1 Chron. 29:10-20, GENEROSITY vs. stinginess (1)

1)    Definition: Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes.

2)    Scriptures: Deut. 15:7-11; 24:19-22; Lev. 25:35-43; Isa. 58:10-12; Lk. 6:30-38; Malachi 3:10-12; 2 Cor. 8-9 plus many Proverbs and numerous other passages.  This is a big deal in Scripture.

3)    Underlying Principle: A. God made everything; so all things are gifts from Him.  B. God owns me, and therefore, all that is “mine” is really His.

4)    Illustration: 2 Sam. 8:9-12 (Toi, king of Hamath) and 17:27-29 (Shobi of the people of Ammon) were generous with David.  David was generous with Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:1-13).  The generosity of the people in providing for the future temple near the end of David’s life (1 Chron. 29:1-20; esp. note vs. 10-15 where David gives thanks to God).

5)    Bible Study:

a)    At the outset of our study here is a reminder.  Many principles of “generosity” in the Bible are given in the context of an offering taken.  But generosity is much more than taking an offering.  It is an attitude that is a normal part of the life of the Christian in his various relationships.

b)    What characterizes the righteous man in Prov. 21:25-26?  He gives and he won’t hold back.

i)      What did Jesus say was more blessed than receiving a blessing (Acts 20:35)?  It is more blessed to give a blessing to others. 

ii)   On the other hand, in Prov. 21:13 we see that the stingy person can expect that others will also be stingy with him.

c)    Generosity is more than just generosity.  It’s part of the big principles of what it means to follow Christ.  Here’s what I’m talking about.  Generosity is:

i)      2 Cor. 8:7: an act of grace.

ii)   2 Cor. 8:8,24: an act of love.

iii)            2 Cor. 9:1: an act of ministry.

iv) 2 Cor. 9:10: an act of fellowship.

v)    2 Cor. 9:13: an act of obedience.

vi) James 2:15-16: an act of faith.

d)    It is possible to look generous on the outside and yet be sour about it on the inside.  As always, God looks first on the heart.  What heart attitudes make a seemingly generous act to be sinful?

i)      Matt. 5:23-24: Unconfessed or unresolved sins against a brother.

ii)   Matt. 6:1-4: Hypocrisy (doing it just to be seen).

Prov. 21:27: Evil intent (doing it for a selfish or evil purpose).  Perhaps we hope to gain control of the recipient of our generosity, or to get favors (that makes it a bribe, even if it’s a generous bribe).