Why is Generosity a Discipleship Issue?

Why is Generosity a Discipleship Issue?

Description

In this episode, Chris Rivers and Scott Mozingo discuss the concept of generosity as it relates to discipleship. They explore what the Bible says about money and the bigger picture of how God is using the resources in our lives to drive our devotion to him.

In this episode, Chris Rivers and Scott Mozingo discuss the concept of generosity as it relates to discipleship. They explore what the Bible says about money and the bigger picture of how God is using the resources in our lives to drive our devotion to him.

  • There are several questions we need to ask ourselves when talking about the concept of generosity:
    • What does the Bible teach us about stewardship, money, and generosity, and what role does it play in discipleship and spiritual formation?
    • Does our view of money align with Scripture?
  • As believers, we have the tendency to bring too much of the culture’s view of money into our spiritual lives. We play spiritual “cut and paste” with what the Bible says about money and, in doing so, we have lost the greater narrative. We are well intentioned, but we are not well positioned.
  • In order to become spiritually mature disciples in this area, we must ask ourselves, “do I care about the same things God cares about?” In the realm of stewardship, this looks like using our resources to evangelize, disciple, and care for the poor. It looks like enjoying what God has given us through the lens of contentment. It looks like having real gratitude and trusting him to provide.
  • God has distinct purposes for money in our lives. These include kingdom building, guarding against sin and the desires of the flesh (greed, envy, pride, coveting, discontentment, and jealousy), and imitating Christ. When we model the gracious and generous character of God, we become more like him.
  • How do we live a life marked by generosity as the Bible outlines it?
    • Spend time in Scripture and read what God says about money.
    • Challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself, where did I get my beliefs about money, lifestyle, saving, giving, retirement—the culture? My family? Or God’s Word?
    • Utilize the Giving Guide to determine where you fall on the giving spectrum (consuming, casual, reluctant, intentional, or courageous), and allow this to drive you towards accountability and life change.

Other Ways to Listen