October 25, 2026
Jesus Changes Everything
Sermon: Practice Generosity
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
Series: Practice Generosity
Speaker: Dr. Terry Kirby
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
Series: Practice Generosity
Speaker: Dr. Terry Kirby
CONTENTS
Click the links to go directly to a section in this post:
Sermon Talking Points
Main Takeaway
Sermon Summary
Blog Post
Living It Out
Small Group Discussion
Family Conversation
Prayer
Sermon Talking Points
Main Takeaway
Sermon Summary
Blog Post
Living It Out
Small Group Discussion
Family Conversation
Prayer
Sermon Talking Points
- God is the source of all we have. Our time, abilities, resources, and opportunities are gifts of His grace.
- Generosity grows through practice. Just as we develop other skills through repeated effort, we grow in generosity by putting it into action.
- Joy can flourish even in hardship. The Macedonian churches gave willingly despite their affliction and poverty.
- Give yourself to the Lord first. Generosity flows from a heart committed to God and willing to follow His direction.
- Practice generosity according to God's will. Scripture provides guidance for giving and supporting the work of the kingdom.
- Give cheerfully and willingly. Our attitude matters; generosity is an expression of gratitude and faith, not resentment or obligation.
- Finish what you commit to do. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to complete the offering they had begun.
- Don't use giving to make a point. Giving is an act of obedience to God, not a way to reward or punish church leadership.
Main Takeaway
BIG IDEA: First Give Yourself to the Lord. Then Give with Joy.
Everything we have comes from God's grace. When we first give ourselves to the Lord, we learn to use what He has entrusted to us with willing hearts, joyful generosity, and a desire to serve His kingdom.
Key Verse
2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV) “They first gave themselves to the Lord.”
Everything we have comes from God's grace. When we first give ourselves to the Lord, we learn to use what He has entrusted to us with willing hearts, joyful generosity, and a desire to serve His kingdom.
Key Verse
2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV) “They first gave themselves to the Lord.”
Sermon Summary
In 2 Corinthians 8:1–6, Paul points to the churches of Macedonia as an example of generosity for the church at Corinth. Although the Macedonian believers faced hardship and deep poverty, they gave willingly and joyfully to help Christians in Jerusalem who were in serious need.
Their generosity began with their relationship with God. As Pastor Terry emphasizes, they first gave themselves to the Lord and then supported others. They did not view their resources as their own; they understood that what they had was a gift of God's grace.
The sermon presents two central truths: God is the source of our generosity, and we should practice generosity according to God's will. Scripture teaches us to support the kingdom's work and give cheerfully. Prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance help us respond faithfully to needs and opportunities God places before us.
Pastor Terry also challenges believers not to use giving to express dissatisfaction with church leadership. Our generosity expresses our relationship with God, not a bargaining tool or a game. We are called to examine our giving honestly, follow God's Word, and use what He has entrusted to us for His glory.
As the Practice Generosity series concludes, the challenge is simple: recognize God's grace, give ourselves to Him, and practice generosity with joyful, obedient hearts.
Their generosity began with their relationship with God. As Pastor Terry emphasizes, they first gave themselves to the Lord and then supported others. They did not view their resources as their own; they understood that what they had was a gift of God's grace.
The sermon presents two central truths: God is the source of our generosity, and we should practice generosity according to God's will. Scripture teaches us to support the kingdom's work and give cheerfully. Prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance help us respond faithfully to needs and opportunities God places before us.
Pastor Terry also challenges believers not to use giving to express dissatisfaction with church leadership. Our generosity expresses our relationship with God, not a bargaining tool or a game. We are called to examine our giving honestly, follow God's Word, and use what He has entrusted to us for His glory.
As the Practice Generosity series concludes, the challenge is simple: recognize God's grace, give ourselves to Him, and practice generosity with joyful, obedient hearts.
Memory Verse:
2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV) “They first gave themselves to the Lord.”
Blog Post:
Generosity Begins with Grace
First Give Yourself to the Lord. Then Give with Joy.
Why do we give? Is it simply to pay the bills, keep the lights on, or help the church accomplish its plans? Those things matter, but biblical generosity reaches much deeper. It begins with recognizing God's grace and responding to Him with a willing heart.
In 2 Corinthians 8:1–6, the apostle Paul points to an unexpected example of generosity: the churches of Macedonia.
GENEROSITY IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
The Macedonian believers were experiencing affliction and deep poverty. They had their own struggles, yet they gave willingly and joyfully to help Christians in Jerusalem who were facing hardship.
Their example challenges the way we sometimes think about generosity. We may assume generosity is only possible when we have plenty. But Paul highlights believers whose joy and willingness to give were evident even in difficult circumstances.
The point is not that we should ignore our responsibilities or give without wisdom. Rather, we should recognize that generosity is not determined by the size of our bank account alone. It begins with our relationship with God and our willingness to follow His direction.
EVERYTHING WE HAVE COMES FROM GRACE
Pastor Terry reminds us that what we have is ultimately a gift of God's grace. We may work hard, plan carefully, and manage our resources responsibly, but we should not forget the One who provides our abilities, opportunities, and blessings.
When we remember that God is the source of what we have, generosity becomes less about losing something that belongs exclusively to us and more about faithfully using what He has entrusted to us.
God's grace does more than save us. It also shapes the way we see others and respond to their needs. He can help us recognize opportunities to encourage someone, support a ministry, serve our community, or provide practical help.
Sometimes God places a need directly in front of us. The question is whether we are willing to respond.
FIRST GIVE YOURSELF TO THE LORD
One of the most important statements in this passage is that the Macedonian believers first gave themselves to the Lord.
Before generosity becomes an action, it begins as a commitment. We place our hearts, priorities, decisions, and resources before God and ask Him to direct us.
That commitment calls us to listen to Scripture, pray for wisdom, and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. We do not give simply because someone pressures us. We give because we belong to God and desire to obey Him.
The Bible provides clear direction: support the work of God's kingdom and give cheerfully. We can prayerfully evaluate our giving and ask whether it reflects our trust in God and our commitment to His work.
GENEROSITY IS NOT A GAME
Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to finish the offering it had previously committed to provide. Their disagreements and dissatisfaction had begun to interfere with completing the work.
Pastor Terry applies this lesson to today's church. Don't use giving to express frustration with a pastor, a ministry, or a decision. Our generosity expresses our relationship with God—not a way to reward or punish people.
When we have concerns, we should address them honestly and appropriately. But we should not turn God's gifts into a bargaining tool. Our giving honors Him and helps us participate in His work.
PRACTICE GENEROSITY
We grow in generosity by practicing it. We can practice giving our money, but generosity also includes our time, abilities, encouragement, hospitality, and willingness to serve.
At First Baptist Church, Pigeon Forge, we have opportunities to support ministry, care for our neighbors, serve local children through Tiger Packs, and participate in missions. Every act of service can express gratitude for God's grace.
As we conclude our Practice Generosity series, take time to examine your own life. Are you using what God has entrusted to you in ways that honor Him? Are you giving yourself to the Lord first? Are you responding joyfully to the opportunities He places before you?
You do not have to wait for a special occasion to begin. Start with prayer, listen to God's Word, and take the next faithful step.
First give yourself to the Lord. Then give with joy.
Questions to Consider
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your grace and for everything You have entrusted to me. Help me give myself to You first, seek Your will through Scripture and prayer, and respond to opportunities with a willing and joyful heart. Keep me from holding too tightly to what You have given me or using generosity for the wrong reasons. Help me honor You in the way I give, serve, and live. In Jesus' name, amen.
Why do we give? Is it simply to pay the bills, keep the lights on, or help the church accomplish its plans? Those things matter, but biblical generosity reaches much deeper. It begins with recognizing God's grace and responding to Him with a willing heart.
In 2 Corinthians 8:1–6, the apostle Paul points to an unexpected example of generosity: the churches of Macedonia.
GENEROSITY IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
The Macedonian believers were experiencing affliction and deep poverty. They had their own struggles, yet they gave willingly and joyfully to help Christians in Jerusalem who were facing hardship.
Their example challenges the way we sometimes think about generosity. We may assume generosity is only possible when we have plenty. But Paul highlights believers whose joy and willingness to give were evident even in difficult circumstances.
The point is not that we should ignore our responsibilities or give without wisdom. Rather, we should recognize that generosity is not determined by the size of our bank account alone. It begins with our relationship with God and our willingness to follow His direction.
EVERYTHING WE HAVE COMES FROM GRACE
Pastor Terry reminds us that what we have is ultimately a gift of God's grace. We may work hard, plan carefully, and manage our resources responsibly, but we should not forget the One who provides our abilities, opportunities, and blessings.
When we remember that God is the source of what we have, generosity becomes less about losing something that belongs exclusively to us and more about faithfully using what He has entrusted to us.
God's grace does more than save us. It also shapes the way we see others and respond to their needs. He can help us recognize opportunities to encourage someone, support a ministry, serve our community, or provide practical help.
Sometimes God places a need directly in front of us. The question is whether we are willing to respond.
FIRST GIVE YOURSELF TO THE LORD
One of the most important statements in this passage is that the Macedonian believers first gave themselves to the Lord.
Before generosity becomes an action, it begins as a commitment. We place our hearts, priorities, decisions, and resources before God and ask Him to direct us.
That commitment calls us to listen to Scripture, pray for wisdom, and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. We do not give simply because someone pressures us. We give because we belong to God and desire to obey Him.
The Bible provides clear direction: support the work of God's kingdom and give cheerfully. We can prayerfully evaluate our giving and ask whether it reflects our trust in God and our commitment to His work.
GENEROSITY IS NOT A GAME
Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to finish the offering it had previously committed to provide. Their disagreements and dissatisfaction had begun to interfere with completing the work.
Pastor Terry applies this lesson to today's church. Don't use giving to express frustration with a pastor, a ministry, or a decision. Our generosity expresses our relationship with God—not a way to reward or punish people.
When we have concerns, we should address them honestly and appropriately. But we should not turn God's gifts into a bargaining tool. Our giving honors Him and helps us participate in His work.
PRACTICE GENEROSITY
We grow in generosity by practicing it. We can practice giving our money, but generosity also includes our time, abilities, encouragement, hospitality, and willingness to serve.
At First Baptist Church, Pigeon Forge, we have opportunities to support ministry, care for our neighbors, serve local children through Tiger Packs, and participate in missions. Every act of service can express gratitude for God's grace.
As we conclude our Practice Generosity series, take time to examine your own life. Are you using what God has entrusted to you in ways that honor Him? Are you giving yourself to the Lord first? Are you responding joyfully to the opportunities He places before you?
You do not have to wait for a special occasion to begin. Start with prayer, listen to God's Word, and take the next faithful step.
First give yourself to the Lord. Then give with joy.
Questions to Consider
- How has God's grace shaped your understanding of generosity?
- What resources, abilities, or opportunities has God entrusted to you?
- Does your giving reflect a willing and joyful heart?
- Is there an opportunity to serve or support God's work that you have been overlooking?
- What is one practical way you can practice generosity this week?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your grace and for everything You have entrusted to me. Help me give myself to You first, seek Your will through Scripture and prayer, and respond to opportunities with a willing and joyful heart. Keep me from holding too tightly to what You have given me or using generosity for the wrong reasons. Help me honor You in the way I give, serve, and live. In Jesus' name, amen.
LIVING IT OUT
First give yourself to the Lord. Then give with joy.
This week, put the sermon into practice with these five steps.
Give yourself to the Lord.
Begin each day with a simple prayer: “Lord, everything I have comes from You. Show me how to use it for Your glory.”
Let Scripture guide your generosity.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1–6 again. Reflect on what it means to give willingly, joyfully, and in response to God's grace.
Respond to a need.
Look for one opportunity to use your time, abilities, or resources to encourage someone or support the work of the kingdom.
Practice joyful giving.
Pay attention to your attitude. Ask God to replace resentment or reluctance with gratitude and a willing heart.
Follow through on your commitments.
If you have committed to serve, give, or help someone, take the next step toward completing what you promised.
Personal challenge: Ask God, “What have You entrusted to me, and how would You have me use it?” Then take one practical step in response.
Give yourself to the Lord.
Begin each day with a simple prayer: “Lord, everything I have comes from You. Show me how to use it for Your glory.”
Let Scripture guide your generosity.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1–6 again. Reflect on what it means to give willingly, joyfully, and in response to God's grace.
Respond to a need.
Look for one opportunity to use your time, abilities, or resources to encourage someone or support the work of the kingdom.
Practice joyful giving.
Pay attention to your attitude. Ask God to replace resentment or reluctance with gratitude and a willing heart.
Follow through on your commitments.
If you have committed to serve, give, or help someone, take the next step toward completing what you promised.
Personal challenge: Ask God, “What have You entrusted to me, and how would You have me use it?” Then take one practical step in response.
Small Group Discussion
Practice Generosity
Opening question: Who has shown you generosity in a way that made a lasting impression?
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1–6.
Discuss:
Group challenge: Each person identifies one way to practice generosity this week—through giving, serving, encouragement, hospitality, or completing a commitment. Share your plans and pray for one another.
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1–6.
Discuss:
- What stands out about the Macedonian churches' generosity despite their hardship?
- How does recognizing God as the source of what we have change our attitude toward giving?
- What does it mean to give ourselves to the Lord before giving our resources?
- How can Scripture and prayer help us make wise, faithful decisions about generosity?
- Why is it important to give cheerfully rather than out of resentment or pressure?
- What might it look like to use giving as a way to express dissatisfaction with church leadership? How should we respond to concerns appropriately?
- What practical opportunities do we have to support God's work and meet needs in our community?
Group challenge: Each person identifies one way to practice generosity this week—through giving, serving, encouragement, hospitality, or completing a commitment. Share your plans and pray for one another.
Family Conversation
Jesus' Generosity
Parents, use these questions around the dinner table this week.
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1–6.
Discuss:
Family activity: Create a “Gifts from God” list. Write down the things God has entrusted to your family—time, talents, possessions, friendships, and opportunities. Choose one way to use one of those gifts to help someone this week.
Pray together: Thank God for His grace. Ask Him to help your family recognize opportunities to give, serve, and encourage others with joyful hearts.
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1–6.
Discuss:
- Who were the Macedonian churches helping?
- Why is it surprising that they gave joyfully while facing hardship?
- What does it mean to give yourself to the Lord?
- What are some ways our family can be generous without spending money?
- How can we practice giving with a joyful attitude?
Family activity: Create a “Gifts from God” list. Write down the things God has entrusted to your family—time, talents, possessions, friendships, and opportunities. Choose one way to use one of those gifts to help someone this week.
Pray together: Thank God for His grace. Ask Him to help your family recognize opportunities to give, serve, and encourage others with joyful hearts.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to seek and save the lost. Thank You that Your grace reaches us even when others may judge or reject us. Show us where we need to change, and give us willing hearts that respond in faith and obedience. Strengthen our commitment to prayer, Bible study, and discipleship. Help us make things right when we have done wrong and live generously because of the generosity You have shown us through Jesus. May our changed lives point others to Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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