“The Secret of a Generous Life”
Introduction: Just what exactly is a generous life? Obviously we need to begin with a definition. In www.dictionary.com we find the following:
“Generosity is the spirit and action of freely and frequently giving to others. Generosity can also refer to an overall spirit of kindness, but this is less common. Example: If there’s one thing she will be remembered for, it’s her generosity—she was extremely generous with her money, her time, and her effort.”
But what is a generous life in a Christian context? This morning with the help of the Holy Spirit and your prayers I want to illustrate what a generous life is by looking at the life of a man that is mentioned several times in the book of Acts. His name is Barnabas and I believe we can learn a good deal from a careful examination of his life.
Acts 11:19-30
19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be* great dearth throughout all the world:
which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability*, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 4:32-37
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
I. Barnabas, the Man
Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
1. What do we learn from these two verses? We learn that he was a Jew from the tribe of Levi and he lived on the island of Cyprus.
2. We learn that he was probably converted as a result of the dispersion as a result of the persecution of Stephen. Undoubtedly some believers made their way to Cyprus with the Gospel and Barnabas heard the Word of God and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. His name means “the son of consolation” and comes from a word that means encouragement. This is certainly a case where the name fits the man. He spent much of his adult life seeking to encourage others but more about that later in the message.
4. Verse 24 from chapter 11 tells us much about his spiritual life for “he was a good man,” “he was filled with the Holy Spirit,” and “he was strong in faith,” and the result was that many people came to Christ as a result of his testimony.
II. Barnabas, the Missionary ch 13
The mark of a generous man is having experienced the grace of God himself, he wants others to receive the same grace.
We are told that initially Barnabas was sent to find out what was going on with the Gentiles who were reportedly coming to Christ. He immediately recognizes what God is doing and endorses the work and decides to stay on and not return to Jerusalem. From Antioch he went to Tarsus and found Saul (Paul) and brought him back to Antioch where they stayed for a year teaching these new converts. It is interesting to note that the “disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” When we get to chapter 13 we see the first organized missionary effort with Barnabas and Saul called by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by the church to take the Gospel to the world.
III. Barnabas, and the Money
Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
I have always said that when a man gets right with God one of the areas where he makes a change is where his possessions are concerned. What we read in these two verses is not a template for the whole church but there is no getting away from the fact that you cannot out give God!
A generous man does not measure how much he has left but how much he has! Proverbs 11:25 says that “A generous man will prosper; that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
By Todd Coget - The Giver’s Big Hands
A young boy went to the local store with his mother. The shop owner, a kindly man, passed him a large jar of suckers and invited him to help himself to a handful. Uncharacteristically, the boy held back. So the shop owner pulled out a handful for him. When outside, the boy’s mother asked why he had suddenly been so shy and wouldn’t take a handful of suckers when offered. The boy replied, "Because his hand is much bigger than mine!" It's the same with God if we will only trust Him...we should all be more like the kid in the candy store and know...He is so much more able to deliver measure out the blessings He has in store for us, then we could ever ask or think…or ever try to get on our own..
IV. Barnabas, the Mentor ch 11 for Paul and John Mark
In my opinion the truest mark of a generous man is how he treats others and I want to share two examples from the life of Barnabas. The first is Paul.
Acts 9:26-27 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch.
1. It is interesting to note that Barnabas was one of the few believers who were will to take a chance on Saul of Tarsus. The mark of a generous man is his willingness to help those who have experienced radical change. Often times we are stand offish when we hear of the conversion of someone who has sinned greatly or who has been an enemy of the church, but not Barnabas. Ask yourself this question. What if Barnabas had not vouched for Saul? Would we have the Bible we have today? Like not.
2. The second is Mark. A generous man is also willing to help those who are broken. A generous man helps those who have made mistakes.
Acts 13:3 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas*, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other*: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
The outcome of Barnabas ministry to John Mark is found in:
2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
We have Barnabas to thank for the Gospel of Mark.
Conclusion: What characterizes a generous life?
Remember our definition! Kindness…Compassion…Empathy…Love…Goodness…
In short, all of the things that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of someone who has been genuinely born again. Galatians 5:22-23
Jesus said, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” This should be the real measure of our lives. Ask yourself this question. Based on what I have learned this morning can I say that I have a generous life?
Generosity of Poor Man Surprises Bible College Students
Illustration from Leadership/Melvin Newland: Leadership Magazine carried a story about 4 young men, Bible College students, who were renting a house together. One Saturday morning someone knocked on their door. And when they opened it, there stood this bedraggled-looking old man. His eyes were kind of marbleized, & he had a silvery stub of whiskers on his face. His clothes were ragged & torn. His shoes didn’t match. In fact, they were both for the same foot. And he carried a wicker basket full of unappealing vegetables that he was trying to sell. The boys felt sorry for him & bought some of his vegetables just to help him out. Then he went on his way. But from that time on, every Saturday he appeared at their door with his basket of vegetables. As the boys got to know him a little bit better, they began inviting him in to visit a while before continuing on his rounds. They soon discovered that his eyes looked marbleized, not because of drugs or alcohol, but because of cataracts. They learned that he lived just down the street in an old shack. They also found out that he could play the harmonica, & that he loved to play Christian hymns, & that he really loved God. So every Saturday they would invite him in, & he would play his harmonica & they would sing Christian hymns together. They became good friends, & the boys began trying to figure out ways to help him. One Saturday morning, the story says, right in the middle of all their singing & praising, he suddenly said to them, "God is so good!" And they all agreed, "Yes, God is so good." He went on, "You know why he is so good?" They said, "Why?" He said, "Because yesterday, when I got up & opened my door, there were boxes full of clothes & shoes & coats & gloves. Yes, God is so good!" And the boys smiled at each other & chimed in, "Yes, God is so good."He went on, "You know why He is so good?" They answered, "You already told us why. What more?" He said, "Because I found a family who could use those things, & I gave them all away."
From a sermon by Michael McCartney, Preach This: The difference between tithes and offering? 11/30/2009
