The Blessed Life
Week 5
AM I GENEROUS?

JOHN 12 (NIV)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

TWO QUESTIONS:

(1) WHY DID SHE WANT TO GIVE SUCH A GENEROUS GIFT TO THE JESUS?

(2) AND WHY DID IT BOTHER JUDAS SO MUCH?

THERE ARE TWO HEARTS REVEALED IN THIS PASSAGE:

A generous heart and a selfish heart

The subject of giving revealed both hearts!

1. THE ENEMY OF GENEROSITY

Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Luke 16:11
11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?

APPLICATION: WHAT IS STOPPING YOU FROM GENEROSITY?

2. THE EXTRAVAGANCE OF GENEROSITY

2 Corinthians 8:5
… they first gave themselves to the Lord ...

The most extravagant gift you can give to God is yourself!

There are 3 levels of giving:
• Tithes, Offerings, and Extravagant Offerings!

Where did Mary she get this generous heart?

3. THE REWARD OF GENEROSITY

Mark 14:8
She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.

Mark 14:9
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will
also be told as a memorial to her."

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

God is an extravagant rewarder!

APPLICATION:

WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYING TO YOU?

Add the below to a slide … I just need to figure out where it goes … dont worry about it being on the app

Luke 16:11
11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?