It’s All About the Heart

Series: The Generosity Factor
Message: It’s All About The Heart
Text: Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:37-38
Pastor: Pastor Tom Cogle
Date: Sunday, February 21, 2016

 

Most of the time when we hear about giving, we think of money. Giving applies to every area of life.

 

How to Develop a Heart of Generosity:

 

I. Deal with a Selfish Heart – Deuteronomy 15:9

  • A. God created giving to work selfishness and greed out of our lives.

 

II. Deal with a Grieving Heart – Deuteronomy 15:10

  • A. Selfishness attacks before we give; grief attacks us after we give.
  • B. The reason we grieve over money we give, is because we thought it was ours. All the money we have comes from God.

 

III. Develop a Generous Heart – Deuteronomy 15:14

  • A. We were born selfish. We were born again generous.

 

IV. Develop a Grateful Heart – Deuteronomy 15:15

  • A. Gratitude is what produces generosity. It’s all about the heart!

 

Bible Reference

Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Bible Reference

Luke 6:37-38 NIV

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Bible Reference

Deuteronomy 15:9-15 NIV

Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. If any of your people—Hebrew men or women—sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free. And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the lord your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.