Continuing our “Roots” series this past weekend at Eastbrook Church, I took us into an exploration of “Sacrificial Generosity.” No one can read the description of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-37 without being deeply moved and challenged. What was it in this early church experiment in Jerusalem that we can learn from as we grapple with wealth and possessions? While also drawing upon Paul’s words to the young pastor in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, the entire message was rooted in 2 Corinthians 8:9:

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

You can watch my message from this past weekend and follow along with the message outline below. You can also engage with the entire series here or download the Eastbrook mobile app for even more opportunities for involvement.

“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)