Key Scripture Matthew 6:1-4.

Taking credit for something.

• Have you ever done something good, but you wanted credit for it?
• Conspicuous generosity.
• Note: The following quote was taken from an article about selfish giving. Here is the link to the article.
• Source: Tovia Smith, “‘Selfish’ Giving: Does It Count If You Get in Return?,” NPR News, December 22, 2009, https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121718372).
• Quote: “You should just be generous to be generous. You should do what’s right because it’s right, not because of what you get back.” Richard Weissbourd.

What's your motive?

• In Matthew 6:2, Jesus told the disciples about how they should give.
• Believers are not to parade their religion around.
• The goal of giving should not be so that others can see it.
• Giving pleases God.
• God is pleased when you give for the right reasons.
• God has been incredibly generous to you (to all of us for that matter).
• Giving should be done with the goal of pleasing God.

God is a generous giver.

• Throughout the Bible, we see that God gives generously.
• His greatest gift of generosity was Jesus dying on the cross in order to provide eternal life for anyone who believes in Him.
• We can learn from Jesus' example.
• The Apostle Paul talked about Jesus' example in Philippians 2.
• Jesus had a heart for others.
• He was very generous during His earthly ministry.

Ways that you can give.

• Note: These are just a few suggested ways that you can give. Always follow God's leading when it comes to generosity and giving.
• Time.
• Everyone in the world has the same amount of time.
• Giving takes time.
• If you are going to give, it is going to take some of your time.
• Spend time praying for others.
• Prayer takes time.
• Time spent with God in prayer is never wasted time.
• Encouragement.
• Note: There are different ways to encourage people. Below you will find a few.
• Positive greeting or conversations with people.
• Send someone a note of encouragement.
• Note: There are many ways to do this.
• Text message.
• Email.
• DM on social media.
• Physical card, letter or postcard.
• Financially.
• Note: In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus is specifically talking about financial giving.
• Tithe--it's the 10% that belongs to God.
• Missions--this is separate from the tithe.
• Give to others financially however and whenever God guides you.

Conclusion:

• God is a giving Father who teaches us not to be self-centered in our giving.
• Determine to give to others for their sake and because we love God, not for what we can get out of it.