Sermon Recap
This week we were reminded that the culture of God’s Kingdom, as seen clearly in the early church, is marked by surrender and generosity. As we reflect on money and giving, we’re invited to see generosity not as an uncomfortable topic, but as an act of obedience that unlocks blessing. When you trust God with your finances, you begin to experience His faithfulness in deeper ways. Surrendering what is most dear to you, especially money, positions your life for God to work powerfully through you.
We learned that generosity goes beyond dollars and cents, it actually reveals the true condition of your heart. Jesus makes it clear that where your treasure is, your heart will follow, and how you spend, save, and give tells an honest story about what you value most. If your heart is fully surrendered to God, generosity becomes a natural response. When we give it isn’t about earning God’s love, but responding to it in obedience and trust, recognizing that everything you have ultimately belongs to Him.
As you look at the life of Jesus and the early church, you see generosity modeled with power and purpose. Jesus didn’t just meet spiritual needs; He met physical and material needs as well. This same spirit of generosity carried into the early church, where believers lived with open hands, holding nothing back. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, prayer fueled surrender, surrender produced generosity, and generosity released power, so much so that there were no needy people among them.
What we have to understand is that generosity doesn’t empty you, it positions you. Like the Dead Sea, a life that only receives eventually grows stagnant, but a life that allows generosity to flow outward becomes alive and powerful. When you sow generously, you reap generously, not always in money, but in spiritual vitality, joy, provision, and impact. Remember this truth: what God can and will do in and through your life is deeply connected to how you steward what He has entrusted to you.
Key Scripture
Matthew 6:21 (NIV) – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Acts 10:38 (NLT) – Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.
Luke 8:2–3 – Wealthy women supported Jesus’ ministry.
Acts 2:44–45 (NIV) – The early believers shared possessions and gave to anyone in need.
Acts 4:31–35 (NIV) – Prayer, unity, generosity, and power marked the early church.
Luke 6:37–38 (NIV) – Give, and it will be given to you; the principle of measure returned.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) – Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly; whoever sows generously will reap generously.
Discussion Questions
Heart and Treasure: How does the way you manage your money reflect what is truly in your heart? Can you share a time when your giving revealed something about your trust in God?
Generosity and Obedience: The sermon emphasizes that generosity is an act of obedience, not a way to earn God’s favor. How can we cultivate a lifestyle of giving that flows out of love and surrender rather than obligation or expectation?
Flow of Blessing: The early church experienced power and blessing as a result of generosity. How might God use your resources, your time, talents, and finances to bless others and advance His Kingdom today?
Prayer
Lord, help us to surrender every part of our lives to You, including our finances, and to live with hearts of generosity. Teach us to trust You fully, knowing that where our treasure is, there our hearts will follow. Ignite in us a desire to give freely, not for reward, but as an expression of love and obedience to You. May our lives be a conduit of Your grace, blessing others and advancing Your Kingdom in every way. Amen.
Life Application
Evaluate and Surrender Your Resources: Take time this week to examine how you manage your money, time, and talents. Ask God to show you areas where He wants you to surrender control and trust Him to provide, then take a concrete step of obedience in generosity.
Give with Intention and Joy: Look for a specific opportunity to give—financially or through acts of service—that meets a real need for someone else. Approach it as an act of worship and trust, remembering that generosity positions you for God’s blessing and strengthens your spiritual vitality.
Don’t Forget!
Life in the Spirit Wed night class w/Pastor Rob McCorkle
Also register your kids for Kids Club
Register for our Prayer Intensive
Feb 20th-21st
Additional Resources
Sermon Playback & Video Resources | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App