Hot Pursuit – Part 3: Redefine Generosity
“…You must worship Christ as Lord of your life…” 1 Peter 3:15a (p.936)
Lord: making Jesus first in all areas of my life, recognizing my life no longer belongs to me but is instead fully surrendered to Him through the daily choice to walk in obedience and yield my will to His.
Series Memory Verse: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (p.738)
- God Doesn’t Want Your Surplus. He Wants Your Surrender.
Surrender: True surrender is more than letting go – it’s an act of trust so complete that Jesus is Lord.
Calculated: faith with a safety net – one foot following Jesus, the other foot planted in self-reliance.
Mark 12:41-44
- Reframe Generosity as Worship.
“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money…” Mark 12:41 (p.774)
- Let Generosity Stretch Your Faith.
“…Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.” Mark 12:41-42 (p.774)
- Put God First in Your Spending Plan.
“They gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:44 (p.774)
“’Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’” Malachi 3:10 (p.729)
My Next Step This Week: I am taking the Next Step on the generosity continuum or continuing where I am currently living.