Review

• We were made with this slice of history in mind
• God has bought us for a price and we live for Him and His mission
• God owns it all and we manage what He gives to us
• God has given us a lifestyle (practices) to protect us and to supply our needs and the mission (Malachi 3)

Deuteronomy 10:14 & Matthew 25:14 (NIV)

Biblical generosity obeys God’s version of generosity

• Generosity is not subjective
• A tithe – as a beginning place – it grows as God proves faithful
• Living out personal generosity
• Biblical generosity is not a means to getting more of the world

Good management of God’s resources requires we steward/manage our hearts

The biblical characteristic of contentment is a state of inner satisfaction and peace that transcends external circumstances. It is an attitude of gratitude and trust in God’s providence, regardless of whether we are experiencing abundance or facing challenges. Contentment does not mean complacency or stagnation, but rather a deep sense of joy and fulfillment that comes from resting in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Key passage this week: 1 Timothy 6:2–11 (NIV) 2 These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith.

Hebrews 13:5–6 (NIV) 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Philippians 4:10–13 (NIV) 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Managing our hearts – the motives matter

1. Contentment is not our default position
   • Understanding the truth about us –Left to ourselves we are doomed to discontentment
   • A propensity to sin
   • The world’s propensity to corrupt – bad company corrupts

Proverbs 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:6–9, Galatians 5:16–18, Romans 8:22–24, Matthew 16:24–27 (NIV)

1. Managing or cultivating our brokenness –Choose to focus on what you value

Matthew 6:19–21 (NIV) 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure

is, there your heart will be also.

1. • You can’t serve both – you must decide

Matthew 6:24–25 (NIV) 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be

devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

1. Cultivating (managing)a contented heart
   • You must renew your mind

Romans 12:1–2 (NIV) 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

• You must protect your heart

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NIV) 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Things to consider:

1. I thank God for what He has done for me – intentionally cultivate thankfulness
2. I prioritize God first with my resources –finances, time, abilities according to His Word- practice obedience
3. I manage what is left according to the Lord’s will for my situation –living within my means
4. I create room for personal generosity as a priority (Offering)

5. I continue to abide so that I have the Lord’s leading and protection