Living Generously with Time, Talents, and Treasure

Everything we have belongs to God, and spiritual maturity is seen in joyfully stewarding all of life for His purposes and the good of others. Jesus is the best example of generosity and stewardship. He gave His time, His strength, His compassion, His truth, and ultimately His life. As 2 Cor. 8:9 shows, though He was rich, for our sake He became poor. We do not give to earn God’s favor. We give because Christ has already given Himself for us. In 2 Cor. 8–9, Paul urges believers in Corinth to make a financial contribution to needy Christians in Jerusalem. So yes, this includes money very clearly. But Paul’s teaching goes beyond fundraising. He is showing the Corinthians what gospel-shaped generosity looks like. The issue is not whether they will give. The issue is how they will give and what kind of heart their giving reveals. Maturity is not only seen in what we know, say, or feel. It is also seen in how we use what God has placed in our hands. A growing Christian begins to understand that their time is not really their own. That is, "My" abilities are not really "mine." My money is not really mine. My life belongs to God. The whole Bible teaches this perspective. For example, 1 Chron. 29:14 reminds us that everything comes from God, and we only give back what already belongs to Him. Proverbs 3:9 teaches us to honor the Lord with our possessions. 1 Cor. 16:2 shows planned, regular giving in the life of the church. Matthew 23:23 reminds us that giving must be joined with justice, mercy, and faithfulness. So this sermon is about money, yes — but not money only. It is about a whole life of stewardship. *Everything* we have belongs to God, and spiritual maturity is seen in joyfully stewarding all of life for His purposes and the good of others.