First United Methodist Church
Clinton, Mississippi
How to Be Generous – Sermon Series
Series Theme: We’ve probably all heard that Christians should be financially generous. But have you ever stopped to think “how”? What are the steps you can take to develop generosity in your life and become a more generous person toward others.
October 3- Be Rich
The first step to being able to give, is to have something to give. Many of us might tell ourselves, if I were rich I’d be generous. What if I told you that you already are rich, and that God has given very specific commands to those in this world who are rich.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
New Revised Standard Version
17 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19 thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
October 10- Be Aware
It’s hard to be generous when you don’t know what other people need. One way we develop awareness is by listening to other people tell their stories. This week, our friends from the Wesley Foundation at the University of Southern Mississippi will share how campus ministry is empowered by your generosity.
October 17- Be Prepared
Effective generosity takes planning. Giving without preparation can feel good in the moment, but to make a lasting impact generous people want to understand how their gift will be used. Just like individuals, churches operate with a budget outlining how they are preparing to spend your generous gifts.
Luke 14:28-33
New Revised Standard Version
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
October 24- Be Intentional
The final step to becoming a generous person is making the decision on how and how much to give. Should you give 10%? More or less? When should you give? Weekly or monthly? On this commitment Sunday, we learn that in all things, including our money, God wants us to give our First and Best gifts.
Matthew 23:23-24
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!