All of us have different feelings and attitudes when it comes to giving money to a local church. For some of us, it’s a regular and assumed part of our discipleship. For others, it’s a financial goal. And for others, it’s an exploitative way for churches to get more money. Regardless of how we feel about tithing, it’s difficult to be a generous person who lives out the way of Jesus without a regular rhythm of supporting the Body of Christ. In 2 Corinthians, we see a picture of what it looks like to become a community that generously tithes their money for the sake of the Kingdom. The grace of God allows them to give above and beyond what might seem possible. At Bethel, we find it helpful to think of the tithe as a starting point, not a stopping point. To practice tithing is to practice letting go of control, putting our trust in God, and participating in the Kingdom work that God has called us to.

1. Introduction: The Tension of Generosity

• Pastor Justin begins with a personal story about realizing how many subscriptions he pays for without hesitation (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc.).

• Key Thought: We don’t hesitate to spend on things that bring us comfort, but when it comes to generosity, we suddenly want to “pray about it.”

• Challenge: What if generosity was an intentional part of our lives, just like our monthly subscriptions?

2. Defining Generosity

• Working Definition:“Generosity is living like disciples who trust the God of abundance by giving their tithes as stewards of God’s kingdom.”

• Key Truths from Previous Weeks:

• Greed is a poison that distorts our desires.

• The antidote to greed is generosity.

• We are called to have an abundance mindset rather than a scarcity mindset—trusting in God’s provision.

3. Biblical Examples of Generosity

A. Zacchaeus’ Transformation (Luke 19:1-10)

• Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector who encountered Jesus andimmediately chose generosity.

• He pledged to give half his possessions to the poor and repay those he had wronged fourfold.

• Key Lesson: True followers of Jesus become generous people—not out of obligation, but as a response to God’s grace.

B. Giving to Caesar & Giving to God (Luke 20:20-26)

• Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about taxes.

• Jesus responds: “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

• Key Lesson: If we bear God’s image, then our whole lives belong to Him—including our finances.

C. The Widow’s Offering (Luke 21:1-4)

• Jesus contrasts wealthy people giving large sums with a poor widow who gave two small coins—all she had.

•Key Lesson: True generosity isn’t about the amount—it’s about faith, sacrifice, and trust in God’s provision.

4. The Next Level: Grace-Fueled Generosity (2 Corinthians 8-9)

• Paul commends the Macedonian churches for givingjoyfully and sacrificially, even in poverty.

• Equation That Doesn’t Make Sense in the World’s Economy:

• Abundant joy + Extreme poverty = Overflowing generosity

• Key Thought: Grace doesn’t just free us from sin—it frees us to be generous.

Tithing vs. Grace-Based Generosity

• Tithing asks:“How much do I need to give?”

• Grace-Based Generosity asks:“How much do I really need to keep?”

5. The Heart of Generosity

• Generosity isn’t about duty—it’s about delight.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (Greek word hilarion = hilarious)

• Key Challenge: Giving should be joyful, not something we do out of obligation.

6. The Gospel as the Ultimate Example of Generosity

• Jesus is the ultimate model of generosity—He gave everything for us on the cross.

• When we recognize how much we have received, it frees us to give freely to others.

• Final Thought:“Grace gives us permission to give less, but the power to give more.”

Conclusion & Call to Action

• Generosity isn’t about a percentage—it’s about trust.

• Ask yourself: “Am I holding on too tightly to what God has given me?”

• Step into joyful generosity, trusting that when we give, God provides.