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A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Proverbs 11:23-27

Jesus frequently taught on money and even sat in front of the temple offering box with his disciples to comment on people’s giving (see Mark 12:41). We tend to avoid this subject, unaware of the deeper spiritual issues that are related.  Proverbs 11:24 shares the observation that the generous person often grows even richer.  Verse 25 boldly states, “whoever brings blessing will be enriched.”  There is a simple reason for this phenomenon. 

We serve a generous God who rewards generosity.

So why might someone withhold generosity?  There are many root emotions regarding money such as fear, coveting, greed and shame.  If we are going to grow in generosity, we must become aware of these root issues in our hearts.  A person might adopt a scarcity mindset because of inadequate resources during childhood.  Another might have fear because of a prior job loss.  Someone else could be enslaved to the sin of coveting.  It’s never just about money. 

The solution to these root problems lies not in efforts to remove them, but in supplanting them with something better. In 2 Corinthians 8:9-10, the Apostle Paul writes of the true riches that are available in Christ.  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 

The generosity of God shown to us in Christ is the motivation to pursue healing regarding our relationship with money. As we increasingly place our trust in Jesus, we are free to become more generous and, as the Proverb observes, we are enriched. 

Taking It Home: Talk to the Lord about money.  If you’re married, talk to your spouse as well. Identify one area where you could grow in generosity, then take the first step by giving there.