Introduction

Good morning, family. Today, we're going to delve deep into a message that's all about generosity. Yes, you heard me right - generosity, but not just regular 'ol giving, we're talking about courageous, watchful, and abundant generosity. It's a powerful message from 1 Corinthians 16: 1-18.

As John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, once beautifully penned, “The only way to remove the seeds of greed and envy is by planting the love of Christ in their place. You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” Let’s unpack this together as we explore the richness of generosity.

I. Be Courageous in Generosity

Courageous generosity, as we can glean from Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 16, is a concept that goes beyond the simple act of giving. It's a form of generosity that requires bravery, boldness, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It's about giving not just from our surplus, but also from our substance, even when it's not convenient or comfortable for us.

In the context of the early church, Paul was calling on the Corinthians to be courageously generous in their support for the church in Jerusalem. This was a time of great need, and it required a level of giving that went beyond the ordinary. The Corinthians were being asked to dig deep, to give sacrificially, and to do so with a spirit of joy and willingness. This wasn't just about meeting a need; it was about demonstrating the love of Christ in a tangible way.

In our modern context, the call to courageous generosity remains just as relevant. We are surrounded by needs - in our families, our communities, our churches, and our world. And while it's easy to give when we have plenty, the true test of our generosity comes when we're asked to give from our lack, to sacrifice something we hold dear for the benefit of others. This is where courage comes in.

A. Courageous generosity is about taking risks. It's about trusting God enough to give even when we're not sure how we'll make ends meet. It's about believing that God will provide for us as we provide for others. It's about stepping out in faith, confident that our generosity will not only bless others, but also open the door for God's blessings in our own lives. But courageous generosity is not just about giving money.

B. It's also about giving our time, our talents, our resources, and even our very lives for the sake of others. It's about being willing to inconvenience ourselves, to go the extra mile, to put others' needs before our own. It's about living out the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, and doing so with a spirit of courage and boldness.

C. Courageous generosity also requires a certain level of discernment. We need to be wise in our giving, ensuring that our generosity is directed towards those who truly need it and can benefit from it. This is where the concept of watchfulness comes in, which we'll explore in more detail later.

But for now, let's focus on the courage aspect. Courageous generosity is not for the faint of heart. It requires a level of bravery and boldness that can only come from a deep faith in God and a firm belief in His provision and promises. It's about stepping out in faith, trusting that as we give, God will provide.

II. Be Watchful in Generosity

Being watchful in generosity is a concept that calls for discernment, wisdom, and careful consideration in our giving ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO