Sacrificial Generosity

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)

The Sacrificial Generosity of God (Acts 4:33; 2 Corinthians 8:9)

• “And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all” (Acts 4:33)
• “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Sacrificial Generosity in Relationships (Acts 2:44; 4:32)

• “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44)
• “All the believers were one in heart and mind” (4:32)

Sacrificial Simplicity (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

• “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
• “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (6:9-10)

Sacrificial Generosity with Resources (Acts 2:45; 4:34-37)

• Knowing the needs (Acts 2:45)
• Sacrificial shedding (2:45; 4:34)
• Giving to those in need (4:34-35; 6:1-7)
• The example of Barnabas (4:36-37)

1. Who is the most generous person that you have ever met? Why would you describe them in this way?
2. As we continue our series “Roots” this week we will consider what it means to be sacrifi- cially generous as a response to God. We will explore many passages, so first begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His word.
3. The starting point for generosity with others is God’s generosity with us, particularly in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Take some time to read the following Scripture passages on the adjacent page, and then describe, in your own words, the generosity of God: Luke 15:1-32 • John 3:16-21 • 2 Corinthians 8:9 • Ephesians 2:1-10 • Philippians 2:5-11 • 1 John 4:7-12
4. In Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:32-37, we read about the generosity of the early church in Jerusalem. One phrase in the original Greek that appears in both places to convey the common life of the church is translated “had everything in common” (2:44) and “shared everything” (4:32). How would you describe the aim and motivation of this sharing or common life?
5. Acts 4:33-37 describes the generosity of some within the Jerusalem church who sold personal property to help others in need. What do you think is going on here? How does it strike you?
6. What needs do you know of presently within Eastbrook Church, either at the overall level or in your immediate relationships? How could you be a part of generously meeting those needs?
7. In his first letter to the young pastor, Timothy, Paul talks about the source and dangers of our possession. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and consider how Paul’s words related to our study of Acts 2 and 4?
8. How is God speaking to you about living out your calling as part of God’s sacrificially generous community, the church? What is one specific thing that God is drawing your attention to right now? How might your life look different as a result of what you are considering with God? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.

DIG DEEPER