Friendly Generosity (cont.)

Friends Pt 2

John 12:1-8

Bud Wrenn  2.6.11

 

John 12:1-8 (NIV) 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,
5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages."
6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.
8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

God’s Principles of Generosity

 

Principle of Obedience.

 

Principle of Proportionality.

2 Cor. 9:6     Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. (NLT)

 

Principle of Motive.

John 12:4-6 (NLT) 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

2 Cor. 9:7   You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. (NLT)

 

 

Giving Guidelines: 

a) Autonomy, i.e. make up your own mind

b) Readiness, i.e. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure

c) Joy, i.e. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.

 

 

è From Greed Toward Generosity: The Stages

 

1) Hording:  "It's all mine, and I'm not giving it away."

 

2) Reluctance:  "It's all mine, and I'll do God a favor by giving Him some of it."

 

3) Obedience:  "I had better be generous, because God says I need to!"

 

4) Cheerfulness:  "Seeing others benefit from my giving is a great thrill."

 

5) Visionary:  "The building of God's Kingdom is the most important thing, and I can be a part of it."

 

 

Principle of Worship.

John 12:7-8 (NLT) 7 Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

2 Cor. 9:8  And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (NLT)

 

The Minimum:  My Tithe.

Malachi 3:10    Bring to the storehouse a full tenth of what you earn so there will be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord All-Powerful. "I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out all the blessings you need.  (NCV)

 

The Standard:  My All.

Luke 6:38   Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."  (Msg)