Proverbs 14:21, Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

I Timothy 6:8, …If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

KJV: Proverbs 14:21, He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Series review:
- Week #1: Righteousness brings joy.
- Week #2: Peacemaking brings joy.
- Week #3: Generosity brings joy.

1) When it comes to God’s view on generosity, there is no middle ground.

Proverbs 14:21, Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

Types of sin:
- Transgression
- Iniquity
- Rebellion
- Missing the mark

Ezekiel 16:49, Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.

Proverbs 21:13, Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

Psalm 41:1-3, Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 2 the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.

2) God gives us the freedom to be happy or miserable.

II Corinthians 9:6-8, The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

3) Perspectives that motivate generosity.

a. See generosity as an investment.

Proverbs 19:17, Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

b. Look at generosity as meeting Jesus’ needs.

Matthew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

c. View generosity as discipleship.

I Timothy 6:17-19, As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

d. Focus on the heart, not the amount.

4) Share God’s priority for our finances.

a. Give first to the Lord.

Proverbs 3:9,10, Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

b. Provide for those entrusted to our care.

I Timothy 5:8, But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

c. Look for divine appointments.

d. Enjoy what God has given.

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…

5) Let God’s church be known for its generosity.