Generosity

 This is Chuck Rapp with a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters. 

As I write and record this message, it is less than 2 weeks since we celebrated Christmas.  Though I no longer get excited for presents, my 9 and 6-year old grandsons certainly do!  These days I find enjoyment in watching them open gifts on Christmas Eve when we’re together. 

We’re reminded in John 3:16 that because God loved, He gave).  Further, 2 Peter 1:3a tells us that “His divine power has given us all things toward life and godliness.”  [emphasis added]

As His disciples we want to follow His example and instructions.  Galatians 6:10 reminds us “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” 

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church from whom many of us, myself included, in OMS, have our spiritual roots, said nearly 300 years ago that we are to “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” 

The Lord wants us not only to be generous in our behavior; He wants us to have a generous spirit. 

On several occasions I’ve observed VCP leaders share money from their own wallet with church planters or coordinators who were in need.  I’m touched, encouraged, and challenged by their generosity.    

Paul wrote to the Philippian church in chapter 4 “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. (14) ..  for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. (16) I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (18-19)

Note that Paul describes the gifts from the Philippian church as “a fragrant offering and an acceptable sacrifice”.  It is in this context that Paul assures them that “God will meet all their needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” 

As we are generous, our motivation is key.  We are to be generous out of obedience to Christ, not so that we receive some blessing. Having said that, obedient generosity places us in God’s economy where we’re the recipients of His assurance that “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."   (Luke 6:38)

The Lord wants us not only to be generous in our behavior; He wants us to have a generous spirit. 

 

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.