Phil continued our study of the book of Acts and looked at generosity in the early church.
To view Phil's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Introduction
• Working through acts could not ignore the generosity and giving
• Generosity and Giving were very evident in the church in Acts
• It is to be a part of the life of the church today and is
• No preaching this because it's an issue, but for our encouragement
• We have always been a generous church
Acts 2
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:42-47 ESV
• In this passage, this blue print for what the church should be like we see that there was not only a willingness to bow generous but acted on it, so those that had sold their goods, land or property to help those in need.
• It was not an act done under duress, or any command from the apostles
• It was not a requirement to be able to be part of the community of believers
• It was a heart response to the Holy Spirit and seeing the need around them
“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”
Acts 4:34-35 ESV
3 points I want to make
1. Generosity demonstrates the heart of God and his love for us
• God did not spare his only son - “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:32 ESV
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:11 ESV
• Gods desire that that we should lack no good thing
• Gods heart for us that if we have need we can ask because he is willing to provide all we need
2. Generosity shows our love for one another
• The same love they had received from the father was expressed by their willingness to sell up and to give to those in need
• The early church understood that ultimately God owned everything they had, so they were able to hold onto things in a proper way—with a loose hand.
• Their Encountering of a radically generous God created a radically generous people.
• “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 ESV
3. Generosity expresses love for the lost, poor and needy
• In the acts 2 passage it seems there is a link between generosity and salvation
• This newly radically generous people who gave to those in need had a amazing affect on the community around them.
• In the context of them being fully devoted in every way, God added to their number those who were being saved every day
• There are lots of churches, but not nearly as many that are making a the most of an opportunity to make a difference in their community. Through looking at the early church, we see how their generosity made them to be a world changing church.
• We too are affecting people's lives through our varied projects want to continue to do so.
There's an added dimension to this, it's not rules or regulations,
There is a Grace to Give
“Grace leads us into the exciting adventure of faithful giving, and of proving the goodness of God and his ability to make grace abound to us so that we are always sufficient for every good work”
Terry Virgo
