God in stewardship and generosity, the end result will not just be the inflow of provision, it will be the outflow of praise.

1 Timothy 6:10

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

I. GENEROSITY AND STEWARDSHIP ARE BALANCED WITH KINGDOM PRINCIPLES 

2 Corinthians 9:6

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there.

The world’s kingdom says if you want to have it you should keep it, God’s kingdom says if you want to have it you should give it.

2 Corinthians 9:11a

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion...

II. GENEROSITY AND STEWARDSHIP ARE BALANCED WITH DEPLOYED WISDOM

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Allow your heart decision to be your final decision.

2 Samuel 24:24

I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.

If you give what you do not need, it isn't giving.

Mother Teresa

III. GENEROSITY AND STEWARDSHIP ARE BALANCED WITH COMPLETE RELIANCE

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

The effectiveness of my stewardship is in direct proportion to my connectedness with the owner.

2 Corinthians 9:10

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

Stewardship executed properly allows us to breathe.

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Jim Elliot

2 Corinthians 9:11b

... and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Discussion Questions:

1. How have you experienced the principle of sowing and reaping?

2. Have you ever made a decision to trust Jesus in a certain way, only to have circumstances come up that tempt you to not follow through?

3. When has God’s provision amazed or surprised you? What did that do regarding Your relationship with God? What came out of Your life at that moment?