Faith That Gives: Discipleship, Generosity, and the Overflow of Life in Christ
Introduction: Following Jesus with Open Hands
Church, one of the clearest indicators of true discipleship is not how loudly we sing or how much Bible knowledge we carry—but how freely we give. In a world obsessed with holding on, Jesus calls His followers to live with open hands.
Today we turn to a short, often-overlooked verse tucked away in a personal letter from the Apostle Paul—Philemon 1:6. Yet within this single verse is a profound theology of discipleship, generosity, and Gospel-shaped living.
This sermon is not about fundraising. It is about following Jesus. It is about what happens when faith becomes visible, active, and generous.
Philemon 1:6 (NLT): “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”
Philemon is a wealthy Christian householder in Colossae. The letter concerns Onesimus, a runaway slave who has come to faith in Christ through Paul. Paul appeals to Philemon not with command, but with Gospel-shaped persuasion.
This is discipleship lived out in real life—economics, relationships, time, reputation, and resources all placed under the lordship of Christ.
Paul’s prayer in verse 6 reveals that generosity is not optional Christianity; it is faith put into action.
POINT 1: TRUE FAITH ALWAYS MOVES TOWARDS GENEROSITY
Philemon 1:6 - The phrase “put into action” translates the Greek word energeo—from which we get energy or energised. Paul is saying: Faith that is alive will become active.
Faith is not static belief; it is dynamic obedience.
James 2:17 (NLT): “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
James writes to Jewish Christians scattered under persecution. He confronts the idea of a faith that never changes behaviour.
Giving of time and money is not works-based salvation; it is salvation working itself out.
John Piper: “Faith in Christ is the kind of faith that produces radical generosity.”
Piper reminds us that generosity is not an optional add-on—it is the fruit of a living faith rooted in Christ.
Imagine a fruit tree that never bears fruit. No matter how healthy the trunk looks, eventually you question whether it is alive. Faith without generosity is like a fruitless tree—impressive leaves, no harvest.
POINT 2: GENEROSITY FLOWS FROM KNOWING WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST
Paul says generosity increases “as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”
The word “understand” comes from epignosis—deep, experiential knowledge. Not head knowledge, but heart-transformed awareness.
The more you grasp the Gospel, the freer you become.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT): “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.”
Paul urges generosity by pointing to Jesus—not pressure, not guilt, but the cross.
Christ’s incarnation and crucifixion redefine wealth.
Max Lucado: “The heart cannot be full of Jesus and empty of compassion.”
When Christ fills the heart, generosity spills out naturally.
In a culture driven by fear—fear of not having enough, fear of the future—disciples of Jesus live differently. We give because our security is not in pensions, property, or possessions, but in Christ alone.
POINT 3: GOD CLAIMS OUR TIME AND MONEY BECAUSE THEY SHAPE OUR HEARTS
Matthew 6:21 (NLT): “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Jesus speaks in the Sermon on the Mount, confronting materialism and misplaced trust.
Money and time are spiritual indicators. God doesn’t want them because He needs them—He wants them because they disciple us.
Tim Keller: “Your money flows most effortlessly to what you love most.”
Keller exposes the heart. Giving is not about budgets—it’s about worship.
A diary never lies. A bank statement never lies. They quietly testify to who or what truly reigns in our lives.
POINT 4: GENEROSITY MAKES THE GOSPEL VISIBLE TO THE WORLD
Acts 2:44–45 (NLT): “All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.”
The birth of the Church after Pentecost.
The Spirit-filled Church was a radically generous Church.
Charles Stanley: “We show our faith by what we are willing to give up for Christ.”
Stanley reminds us that discipleship costs—but it also overflows with joy.
THE GOSPEL AT THE CENTRE
Friends, generosity flows from the Gospel because the Gospel itself is generosity incarnate.
Jesus Christ:
Died for our sins
Was buried in a borrowed tomb
Rose again on the third day
Romans 4:25 (NLT): "He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.”
We were spiritually bankrupt. Jesus paid it all.
CALL TO ACTION: HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?
For Believers and Disciples
Surrender your schedule – Give God your time.
Surrender your resources – Give God your finances.
Surrender your trust – Believe God will provide.
For Those Who Need Salvation
If you have never trusted Christ:
Repent of sin
Turn from self-rule
Trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Conclusion and Benediction:
Church, faith that follows Jesus will always move towards generosity. Let us live as people who know the riches of Christ—and give accordingly.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT): “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Go, and live with open hands—for the glory of God and the advance of His Kingdom.
