Sermon Summary
In the final message in the God Will Provide series, Jimmy Seibert teaches on the joy and freedom of generosity. Jimmy reminds us that giving is first about seeking Jesus and His kingdom, and that God shows up when we let go. He describes three ways to give. We give joyfully, because God loves a cheerful giver and is able to make all grace abound to us. We give obediently and consistently, bringing the first fruits of the tithe to the local church and adding offerings for missions and the poor. We give sacrificially, like the widow who gave all she had and the Macedonian churches who gave beyond their ability because they had first given themselves to the Lord. Through stories of God multiplying small gifts, Jimmy calls the church to radical generosity again, trusting the Holy Spirit to mulitply.
Key Scriptures
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what they have decided in their heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Matthew 6:19-21, 33 - “Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, reminding us that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. We are called to seek first His kingdom and righteousness.”
Malachi 3:7-12 - “God calls His people to return to Him through tithes and offerings, promising to open the windows of heaven and pour out His blessing.”
Luke 21:1-4 - “Jesus points to the poor widow who gave two small coins, explaining that she gave more than everyone else because she gave out of her poverty rather than her surplus.”
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - “The churches of Macedonia gave generously despite their deep poverty, overflowing with joy and giving themselves first to the Lord.”
Proverbs 3:9-10 - “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
Instructions for Groups
Choose a few of these questions from the various categories to go deeper in the sermon and put the truths of Scripture into practice. You don’t need to answer every question. Select the ones that will best help your group engage with God’s Word and apply it to your lives.
Discussion Questions
Scripture Study & Deeper Understanding
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Paul uses the picture of sowing and reaping to describe giving. What does he say about the heart behind our giving, and what does he say God is able to do in response?
In Malachi 3:7-12, God calls His people to “return to me.” Why do you think He connects their return to tithes and offerings? What was the storehouse for, and what promises does God attach to bringing the whole tithe?
Compare the widow in Luke 21:1-4 with the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. How did Jesus measure the widow’s gift? What does Paul say the Macedonians did first, before they gave?
Encouragement, Challenge & Personal Testimony
Jimmy said generosity isn’t ultimately about money. It’s about seeking first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and trusting Jesus with our needs so He is glorified. What does it reveal about God’s character that He invites us to trust Him this way? Share a time when God provided for you.
Jimmy warned that as income grows, the percentage people give often shrinks, because we start to believe we are in control of our money. Where do you feel the pull to hold tightly to what you have? What makes letting go difficult for you?
The message was full of stories of small gifts that God multiplied. Has someone’s generosity ever met you at just the right moment?
Putting It Into Practice
Jimmy described a simple rhythm of tithing to the local church, giving to missions and giving to the poor. Where are you right now with tithing, offerings and sacrificial giving? What is one specific step the Holy Spirit is inviting you to take this month?
Jimmy encouraged us to “never underestimate what $100 does for somebody” or what a personal touch does at the right moment. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring someone to mind this week. How could you meet a need practically? Is there a need of your own you could humbly let others know about?
Prayer
Listening to the Holy Spirit: We’re going to take focused time to listen to the Holy Spirit and what He wants to speak to us personally, based on our time in Scripture and discussion. Let’s sit in silence for 60 seconds and ask the Spirit to speak to each one of us. [
After the minute of silence] What do you sense the Holy Spirit highlighting or speaking to you as we prayed?
Prayer Requests from Our Study: What prayer requests come up for you from our Scripture study and discussion? How can we pray for you as you seek to apply what God has shown you?