07.19.2026 | Followers of the Way
Followers of the Way: The Normal Christian Life
Acts 2:44-46 (NLT) And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.
1. Stay Joyful in Generosity
2 Cor. 9:7 (NIV) Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Acts 20:35 (NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Are we able to connect joy and generosity?
1. Stay Loving in Generosity
Acts 4:32-37 (NLT) All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
1 John 3:17 (NIV) If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
Matt. 6:1-4 (NLT) “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
2. Stay Soft in Generosity
Acts 5:3 (NLT) Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.
Romans 12:13 (NLT) When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Where does all this flow from?
Graced for Generosity
Acts 4:33b (NKJV) And great grace was upon them all.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
While we can never earn or merit anything from God, we can exert the effort necessary to build spiritual muscle and maximize God’s investment in us.
- Todd Hunter
Questions for discussion/reflection:
1. Share a time when you felt generous and joyful about it (if ever)
2. Share a time when you didn’t feel generous at all and didn’t want to give? Was your heart soft?
3. What is the key for you to connect joy and giving?
4. How can you better stay loving/soft hearted in your posture toward giving?
5. Where is the Lord leading you to be generous this week?
6. Bonus question: How does stewardship fit into the picture with biblical generosity?