Nehemiah: Rise & Build 5 - Generosity

Evergreen Christian Community

Nehemiah 5:1-19

Big Idea: Generosity is an outward expression of our love for God and others.

Context

- Hunger

- Famine

- Taxes

- Slavery

- Lending money with interest under these conditions was wrong

Exodus 22:25-27

Deuteronomy 23:19-20

1. Generosity should be a mark of His people

Credit Card Debt (per person) by generation:

Generation Z

$3,262

Millennials

$6,521

Generation X

$9,123

Baby Boomers

$6,642

Silent Generation

$3,412

2. Trust God with your finances

Deuteronomy 8:16-18

Psalm 116:5

Psalm 130:3

1 Corinthians 16:1-2

3. Live a life of Generosity

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“The dot represents this life - a mere blip on the screen in terms of eternity. The solid line represents the expanse of eternity. Life on this earth is a tiny slice of the eternal existence of Christ’s Kingdom. The immediacy of our lives, complicated greatly by our sinful tendency to look out for our interests above all others, causes us to put far too many resources in the dot (the matters of this world) and fewer investments in the line (the eternal kingdom).” - R. Mark Dillion

God is generous, be like Him

Ephesians 2:4-9

Response:

• Reflect and repent of ways that hold you back from living a generous life.

- “Pilgrims travel light.” - Randy Alcorn

• Ask God how you can become generous like Him. This will grow your love for Him and others.

• Be a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's passages: Psalm 34:1-8

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)