7 Principles of Generous People

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Sunday, May 18th, 2025 

7 Principles of Generous People

2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Matthew 6:21, 2 Corinthians 9:7

1. Generosity Overflows from a Joyful Relationship with Jesus (vv. 1-2)

2. Generosity is Voluntary (v. 3)

3. Generosity Meets Real Needs within the Church (v. 4)

4. Generosity is First to the Lord, Then through His Church (v. 5)

5. Generosity Fulfills Our Commitments (vv. 6, 10-11)

6. Generosity is a Part of Our Spiritual Growth, Just Like Faith and Love (v. 7)

7. Generosity Reveals the Genuineness of Our Love (v. 8)

Talk It Over

• Review the sermon outline, what stood out to you and why?
• Review the Passage. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
• Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:1-2. How did the Macedonian churches show that true generosity overflows from a joyful relationship with Jesus? When have you experienced joy in giving, even during difficult times?

• Someone look up, 2 Corinthians 8:3 and 9:7. What does it mean that generosity is voluntary and not forced? How can you cultivate a willing, cheerful heart in your own giving?
• What does 2 Corinthians 8:4 say? What are some real needs within our church or community that God might be calling us to help meet?
• Read 2 Corinthians 8:5. What does it look like to “give yourself first to the Lord” before giving to others? How can you make sure your generosity is rooted in your relationship with God?
•  Will someone please read 2 Corinthians 8:6, 10-11. Why is it important to follow through on your commitments to give? Have you ever struggled to complete a commitment to generosity? What helped you or what could help you in the future?
• Let’s look at 2 Corinthians 8:7. Paul encourages us to “excel in this act of grace.” In what ways can you intentionally grow in the grace of giving, just as you would in faith or knowledge?
• Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:8 and Matthew 6:21. How does your generosity reveal the sincerity of your love for God and others? What does your giving say about what you truly value?
• What’s 2 Corinthians 8:9 say? How does Jesus’ example of sacrificial giving motivate you to be generous? How does remembering the gospel fuel your desire to give?
• Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:13-15. What is Paul’s principle of “fairness” in giving? How can we practice generosity that meets needs without creating dependence or resentment?
• Let’s look at Matthew 6:21 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 What are some practical steps you can take this week to “store up treasures in heaven” and give cheerfully? How might God be inviting you to grow in generosity right now?
• Share about how the Hope Offering is for our missions, benevolence, outreach fund! From local to global outreach the offering is the fund we are using to help scholarship kids to camp and provide more seats on the buss!
• Maybe have someone share about how a Christian camp deeply impacted their life and or someone they know. Camps are important part of North Valley’s outreach and discipleship for our Kids and Youth.  According to the National Association of Evangelicals found that 63% of individuals become Christians between the ages of 4 and 14,
• Please close in prayer that we as a church continually reach more and more kids and youth for Christ! Pray for our Kids and Student Ministries!