Mindset Matters | Craig Curtis
Be Generous Webpage
2 Corinthians 8:1-17 NIV
1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:10-12 NIV
10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
Mindset Matters
2 Corinthians 8:1-3 NIV
1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
"grace" - 1 of 10 times Paul uses this word in 2 chapters
"extreme poverty" - Macedonians were very poor; yet, they were generous.
Mindset Matters
I. Blessed Mindset
Genesis 12:2 NLT
2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.
Psalm 112:5 NIV
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Money will say things to you that only God can do for you.
Money Says:
- "I can make a way for you."
- "I can provide for you."
- "I can give you more peace, security, and significance."
Mindset Matters
II. "God First" Mindset
2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV
5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
Your giving starts with your heart.
Acts 20:35b NIV
35...‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
John 3:16 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Mindset Matters
III. Growing Mindset
2 Corinthians 8:10-12 NIV
10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
We never graduate from generosity.
When we get comfortable, we stop growing.
"We have such a great responsibility."
2 Corinthians 9:2 NLT
2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.