Jun 29, 2021
Today we are continuing our series, “The Road To Revival”.
Previous teachings in this series have illustrated that the road to revival is paved with prayer. But there are other components that are essential as we seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ.
We have learned about the importance of testimonies and recognizing what God is doing in our lives now, we have also talked about the importance of overcoming the barriers that the enemy, the world, and our flesh will put in our path to derail the priority of our relationship with Christ.
While we are on our road to revival, one of the fruits of this journey is a generous heart. God desires for each of us to think about others above ourselves, and you can accurately gauge your progress on the road to revival by examining your heart toward generosity.
In Nehemiah, chapter 5, we read about about the cries of God’s people as they are subjected to slavery, financial slavery and physical slavery. In fact, their conditions were so dire that many were forced into the devastation of having to sell their children into debt slavery!
In Deuteronomy, Chapter 23, Verses 19-20, God tells His people to not charge interest on loans to their fellow Israelites, so that they will receive God’s blessings and not His judgement.
Nehemiah was outraged to discover that this sin against God was occurring and asks the people this question, “Should you not conduct yourselves in the fear of our God in order to avoid the reproach of the Gentiles who are our enemies? If we don’t fear God in all areas of our lives, we are pushing ourselves away from the blessing of God and onto the pathway of His judgement.
1) Everything we have is a gift from God. (Psalms, Chapter 24, Verse 1 – James, Chapter 1, Verse 17)
2) God is generous and instructs us to generously serve others with our time, talents, and treasure. (Galatians, Chapter 5, Verses 13-14) “When a person is being revived in his or her heart it always produces a life of generosity.”
3) Spiritually wise people work hard, save, avoid debt, and free themselves to advance God’s Kingdom through His Church. (1 Timothy, Chapter 6, Verses 17-19)
4) God’s Word calls followers of Jesus to the spiritual discipline of giving as the Lord directs, under no manipulation and from a heart of thankfulness. (2 Corinthians, Chapter 9, Verse 7)
Final Thoughts:
1) Are we stewarding God’s resources of time, talent, and treasure well?
2) Do we believe that everything we have is a gift from God?
3) Are we generously serving others to image God’s generosity?
4) Are we committed to being spiritually wise with our treasure so that we might invest in the Kingdom of God?