The Key to Living Generously

PEACE

Living Generously “Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and

God. Peace is the consequence of forgiveness, God's removal of that which obscures His face and so breaks union with Him.”

Charles H. Brent “Doubt discovers difficulties which it never solves; it

creates hesitancy, despondency, despair. Its progress is the decay of comfort, the death of peace. "Believe!" is the word which speaks life into a man, but doubt nails down his coffin.”

Charles Spurgeon “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be

careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”

Francis of Assisi

John 14: 25 – 29 – The Gift of Peace

25. These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.

26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

27. 1Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

29. And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.

John 14: 30 – 31 – The Reason We Need Peace

30. I will no longer talk much with you, 2for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.

31. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. 3Arise, let us go from here.

1. Peace is the key to, the linchpin of, our Christian

journey.

2. Why? Times of testing, trial, temptation will

inevitably come.

3. Peace is the difference between “Living with

Paralysis” and “Living with Purpose”

Arise, let us go from here.

Jesus sacrificed everything on the Cross.

The Disciples had a decision to make (Paralysis or Purpose)

The Apostles decided to sacrifice everything (Acts 1:8)

The Church had a decision to make (Paralysis or Purpose)

The Church decided to give abundantly (Acts 2:45)

Every generation has a decision to make (Paralysis or Purpose)

Every generation has chosen to give to Kingdom work

We have a decision to make (Paralysis or Purpose)

John 14: 25 – 26

25. These things I have spoken to you while being 1present with you.

26. 2But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and 3bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

1. Physical Reality vs. Spiritual Reality?What controls our lives? Our circumstances or God’s promises?

2. Army of One vs. Team Player?Are we willing to participate in the plan that God has for us?

3. Monologue vs. Dialogue?Are we allowing God to speak to us concerning His plan for us?

27. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be 1troubled, neither let it be 2afraid.

28. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

John 14: 27 – 28

1. It is perfectly natural to be anxious.

2. It is perfectly natural to be afraid.

3. Peace: The supernatural state of calm in

the midst of volatile circumstances.

You -

Humanity

I/My/Me -

The Godhead

29. And now I have told you 1before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may 2believe.

John 14: 29

1. Storms and Trails are inevitable.

2. Peace and Truth are a vehicle for Faith.

1. “Peace I leave with you” (v. 27) – a gift of God

2. “I have told you” (v. 29) – the word of God

What does this have to do with living generously?

Mark 4:35 – 41 – The Wind and Wave Obey Jesus1. The storms came and their boat was sinking.2. Jesus said: “Peace, be still!”3. Jesus said: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you

have no faith?”John 20:19 – 23 – The Apostles Commissioned

4. “The disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews”5. Jesus said: “Peace be with you.”6. Jesus: “He breathed on them”

Matthew 25:14 – 30 - The Parable of the Talents7. The steward with one talent hid the Lord’s money.8. The Steward: “I was afraid”9. Judgement: “Cast out the unprofitable servant”

Okay, so what does this have to do with living generously?

Mark 4:35 – 41 – (the beginning of Jesus’ ministry)1. They had a big boat and they had Jesus. 2. There were little boats around that needed them.3. They had all the resources they needed, but they were

paralyzed by a lack of faith and fear.John 20:19 – 23 – (the beginning the Church)

4. They had the message and they had an open door to minister.

5. Others needed to hear their message, but they were hiding behind closed doors because of a lack of faith and fear.

Matthew 25:14 – 30 - (the end of all things)6. He had the talent and the command.7. He had no excuse when time ran out.

STRONG TOWER

Proverbs 18:10 – 1210. The name of the Lord is a

strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

11. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.

12. Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.

STRONG TOWER

We can spend our lives building walls around us –

to defend us from the unknown

OR

We can operate in the name of the Lord –

He will defend us

Generosity:Building and Blessing

vs.Building and Burning

1 Corinthians 3:12 – 15

12. Now if anyone builds on this foundation

with gold, silver, precious stones, wood,

hay, straw,

13. each one’s work will become clear; for

the Day will declare it, because it will be

revealed by fire; and the fire will test

each one’s work, of what sort it is.

14. If anyone’s work which he has built on it

endures, he will receive a reward.

15. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer

loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so

as through fire.

EVERYONE IS

BUILDING SOMETHING