Unordinary Generosity

Sermon Notes

Main Verses: (1 Peter 2:11, 2 Cor 8:1-9)

Key Term:

παροικος (paroikos), sojourner – meaning a temporary settler or foreign visitor

The Christ-following people have always been a community within a community. The name “sojourner”  given to us by Peter designated us as passing through a land heading to our place of permanent residence.

My Culture is:

• Temporary
• Flawed
• Best influenced by our personal obedience to Jesus

My relationship with Jesus is:

• Eternal
• Based upon Christ’s Perfection
• The best expression of my faith

Key Point:

No matter the time period, there will be differences between us and the culture around us.

And no matter the circumstances, our response to those differences should follow the way of Jesus.

Key Question:

How do you engage in the suffering around you?

Context (2 Cor. 8:1-9):

Paul is raising support for those suffering because of:

• Extreme Poverty
• Famine
• Oppression

1. The Macedonian churches illustrate what radical generosity looks like
   • This generosity was given in trial and poverty (8:1-2)
   • This generosity was sacrificial in nature (8:3)
   • This generosity was considered an honor (8:4)
   • This generosity was an act of surrender to God first (8:5)
2. Being generous to those in need is a critical expression of the church’s faith (vs. 7)
   • Generosity is as important as:
     • Faith
     • Speaking
     • Knowledge
3. But generosity is more than helping people. Generosity explains Jesus (8:8-9).

Application:

Commit to giving generously.

• To your church
• To those in need

Discussion Questions

Title: Unordinary Generosity  

Series: Unordinary  

Date: June 19, 2022 

Main Verses: 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Cor 8:1-9 

TALK IT OUT: 

1. Because God’s people are “sojourners” Pastor Rusty suggests, “Christ-following people have always been a community within a community. The name sojourner given to us by Peter designated us as passing through a land headed to our place of permanent residence.” What are the implications of the fact that believers are designated “sojourners” by God? 

2. Pastor Rusty contrasts the fact that our culture is: 1) Temporary, 2) Flawed, and 3) Best influenced by our personal obedience to Jesus with the fact that our relationship with Jesus is: 1) Eternal, 2) Based upon Christ’s perfection and 3) The best expression of our faith. Based upon these two lists, compare and contrast the ways our culture and relationship with Jesus are different.  

3. No matter the time period, there will be differences between us and the culture around us. And no matter the circumstances, our response to those differences should be to follow Jesus’ example. How do you usually respond when you encounter differences between culture and Jesus? How do you think Jesus responds to our contemporary culture?  

4. Pastor Rusty challenges us to ask how we respond to the suffering around us? 

5. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Paul was raising support for those suffering because of: 1) Extreme poverty, 2) Famine, and 3) Oppression. Make a list of those in current society that might be described similarly.  

6. The Macedonian churches illustrated what radical generosity looked like because their generosity was: 1) Given in trial and poverty, 2) Sacrificial in nature, 3) Considered an honor, and 4) An act of surrender to God. How do you think God would describe your personal generosity?  

7. Being generous to those in need expresses the church’s faith. It is as important as 1) Faith, 2) Speaking, and 3) Knowledge. How does your generosity demonstrate your faith?  

LIVE IT OUT 

• List four ways God might use your generosity to help others in need.  
• Pick one of the ways you just listed and develop a plan to share your limited resources with those who need help.  
• Write a check, set up online giving, or purchase something to donate today.  
• Ask God to use your generosity and the generosity of others at Concord to make a difference in His world.