Generosity: The Widow's Mite

About this Episode

GENEROSITY (THE WIDOW'S MITE)

What does a kingdom financial perspective look like? God's kingdom requires different math and a different perspective. Pastor Paul Knight explores generosity, giving and the role it plays in our lives.

Mark 12 37-55
NIV

The large crowd listened to him with delight. As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Spying with Jesus...

Mark 12:41
NIV

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.

OBSERVATION #1 = IT ALL BELONGS TO GOD

Mark 12:38-40
The Message

He continued teaching. “Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preening in the radiance of public flattery, basking in prominent positions, sitting at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they’ll pay for it in the end.”

Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

Deuteronomy 8:17-18
NIV

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

1 Chronicles 29:10-13
NIV

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

Luke 16:10-12
NIV

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

A KINGDOM PRINCIPLE....

WHEN YOU GIVE, YOU GIVE WHAT IS ALREADY GOD'S.

OBSERVATION #2

SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY MAKES GOOD SENSE!

Mark 12:41-42 & 44
NIV

Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Proverbs 11:24-26
NLT

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. 25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. 26 People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

2 Corinthians 9:6-12
ESV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 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. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 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. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your life group, or a watch party

Quick Review –

    Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

    Together review each of the main points, talk through them, and remind each other of what was said.

If you have experienced a time when your generosity was blessed by God, tell about it.

Message Discussion:

1. Observation #1 -- It all belongs to God.

· Why do you think people are so impressed by those with money?

· Do you tend to consider people with money “higher” than those without?

· In what ways and in what areas do you notice yourself flaunting for recognition?

· If Jesus were to observe your giving patterns, what do you think He would say or teach about how and what you give?

· Do you agree with the statement: It all belongs to God?

· How is that demonstrated in your life?

· Discuss the Kingdom Principle: When we give, we give what already belongs to God.

1. Observation #2 -- Sacrificial Generosity Makes Good Sense!

· Jesus said, the widow gave all. Why could this make sense?

· Michael Jr., the comedian, said that “tithing is not generosity that’s just not stealing.” How do you respond to that?

· To watch his whole message The Right Response with Michael Jr. follow this link:

· Discuss the kingdom principle: You cannot out give God.

· What are your thoughts about Tithing and God’s promises in Malachi 3.

Would you be willing to respond to God’s invitation? http://gfhope.org/giving

Observation #3: Your Impact Can Go Beyond Your Capacity.

· Where have you observed or experienced impact beyond capacity?

· Discuss this equation: Your Gift + Your Faithful Heart + God = Exponential Impact

· Discuss this kingdom principle: Value is not measured by earthly status but by the heavenly Owner!

· Discuss this kingdom principle: Faithfully do your part, then watch God create the impact.

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