Luke 12:13-34

This passage starts off with a dispute between brothers that was based in greed – “tell him to split the inheritance with me”

In the Parable:

• Rich man gets even richer
• Decides (on his own, in isolation) to store up his wealth and live a nice life
• God calls him a “fool” -

1. He disregarded God
2. He was not “rich toward God”
3. He disregarded others
4. He did not choose to be a wise steward

• Jesus goes on to explain what it is to be like for those that follow him:

1. They are not to be caught up in worrying about material concerns
2. “Do not worry” “Do not set your heart…” “The pagan world runs after all such things”

Luke 8:14 echoes this– “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those that hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.”

• They are to live a life of cooperative trust in the Father

1. Like the raven and the flowers of the field
2. God provides what is needed
3. “your Father knows that you need them”

• They are to put the kingdom first in their life
• They are to realize that where their treasure is, their heart is also

So, how do we live as disciples of Jesus today, in a world that encourages us to get more and more for ourselves?

Especially at this time of year, how do we not be “conformed to the pattern of this world”?

The Answer is to Live Generously

God calls us to be disciples who live generously

Generosity…

• It is not simply “paying dues” into a religious system
• It is not giving to charity, so we feel good about ourselves (though it does bring joy)

God calls us to live “open-handedly”, generously, as an outward expression of a changed heart that no longer puts its trust in worldly materials, but in God alone.

Part of the process of our spiritual transformation into Christ-likeness is the shift that we make from trusting our self to trusting God.

When we live with a “closed fist” (the opposite of “open-handed) we trust our self and we hold on tight to the things that we think will bring us safety, security, pleasure and satisfaction.

And because these things can’t satisfy those needs, we reach (striving) for more and more and hold tighter and tighter.

But, when we live “open handedly” we release those things and we turn to God alone for our safety, security, pleasure, satisfaction, and salvation.

And because God DOES satisfy, we learn to hold on to those other things loosely and we can live generously and freely as we put the Kingdom first.

Jesus doesn’t just give a command here. He is attempting re-shape the way we think – our reality – our worldview. God as our faithful, loving, providing Father.

How generosity shapes us

• Our generosity reflects the generosity of God

-Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us

and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

• It is an expression of the love and generosity of Christ

- 2 Cor 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

• It breaks the chains – “freely you receive, freely give”

• Grows our trust. Being a generous disciple is really about trust – God wants to teach us to trust him and to live in his abundance (John 10:10)

- Jesus teaches us in this passage that God is a loving father that cares for and provides for us (the kingdom and necessary material provisions) – therefore we can trust him and not be bound by the need to store up our possessions.

Living Generously

• Cheerful, joyful – attitude matters

- 2 Cor 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.

• Caring for the needs of others – Early Church model

- Acts 2:44-45

- Acts 4:32-34

• “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” – Wesley

- Be a steward of God’s provision

- Luke 21:1-4 – Widow’s might

- Use what God blesses you with for his kingdom
- 1 Tim 6:18-19

• Live simply

- 1 Tim 6:7-10

THIS SEASON…

• Give to those in need
• Limit what you spend on yourself and your family
• Nurture the generosity of Christ that is in you