Gratitude Challenge IV // Generosity over Greed
A Message by Rev. Dr. Mark Jordan, Pastor

Message Notes
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) | give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
So Far:
- Resurrection > Death
- Faith > Fear
- Abundance > Scarcity
Today: Generosity over Greed
Greed in the Bible: Excessive desire for riches, power, fame, etc. that serve one’s selfishness. Greed can lead to other sins and immoral behavior.
Generosity in the Bible: Freely giving your time, talents, and resources to others, not just financially, but also with a cheerful and selfless attitude, recognizing that everything you have is a gift from God and should be used to serve others; a demonstration of love and a response to God’s grace, often going beyond what is expected.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NLT) | 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Steps Towards Generosity:
- Shift Your Mindset
- Practice Intentional Giving
- Give without Expectation
- Lead by Example
- Connect with the Impact of your Giving
Proverbs 11:24-25 (MSG) | 24The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
This Week’s Challenge
- Recognize the abundance in your life
- Respond to God’s grace with intentionality
- Rejoice in the impact you can make
Reflection Questions
- How did Pastor Mark describe greed in the Bible?
- How did Pastor Mark describe gratitude in the Bible?
- What does giving thanks in all circumstances mean to you at the close of this series?
- Which step(s) toward generosity needs some work in your life?
- What can you do to respond to God’s grace with intentionality?