We continue the series The Joy of Discovering Hidden Treasure.

Today we are looking at how to start this journey of a generous lifestyle. Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Paul tells us to excel in many things and he adds to that list, see that you also excel in this grace of giving. We can learn to give better, we can learn to give more, we can learn to give more often. As we study God’s Word about giving we can excel in this grace of giving. Example of the Macedonian believers: 2 Corinthians 8:3 (NIV) ^“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” How is that possible?

1. Giving Now or Giving Later. People ask, “Should I give now, or should I hang on to it, hoping my investments will do well and I’ll have more to give in a year?” We respond with two questions: “How soon do you want to experience God’s blessing?” Do you want to make sure the money goes to God’s Kingdom, or are you willing to risk it won’t?” John Wesley – “Money never stays with me. It would burn me if it did. I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find its way into my heart.” 

2. Our Kid’s Inheritance. Alcorn – “What about our children?” you may ask. “Aren’t we supposed to leave them all our money?” The answer is no. We will leave to our daughters and their families enough to be of modest help, but not enough to change their lifestyles or undercut their need to pray with and depend upon their husbands. If we really want to leave our children a great inheritance, why don’t we work on leaving them a spiritual legacy of serving God and being generous with the poor and the Great Commission?

3. We Have Been Entrusted with so Much. R.G. LeTourneau invented earth moving machines. He gave 90% of his money back to God but money came in faster than he could give it. LeTourneau – “I shovel it out and God shovels it back---but God has a bigger shovel.” So why does God entrust so much to us? 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV) You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Alcorn – “God prospers me not to raise my standard of living but to raise my standard of giving.”