Bill Johnson - The Power of Royal Generosity
Every time I grapple with the concept of generosity, I’m also contending with the concept of my identity. A generous lifestyle affects how you perceive the world around you. It will impact your relationship with money. But let me clarify something: if generosity for you is solely about the dollars in your pocket, then you have yet to truly understand generosity. This is not merely about money, though it will include it. We’re going to continue the series I started some weeks ago, so please open your Bibles to 2 Chronicles, chapter 7. We will begin there, and it will take me a moment to set the stage for where we’re headed this morning.
I began this series several weeks ago, and I’m still unsure what to call it, even as we enter the third week. It focuses on Solomon as a prophetic prototype for New Testament Christianity. David was a man of bloodshed, a warrior assigned to clear out the enemies of Israel. When God said he couldn’t build the temple, it wasn’t a punishment for his actions—it was because the Lord was revealing the nature of ministries that He builds through Solomon, a man of peace. David defeated the enemies and drove them out of the land. In this context, I feel that these two ministries—David’s and Solomon’s—represent Old and New Testament ministries, respectively. Old Testament ministry was often harsh and confrontational, while New Testament ministry, as seen in Solomon’s life, still confronts error and sin but fundamentally embodies a lifestyle through which God builds.
I believe the Lord is building through His people a momentum of cultural transformation. One of our heartfelt desires is to see what I refer to as a greenhouse effect—where a culture is so transformed in a particular area that it creates an environment conducive to the growth of the seeds we want to cultivate. Everyone desires to see flourishing businesses, an educational system that effectively trains the young for their purposes, and families that thrive, where husbands and wives stay in love. We have many of these seeds that we wish to see flourish in our cities, and the kind of kingdom culture we seek helps take charge of the airwaves and control the atmosphere over a city, allowing those things we desire to manifest.
That’s not today’s subject, as we’ve addressed that in the past, but I want to set the stage a bit for where we’re headed today. Let me briefly discuss kings. There is a challenge in many theological schools of thought concerning Christians being kings. Part of the reason is that the concept of kings has been defiled in both Old Testament history and New Testament theology, where Christians often want to be in charge, to run the school district or the business. However, the Lord promotes us through servitude. One tragedy in Christianity is the extent of self-promotion. If you attain a position through self-promotion, it will require immense effort and energy; in fact, it will demand more energy to maintain that position than you expended to acquire it. But when promotion comes from the Lord, He sustains what He promotes, and that leads to a much more appropriate way of living. Let Him fan the flames of your success through your faithfulness.
Should you find yourself in a position of authority—whether as a king, CEO, or leader of a school district—remember that a biblical king differs from earthly kings. Earthly kings accumulate wealth and power from the strength and gifts of their people to build personal empires. A biblical king, such as Jesus, uses his position to serve humanity effectively. The catchphrase I often use on this topic is that biblical rulership is legitimate: we rule with the heart of a servant but serve with the heart of a king. Jesus, the King of all kings, exemplified this by washing the disciples' feet.
So what does it mean to serve with the heart of a king? It means that as we step into positions of service, the Lord opens doors and opportunities for great favor while enabling us to serve others. This also means we realize we have access to unlimited resources to fulfill the calling and assignment God has given us. Think about that—it’s distinct from the typical servant in natural life, who lacks resources. The Bible clarifies that as sons and daughters of God, we are heirs, and everything that belongs to the Father has been given to the Son. Everything the Son possesses has been given to us, and we utilize these resources for the upliftment of those around us.
Are we all still together? There are two fundamental aspects of rulership and leadership. It doesn’t matter if you are a parent in a family, the head of a corporation, or the president of a nation—each ruler has two basic assignments: first, to keep the citizens safe, including my three children and my wife; second, to use available resources to empower these citizens or employees to realize their God-given destinies.
Within the realm of safety, there is a critical need for royalty to serve justice. I will return to that point later. Many have thought that when Israel requested a king, they were asking for a human government rather than God’s plan, but that’s not entirely accurate. Jesus is King. In Abraham’s day, when the Lord prophesied to him in Genesis 12, He declared that kings would come from his lineage. We can thus understand that God intended for kings to play a role in His governmental plan all along. Before Saul became king, judges ruled over Israel, guiding the nation. These judges, essentially prophetic figures, provided direction through their submission to God, creating a theocratic system where God was the King.
Yet, in Abraham’s day, the Lord promised that kings would descend from him, indicating that God had always planned for kingship, albeit with a different understanding of kingship from what we typically see. A king is granted favor and resources to serve effectively. In God’s kingdom, a servant operates with unlimited resources from a perfect heavenly Father who provides for everything He assigns us to do. Therefore, you and I hold the role of kings.
In Revelation 1:6, the Lord proclaims that you and I are kings and priests. Some translations refer to a kingdom of priests, but I am using the New King James version for clarity. I wish to use Solomon’s example to illustrate several points today because I believe the Lord is set to release something profound over us as a congregation.
The mandate I’ve carried for several years, which I’ve finally been given the liberty to articulate, revolves around viewing Solomon’s life as a prophetic prototype or illustration of how the church can effectively serve humanity. The church has often embraced an escapism theology, interpreting worsening circumstances as signs of the times, which causes us to long for heaven rather than harness the power of the Gospel to bring transformation. The Spirit of God within you is greater than every force outside of you. The Lord did not suffer so you and I could merely attend church; He aims to equip an army of merciful givers to infiltrate systems and bring about transformation from the inside out.
With that in mind, let’s examine Solomon’s life to discern what wisdom we can glean. Upon his ascension to the throne, he presented an extraordinary offering to the Lord. God showed up, spoke to him, and offered him anything he desired. I believe he was given that choice because his father had prepared him for it. This raises an intriguing question: was Solomon the only man prepared to make the right choice in such a circumstance? It suggests that the kind of words we speak and the prophetic messages we deposit in one another’s lives can attract opportunities—instances made possible through prophetic decrees ahead of time that would not otherwise exist.
Solomon offered this amazing sacrifice, and God’s glory filled the temple. Jump forward to 2 Chronicles 7:4, where it states that King Solomon and the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. Solomon sacrificed 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep. That’s a significant offering. The king and all the people dedicated the house of the Lord. We will revisit the subject of the glory of the Lord and the temple’s dedication in a future discussion, but today I want to focus on something found in 1 Kings chapter 10.
If you could turn there, it would be greatly appreciated; it may take me a while to lay the groundwork, but I feel it is necessary before we can build upon what the Lord is declaring over us today. Over the years, when I’ve been invited to conferences, I often get asked to receive the offering for the ministry, which is always a great privilege. I genuinely enjoy honoring people and ministries.
Let me briefly outline my approach as we delve into giving. Financial giving in churches takes many forms, but for our purposes, let’s acknowledge three categories. The first is for the work of the ministry; that would include tithes and offerings to support church life, missionaries, and various projects, such as Tracy’s milk project in Africa. My family and I invest significantly in that aspect to support ministry work.
The second category is addressing human need. When we encounter someone in a dire situation—a single mother with children lacking food, for example—most of us would willingly give what we could to help. This happens regularly here; whenever I make needs known, you pour exceptional resources into the hands of those in need. Meeting human needs is natural to us. This includes contributions to cancer research, efforts to feed hungry neighbors, or any number of worthy causes.
However, there is a third realm of giving that I believe is quite rare, and the Lord is starting to shine a light on it. I will refer to this as «royal generosity.» Let’s examine the scriptures to understand this concept. The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, bringing a multitude of questions, all of which he answered so thoroughly that she was left speechless, overwhelmed by his wisdom and the sense of the kingdom surrounding him. As she prepared to leave, 1 Kings 10:13 states that King Solomon gave her everything she desired, in addition to what he had offered according to his royal generosity.
In some translations, it refers to «royal bounty,» where the original Hebrew word denotes «hand"—the royal hand. In this context, Solomon gave significantly to the Queen of Sheba, exceeding her requests and providing generously out of his royal largesse.
There’s a fantastic story about Alexander the Great that exemplifies this principle of giving. A beggar asked Alexander for alms as he passed by. The man was in dire straits, having no leverage to request anything from the ruler. Alexander threw him several gold coins. One of his assistants expressed disbelief, questioning why he didn’t simply give the beggar copper coins, which would have sufficed. Alexander, demonstrating royal generosity, replied, «Copper coins would suffice for the beggar’s need, but gold coins suit Alexander’s giving.»
Something transformative occurs in a person’s life when they begin to grasp their true identity in God. We can recite all the right phrases, but when push comes to shove, in moments of conflict or insecurity—when the enemy chooses to challenge our identity—we must remain grounded in the knowledge of who we are. When our identity is settled, it influences everything in our lives and shapes how we contribute to the world around us. Everything changes.
One of my favorite stories is from Michael, my assistant, who recounted a tale from Kathryn Kuhlman’s book. Kuhlman shared that her father, who served as a mayor, was once walking out of a store when a drunk man rudely pushed past him. An aide asked if the mayor would let that happen. His profound response was, «I can afford it.» That statement captures the essence of not being disturbed by others' actions. The need to be right stems from a poverty of the heart; the need for validation derives from a poverty spirit. His statement illustrates that he had enough self-awareness and confidence in his position that he was content to defer.
Now, turning back to the Queen of Sheba, think about this: she held no needs. Solomon wasn’t giving her a little help—he was generously bestowing resources because he was a king, honoring her with extreme generosity. This attitude reflects who kings are; they give out of their identity, seeking to elevate and honor others rather than merely fulfilling a need.
In Acts 11, a fascinating event unfolds. A prophet named Agabus comes to a group of believers and proclaims a coming famine that will impact the entire world. Immediately, the believers took an offering—though they themselves would be affected by the famine. They sent the offering to Judea, the source of the Gospel that had saved their own souls. This reaction is stunning: instead of hoarding resources for an impending crisis, they chose to give to honor the source that provided for them.
During conferences, I often stand before attendees, particularly when I share the platform with extraordinary leaders like Randy Clark, someone I deeply respect for his humility and integrity. When I receive offerings on behalf of these leaders, I emphasize that we have the privilege of giving honor—not simply because there is a need or vision, but simply because of who they are.
I believe the Lord is shifting the consciousness of His people regarding our true identity. Every time I wrestle with the idea of generosity, I’m really wrestling with my identity. A generous lifestyle shapes how we view the world and will undeniably affect our finances. But if your understanding of generosity is confined to the dollars in your wallet, then you haven’t truly grasped its essence. It transcends monetary value; it encompasses our lives.
The Queen of Sheba had a prophetic word for Solomon, indicating that God had graced him with extraordinary favor due to His love for the people of Israel around him. This means that every opportunity God grants you and me is a chance to increase our resources—not just materially but spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to serve those around us.
Favor that stagnates becomes a Dead Sea of resources. Favor is designed to flow through us, impacting and transforming the lives around us. This is the purpose of divine favor and the essence of kings building their kingdoms. God warned Israel about kings who would exploit their sons and daughters as servants for personal gain. In Solomon’s day, after demonstrating royal generosity, Israel thrived, so much so that silver was counted as nothing amid an abundance of wealth.
The last thing I want to do is reduce this message to a mere financial appeal because generosity involves far more than that. It encompasses kind words shared with a waitress or consideration of our friends' time. It is valuing others' lives enough to avoid consistently being late for appointments. We should approach life generously, celebrating the grace present in others' lives.
I believe this anointing on Solomon is meant to be released to a generation, encouraging us to resist becoming self-important know-it-alls. If God places you in a position of authority, great—but remember you are still a servant. We use our positions, wisdom, and abilities to serve, caring for others while cultivating system transformations, loving people genuinely.
We have witnessed these transformations in our city, where neighborhoods once deemed unsafe have become welcoming places because of your willingness to share the kingdom. You have displayed mercy and compassion, resulting in remarkable changes. Royalty creates security and empowers people, celebrating their divine assignments. This is the privilege we hold—empowering people to thrive.
Solomon, guided by this mandate, built an incredibly magnificent temple. A prosperous nation should not prosper at the expense of its people; when that happens, it breeds discontent. Prosperity is not inherently evil; instead, a government should prosper alongside its people, with their well-being as a priority.
Indeed, the citizens of Israel prospered so significantly that silver became commonplace, regarded as inconsequential—a remarkable reflection of their growth. Were we to calculate Solomon’s personal income, it is believed he amassed around one billion dollars a year. It is worth stressing that the principle underpinning this isn’t merely about financial figures; it’s about the heart and identity behind our generosity.
It’s about being able to say, «I can afford it,» in every situation, recognizing that the essence of who we are in God’s eyes is far more valuable than the fleeting demands of the world. Our generous hearts recognize potential within others. The heart of royal generosity embodies a prosperous soul, affecting not only economic status but overall well-being.
I believe the Lord is increasing every person’s resources in this room: economically, emotionally, and spiritually, helping us live generously and bring encouragement to others. This royal generosity reflects the Solomon anointing—one of our most powerful transformational tools for serving our city.
I have observed the impact of this kind of royal generosity, stemming from a lifestyle seeking to serve. It is your volunteerism and lack of complaint that have contributed significantly to our city, saving over a million dollars on just one project under Keith’s leadership. Your willingness to serve—whether in hospitals, cleaning up neighborhoods, or working in local parks—demonstrates a tangible love for the city, significantly enhancing trust between you and those around you.
With time, as people recognize our love for the city and its inhabitants, trust will deepen. I genuinely believe this is part of the Solomon call—a call to live wisely and engage with our surroundings through love and service, bringing people into their destinies through the favor that God has placed upon our lives.
Now, I would like us to stand and pray. I want to focus on very specific areas of prayer today. Thank you, Lord.
As we discuss the nature of kings and government, we see an important lesson in Solomon’s life. When he asked God for wisdom, it was tested early on in a case involving two prostitutes. Each had a child, and one accidentally suffocated hers at night. The other claimed the surviving child, leading to an argument over ownership. Solomon, demonstrating royal generosity, suggested dividing the baby in two. The real mother immediately responded, ready to relinquish her claim to spare the baby’s life. Solomon, accordingly, declared her the rightful mother and returned her child to her.
This illustrates generosity: serving people who might not qualify for justice in society. It shows that true generosity means serving those who aren’t able to advocate for themselves. Anyone can defend a deserving friend, but a king shows compassion to those unworthy of it.
Let’s approach our prayer now, asking the Lord to deepen our identities and fill us with an awareness of His grace that flows through us. It’s about realizing that the risen Christ lives within us, and He longs to reveal the nature of the most generous King—transforming our hearts to reflect His generosity in everything we do. Let’s pray together. Holy Spirit, I ask that You would come anew, releasing a spirit of wisdom and revelation to the hearts of everyone in this room. Help us recognize our identity as heirs, as children of the Most High. I pray that this truth becomes evident in how we navigate our lives, shifting our perspective on generosity and enhancing our sense of purpose in serving others. Let us see our roles as privileges, allowing us to pour out the abundance of Your love upon those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.