This document discusses the virtues of generosity and how it counters materialism. It begins by defining generosity and materialism. It then examines several Bible passages about generosity, including John 3:16 which discusses God's generosity in giving his son. It argues that true generosity comes from love, like God's love for humanity. The document then discusses how believers should emulate God's generosity through giving without hesitation to meet needs in the community and spread the gospel. It asserts that generous giving leads to overflowing joy and a greater spiritual harvest, as God rewards generous people both on earth and in heaven.

1. John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.

2. Generosity Is The Antidote
For Materialism
John 3:16

3. Introduction:
Generosity – Giving or sharing in abundance and
without hesitation.
Readiness or liberality in giving. Goodness,
hospitality, kindness, unselfishness.

4. Materialism
-A preoccupation with or stress upon material
rather than intellectual or spiritual things.
Possessiveness, covetousness, greediness

5. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall
be caught up together with them in the
clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so
shall we ever be with the Lord.

6. 1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all
evil: which while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through many sorrows.

7. The grasping after riches leads to:
Temptation, a trap, and many foolish and
harmful desires that plunge men into ruin
and destruction.

8. But just as Scripture warns us about potential
dangers, it also shines light on the path toward
godliness and spiritual growth.
While the love of money can lead to greed,
generosity can set us free from that world of
temptation.

9. I. The Generosity of God
John 3:16

10. Giving can be done begrudgingly
and devoid of love.
But true Generosity is always
initiated by love.

11. God’s motivation toward people is love.
God’s love is not limited to a few or to one group
of people but His gift is for the whole world.
God’s love was expressed in giving of His most
priceless gift- His Son.
“One and only” is referring to the Son, which
means only begotten or only born-one.

12. Perish does not mean annihilation, but
rather a final destiny of ruin in hell apart
from God who is life, truth, and joy.
Eternal life is a new quality of life, which a
believer has now as a present possession
and will possess forever.

13. 1 John 4:9
In this was manifested the love of God toward
us, because that God sent his only begotten
Son into the world, that we might live through
him.

14. A. Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf.

15. 2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your
sakes He became poor, that ye through His
poverty might be rich

16. B. Christ’s humility.

17. Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of
God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God:

18. Philippians 2:5-8
7 But made himself of no reputation, and
took upon him the form of a servant, and
was made in the likeness of men:

19. Philippians 2:5-8
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he
humbled himself, and became obedient unto
death, even the death of the cross.

20. John 13:3-5
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all
things into his hands, and that he was come
from God, and went to God;

21. John 13:3-5
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his
garments; and took a towel, and girded
himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a
bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet,
and to wipe them with the towel wherewith
he was girded.

22. C. Christ’s love

23. Romans 5:5
Hope maketh not ashamed; because the
love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by
the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

24. II. Our Generosity/ Believers
Generosity

25. A. Generosity helps us to remember
our dependence on God.

26. B. Generosity is a genuine community
Acts 2:44-45,
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man
had need.

27. B. Generosity encourages genuine
community.

28. Acts 2:44-45
And all that believed were together, and had
all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and
parted them to all men, as every man had
need.

29. C. Generosity leads us to overflowing
joy

30. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the
grace of God bestowed on the churches of
Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of
affliction the abundance of their joy and their
deep poverty abounded unto the riches of
their liberality.

31. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and
beyond their power they were willing of
themselves; 4 Praying us with much entreaty
that we would receive the gift, and take
upon us the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints.

33. D. Generosity effects evangelism and
enables us to have a greater spiritual
harvest.

34. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall
reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every
man according as he purposeth in his heart,
so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

35. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
8 And God is able to make all grace abound
toward you; that ye, always having all
sufficiency in all things, may abound to every
good work:

36. 2 Reasons why the Corinthians should
give generously

37. 1. The size of the harvest corresponds
to the scope of the sowing.

38. Great giving invites great harvests.
But Cautious, reluctant, or grudging giving
yields meager harvests.

39. 2. God prizes not of the gift but the
giver’s sincerity, spontaneity, and
joyful willingness.

40. a. The giver are enriched.
b. The receivers’ needs are met.
c. God, the source of all blessing is praised.
2. God prizes not of the gift but the giver’s sincerity,
spontaneity, and joyful willingness.
In the grace of God, Christians are rewarded in three ways
for their generosity:

41. God is the giver of the increase.
Therefore, as we sow our seeds of generosity,
always remember that:
a-The soil is good,
b-The climate is perfect, and
c-The Giver of the Increase is ready to provide
the harvest.

42. E. Generosity is An Eternal Reward.

43. Matthew 6:20-21
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor
steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also.

44. 2 Cor. 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his
heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.