Sermon Title
recalculating my generosity
series overview
When you lose your way, get off track, or find yourself confused, it’s time to RECALCULATE. That’s especially true with our relationship to our money and possessions. Do we possess them or do they possess us? What does our relationship with money reveal about our soul? Join us as we grapple with God’s Word and God’s wisdom for recalculating our relationship with the stuff He’s entrusted to our care.
Series | Week
Recalculating Week 3
Sermon Summary
In this final message of the “Recalculating” series, Pastor Gene explores Jesus’ teaching from Mark 12:41-44 about the widow’s offering. Through the story of Jesus observing people giving at the temple treasury, we learn that God measures generosity not by the amount we give, but by the percentage of our income it represents. The poor widow who gave two small coins gave more in God’s eyes than the wealthy who gave large amounts, because she gave sacrificially from her poverty while others gave from their abundance. This challenges us to recalculate our understanding of true generosity and trust God with percentage-based giving, starting with the biblical tithe of 10%.
ice breaker
What was the craziest, outrageous or most generous gift anyone has ever given you? What was your reaction?
DISCUSSion
Select 3-4 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- Understanding God’s Perspective: Read Mark 12:41-44. How does Jesus’ observation that the widow “put in more than all the others” challenge our typical understanding of generosity? What does this reveal about how God values our gifts differently than the world does?
- The Heart Behind Giving: Gene emphasized that “money tells the story of our hearts” (Matthew 6:21) and that Jesus wants our hearts, not just our money. How does our giving reflect what we truly treasure? What might your current giving patterns reveal about your heart’s priorities?
- Percentage vs. Amount: The sermon teaches that God measures generosity by percentage, not amount (Deut 14:12, Matt 23:23). How might this principle change your perspective on your own giving? What would it look like to evaluate your generosity through God’s eyes rather than comparing amounts with others?
- Overcoming Financial Fear: Chris and Paulette Fries’ story (go to 1:07:30) demonstrated taking a leap of faith to tithe when they didn’t think they could afford it. What fears or concerns do you have about percentage-based giving? How might trusting God with our finances actually strengthen our faith in other areas of your life?
- Taking Action: Gene noted that people don’t “drift into” this kind of generosity but make a “defining decision” (see Malachi 3:10). What practical steps could you take this week to recalculate your generosity? How can your small group support and encourage each other in this area?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
Please share any prayer requests you might have.
- Wisdom and Courage: Pray for wisdom to honestly evaluate your current giving and the courage to make defining decisions about honoring God with our finances, even when it requires stepping out in faith.
- Heart Transformation: Ask God to help us see our money and possessions as tools for His kingdom rather than sources of security, and to align our hearts with His priorities through generous giving.
- Trust in God’s Provision: Pray for increased faith to trust God’s promise to provide for our needs as we honor Him with percentage-based giving, especially for those facing financial challenges or uncertainty.
- Global Impact: Lift up the various compassion efforts mentioned in the sermon (Philippines, Ecuador, Kenya, Thailand, India, Mexico) and pray that our collective generosity would continue to spread hope and compassion in Jesus’ name around the world.