Wholehearted Giving

Wholehearted Giving | Acts 4:32-5:11

John Bourgeois, Lead Pastor

Key Takeaways

• Trust in God opens our hands to give generously.

• Fear causes us to clench our fists and withhold.

• God's grace alone has the power to make our hearts whole and transform our relationship with money.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Reflect on the story of Barnabas versus Ananias and Sapphira. What do you think motivated each of their actions? How does our trust in God as our Father relate to our willingness to give?

• Question 2

  Pastor John said, "Money always follows our hearts." How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?

• Question 3

  Why do you think Jesus was particularly harsh towards hypocrisy? How does pretending to be more spiritually mature than we are hinder our growth?

• Question 4

  Pastor John said, “Grace only works in reality.” How have you seen that to be true in your own life?

• Question 5

  How does focusing on Jesus’ Great Grace and his resurrection change our perspective on money and possessions?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Secure Attachment to God

READING :

Psalm 91:1-16, Romans 6:5

DEVOTIONAL :

Just as secure attachment shapes our relationships and trust in others, our attachment to God fundamentally alters how we view the world and ourselves. Psalm 91 paints a beautiful picture of dwelling in the "shelter of the Most High" and finding refuge under his wings. Reflect on areas of your life where you may be holding back from fully trusting God. How might your life look different if you truly believed you were securely attached to your Heavenly Father through your union with Christ?

APPLICATION :

Today, practice consciously placing your trust in God's protection and provision, especially in areas where you feel most vulnerable or afraid.

Day 2 : The Freedom of Generosity

READING :

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

DEVOTIONAL :

The early church in Acts demonstrated remarkable generosity, freely sharing everything they had. This generosity flowed from their trust in God's provision and their unity in Christ. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians, reminding us that God loves a cheerful giver and is able to provide abundantly so we can be generous on every occasion. Consider your own attitude towards giving - of your time, talents and treasure. Are you giving grudgingly or joyfully? Ask God to help you see your possessions through his eyes and to cultivate a heart of generosity that reflects his abundant grace in your life.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on your giving habits. Are there areas where fear might be holding you back? Pray for God's grace to help you trust him more in those areas.

Day 3 : Living in the Light of Truth

READING :

1 John 1:5-10

DEVOTIONAL :

The story of Ananias and Sapphira reminds us of the importance of honesty before God and others. Their downfall came not from a lack of generosity, but from pretending to be something they were not. In 1 John, we're called to walk in the light, confessing our sins and experiencing God's faithful forgiveness. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be putting up a facade or hiding your true struggles. Remember that God's grace only operates in reality. Take a moment to honestly confess any areas of hypocrisy or hidden sin to God, trusting in his forgiveness and transforming power.

APPLICATION :

This week, practice "telling on yourself" in a safe environment (with God, a trusted friend, or in a small group). Share an area where you're struggling to trust God or be generous.

Day 4 : Resisting the Enemy's Lies

READING :

Ephesians 6:10-18

DEVOTIONAL :

We're reminded that we're always listening to something - either Satan's lies or the Holy Spirit's truth. Ephesians 6 equips us with the armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. Pay attention to the negative thoughts or fears that plague you today. Are they echoing Satan's lies of scarcity, fear, or self-reliance? Actively combat these lies with the truth of God's Word. Put on the "helmet of salvation" by reminding yourself of your secure identity in Christ, and take up the "sword of the Spirit" by memorizing a verse that counteracts your specific struggle.

APPLICATION :

Consider taking a step of faith in generosity, whether it's financial giving or being generous with your time and talents.

Day 5 : Anchored in Christ's Resurrection

READING :

Romans 8:31-39

DEVOTIONAL :

The early church's power came from their constant testimony to Christ's resurrection. This foundational truth anchored their hearts in God's love and grace. Romans 8 beautifully articulates the unshakable nature of God's love demonstrated through Christ. As you read, let these words sink deep into your soul. What would change in your life if you truly believed nothing could separate you from God's love? How might this transform your fears, your relationships, or your approach to difficulties?

APPLICATION :

Close this week by writing a prayer of thanksgiving for God's unwavering love and commit to living from this place of security in Christ.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

People: For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises!

Psalm 47:1-2, 5-6

Confession of Faith

From The Heidelburg Catechism

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Confession of Sin

Almighty and merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole hearts, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. You call us to wholehearted devotion, but instead we fear loss, seek approval, and pretend to be what we are not. Forgive our divided hearts, our love of possessions, and our falsehood. Make us a people of sincerity and generosity, that we may walk in the light and not in deceit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 5:12-42