Giving With Liberality

Giving With Liberality

2004013

Topic # 1373

Introduction:

A. Burris Butler:

1. 1 out of every 6 verses in gospels concerns man & his possessions.

2. 19 of 38 parables deal with material possessions.

3. There is 16 times more about stewardship than baptism in the gospels.

4. There are 32 more times about stewardship than the Lord’s Supper in the gospels.

B. Think of these basic truths:

1. Mt. 13:22 – riches are deceitful.

2. Mt. 16:26 – permanence is a true test of all values.

a) do we grasp fact that many things we hold near/dear are temporary?

b) Are we in danger of sacrificing eternal for the temporary?

C. Mt. 19:16-22 – RYR. What must I do to inherit eternal life?

1. 19:21-22 – Jesus’ response & young man’s reaction.

2. 19:23-26 – Jesus’ statements.

3. 19:27 – which prompts Peter to say:

4. In his answer in 28-29 – Jesus promises the satisfaction of the deepest craving of the human heart: the longing to be somebody & do something worthwhile.

5. 19:29 – what does Jesus promise & how much?

D. We need to understand that Jesus promised rewards for our liberality & that a reward is a just motivating factor.

1. We need to be stimulated by the wonderful reward that is waiting at the conclusion of this life.

2. We must learn to produce the proper motivation – so our service will be acceptable.

3. So…let’s talk about the reasons behind our actions & the need for sacrifice.

I. Financial Planning from God.

A. Mt. 6:19-21 – we need to make heavenly investments. Where are we NOT to lay up treasure?

1. Jesus mentions 3 destructive influences to earthly possessions. Can you see them here?

2. Moth; rust; thieves.

3. must of the wealth in Jesus’ day considered of beautiful & expensive clothing which people loved to display. Clothing was accessorized with costly & glittering ornaments.

4. 6:20 – Jesus stresses the temporary nature of everything on earth.

B. 6:21 – can you see any self interest in the motive for giving?

1. He shows – use of our money invested in spiritual services is a wise investment – paying incredible dividends to the investor.

2. Wealth after this life is conditioned on our sending money ahead by giving to worthy causes.

C. All of our lives are an investment. A fundamental!

1. Happiness is found in Christian liberty as it is found in nothing else.

2. Have we experienced the spiritual success & joy that comes from our investments in eternity?

3. 6:21 – what folly to store our treasure in the place we must soon leave.

a) Psa. 39:4-5

b) What do we cherish most highly?

c) Jesus teaches here that our thoughts & our hearts abide with that which we cherish most highly.

4. We lay up treasures in heaven so our minds, hearts, and affections may be on heavenly things.

5. Only way to have treasure in heaven when we arrive there is to send it ahead NOW! We can’t take it with us!

II. Consider Jesus’ law of giving & receiving:

A. God is a giver of law & order in the universe.

1. If we would live – we must have the necessities of life.

2. If we would reap a harvest – we must sow & cultivate.

3. If we would receive mercy – we must also show mercy.

4. If we would receive generously – we must be generous.

B. Lk. 6:31; 35-38

1. 6:38 – this is God’s inexorable law of giving & receiving.

2. LT – never get ANYTHING worthwhile for NOTHING.

3. Reverse the law: you can never give something worthwhile w/o receiving back, in time!

4. Brethren: we cannot lose when we observe God’s law!

C. We limit ourselves & we limit God’s ability to help us when we are tight; stingy; selfish & lack liberality!

1. The Christian that gives is the one that LIVES abundantly!

2. Someone: what you give comes back to you multiplied – ALWAYS.

3. Do we have faith enough to give this law of God a fair trial?

4. Acts 20:35 – words of Jesus…

D. The joy; peace; & rich pleasure experienced by the truly generous is far more significant than the good done to the receiver.

1. Albert Barnes: That is the most truly happy man, who is most benevolent. He is the most miserable, who has never know the luxury of doing good, but who lives to gain all he can, and to hoard all he gains.

III. Stewardship concerns focus in what we actually have & the ways we can actually serve.

A. Some: principles talked about thus far sound great. But I’m not bless w/many physical resources so I can’t give liberally.

1. Let me illustrate what we often do:

2. Publisher’s clearing House; Reader’s Digest Contest…what would you do if you won a million dollars?

a) Don’t we daydream about who we would use a large; unexpected sum of money?

b) Maybe we’ve said, If I had money…I would take care of X need in the congregation….I’d put more $$$ in the plate; I’d help someone in need; support a preacher; etc.

3. Amazing to consider what we would do w/the money we do not have.

a) Also…amazing to consider how our priorities would change if we acquired a large amount of unexpected $$.

b) Does it seem to you that we would use money we do not have in ways that we infrequently use the money we do have?

c) If we had more than enough money – would we use the surplus differently than we use what we actually have?

B. There are some reasons why our stewardship & giving breakdown.

1. We see needs that overwhelm us & convince ourselves that our help would be less than significant.

a) What I’m willing to give won’t make a difference – the need will still be there.

b) Too often we believe the significance & meaning our actions depends on resolving a need or destroying a problem.

1) We feel if we cannot produce permanent solution – we are powerless.

2) e.g., if I cannot destroy your hunger indefinitely – there is no point in feeding you a meal.

c) And so…regret becomes an acceptable substitute for action.

1) I’m sorry. I wish I could do something…

2) Saying I feel terrible about the situation is no justification for inactivity.

d) 1 John 3:17-18 – we must do our part with what we have! Remember this principle!

2. Sometimes we justify inaction in helping/giving by claiming to be good stewards.

a) e.g., God expects us to be good stewards. Any attempt to address this need would be wasted. The problem exists because of evil; irresponsibility & ignorance. Nothing will change. There will be no lasting results. So to be good stewards we do nothing.

b) What do you say to that?

3. Stewardship is complex & complicated.

a) No one wants to enable someone to continue to conduct wickedness & no one wants to promote slothful behavior.

b) It is NOT God’s will for us to void of compassion; kindness; and mercy!

c) Jesus fed those who tried to take advantage of him – John 6

d) Healed those who did not even say thanks – Lk. 17:11-19

4. What was Jesus’ greatest priority & God’s greatest concern? Helping people! We cannot understand stewardship unless:

a) We understand Jesus as a servant.

b) We understand we are servants

c) We understand surrender is a natural aspect of servant hood.

d) Mt. 25:31-46 – we give our will to God by giving our heart to people.

5. God’s steward does what he can for people!

C. Mk. 12:38-44

1. 12:38-39 – why should disciples beware of the Scribes?

2. 12:40 – evicted widows to steal their homes & then covered it up w/long prayers.

3. 12:41 – why did these people put in money?

a) To support/maintain temple & its sacrificial system was expensive!

b) Significant money required to offer 1000’s of animal sacrifices each day.

c) Rich were putting in large sums.

4. 12:42 – what does the widow drop in?

a) Coins called leptons. 2 of these = Quadran. Quadran = 1/64^th of a denarius. 1 days’ wage was a denarius.

5. 12:44 – she put in all she owned.

D. What would we say?

1. She put in nothing.

2. The treasury wouldn’t even notice if she didn’t give because it was so insignificant.

3. 12:43 – Jesus says…

E. God’s highest standard for acts of stewardship is sacrifice! It is liberality in giving!

1. The AMOUNT given is NOT God’s greatest standard of stewardship!

2. God’s concept of stewardship makes it possible for a poverty stricken person to be a better steward than a prosperous person.

3. A small amount given:

a) W/great trust in God…

b) W/great personal sacrifice is of greater significance to God than a large amount that represents little sacrifice.

F. Whether it is large of small – the key measurement of stewardship is sacrifice.

G. Look at contrasts:

1. Scribes wore fine clothing – widow didn’t.

2. Scribes held significant religious positions – widow did not.

3. Scribes were honored. Widow wasn’t.

4. Scribes prominent in religious assemblies – widow was not.

5. Scribes were HORRIBLE stewards who would receive GREATER condemnation.

6. Widow symbolized the TRUST in God necessary to be an EXCEPTIONAL steward.

7. Her sacrifice expressed her stewardship.

H. Let’s quit DREAMING of what we would do with what we DO NOT have and ACT with what we DO have !

Conclusion:

A. God’s gifts should inspire our gifts.

1. John 3:16 – what did God give?

2. 1 John 4:19 –

B. How ungrateful is the person who does not reciprocate the love of God by giving himself in return for what God has given him!

C. George Pepperdine: All I have left is what I gave away. What I spent, I had; what I kept; I lost; what I gave, I have.

1. Jesus would not have us serve Him in vain.

2. He assures us of abundant reward for whatever price we pay for discipleship.

3. Not one cup of water; not one cent given in His name will fail to bring reward!

D. Do you need to give yourself to Him?

E. I N V I T A T I O N



Giving With Liberality 2004013 Topic # 1373 Introduction: A. Burris Butler: 1. 1 out of every 6 verses in gospels concerns man & his possessions. 2. 19 of 38 parables deal with material possessions. 3. There is 16 times more about stewardship than baptism in the gospels. 4. There are 32 more times about stewardship than the Lord’s Supper in the gospels. B. Think of these basic truths: 1. Mt. 13:22 – riches are deceitful. 2. Mt. 16:26 – permanence is a true test of all values. a) do we grasp fact that many things we hold near/dear are temporary? b) Are we in danger of sacrificing eternal for the temporary? C. Mt. 19:16-22 – RYR. What must I do to inherit eternal life? 1. 19:21-22 – Jesus’ response & young man’s reaction. 2. 19:23-26 – Jesus’ statements. 3. 19:27 – which prompts Peter to say: 4. In his answer in 28-29 – Jesus promises the satisfaction of the deepest craving of the human heart: the longing to be somebody & do something worthwhile. 5. 19:29 – what does Jesus promise & how much? D. We need to understand that Jesus promised rewards for our liberality & that a reward is a just motivating factor. 1. We need to be stimulated by the wonderful reward that is waiting at the conclusion of this life. 2. We must learn to produce the proper motivation – so our service will be acceptable. 3. So…let’s talk about the reasons behind our actions & the need for sacrifice. I. Financial Planning from God. A. Mt. 6:19-21 – we need to make heavenly investments. Where are we NOT to lay up treasure? 1. Jesus mentions 3 destructive influences to earthly possessions. Can you see them here? 2. Moth; rust; thieves. 3. must of the wealth in Jesus’ day considered of beautiful & expensive clothing which people loved to display. Clothing was accessorized with costly & glittering ornaments. 4. 6:20 – Jesus stresses the temporary nature of everything on earth. B. 6:21 – can you see any self interest in the motive for giving? 1. He shows – use of our money invested in spiritual services is a wise investment – paying incredible dividends to the investor. 2. Wealth after this life is conditioned on our sending money ahead by giving to worthy causes. C. All of our lives are an investment. A fundamental! 1. Happiness is found in Christian liberty as it is found in nothing else. 2. Have we experienced the spiritual success & joy that comes from our investments in eternity? 3. 6:21 – what folly to store our treasure in the place we must soon leave. a) Psa. 39:4-5 b) What do we cherish most highly? c) Jesus teaches here that our thoughts & our hearts abide with that which we cherish most highly. 4. We lay up treasures in heaven so our minds, hearts, and affections may be on heavenly things. 5. Only way to have treasure in heaven when we arrive there is to send it ahead NOW! We can’t take it with us! II. Consider Jesus’ law of giving & receiving: A. God is a giver of law & order in the universe. 1. If we would live – we must have the necessities of life. 2. If we would reap a harvest – we must sow & cultivate. 3. If we would receive mercy – we must also show mercy. 4. If we would receive generously – we must be generous. B. Lk. 6:31; 35-38 1. 6:38 – this is God’s inexorable law of giving & receiving. 2. LT – never get ANYTHING worthwhile for NOTHING. 3. Reverse the law: you can never give something worthwhile w/o receiving back, in time! 4. Brethren: we cannot lose when we observe God’s law! C. We limit ourselves & we limit God’s ability to help us when we are tight; stingy; selfish & lack liberality! 1. The Christian that gives is the one that LIVES abundantly! 2. Someone: what you give comes back to you multiplied – ALWAYS. 3. Do we have faith enough to give this law of God a fair trial? 4. Acts 20:35 – words of Jesus… D. The joy; peace; & rich pleasure experienced by the truly generous is far more significant than the good done to the receiver. 1. Albert Barnes: That is the most truly happy man, who is most benevolent. He is the most miserable, who has never know the luxury of doing good, but who lives to gain all he can, and to hoard all he gains. III. Stewardship concerns focus in what we actually have & the ways we can actually serve. A. Some: principles talked about thus far sound great. But I’m not bless w/many physical resources so I can’t give liberally. 1. Let me illustrate what we often do: 2. Publisher’s clearing House; Reader’s Digest Contest…what would you do if you won a million dollars? a) Don’t we daydream about who we would use a large; unexpected sum of money? b) Maybe we’ve said, If I had money…I would take care of X need in the congregation….I’d put more $$$ in the plate; I’d help someone in need; support a preacher; etc. 3. Amazing to consider what we would do w/the money we do not have. a) Also…amazing to consider how our priorities would change if we acquired a large amount of unexpected $$. b) Does it seem to you that we would use money we do not have in ways that we infrequently use the money we do have? c) If we had more than enough money – would we use the surplus differently than we use what we actually have? B. There are some reasons why our stewardship & giving breakdown. 1. We see needs that overwhelm us & convince ourselves that our help would be less than significant. a) What I’m willing to give won’t make a difference – the need will still be there. b) Too often we believe the significance & meaning our actions depends on resolving a need or destroying a problem. 1) We feel if we cannot produce permanent solution – we are powerless. 2) e.g., if I cannot destroy your hunger indefinitely – there is no point in feeding you a meal. c) And so…regret becomes an acceptable substitute for action. 1) I’m sorry. I wish I could do something… 2) Saying I feel terrible about the situation is no justification for inactivity. d) 1 John 3:17-18 – we must do our part with what we have! Remember this principle! 2. Sometimes we justify inaction in helping/giving by claiming to be good stewards. a) e.g., God expects us to be good stewards. Any attempt to address this need would be wasted. The problem exists because of evil; irresponsibility & ignorance. Nothing will change. There will be no lasting results. So to be good stewards we do nothing. b) What do you say to that? 3. Stewardship is complex & complicated. a) No one wants to enable someone to continue to conduct wickedness & no one wants to promote slothful behavior. b) It is NOT God’s will for us to void of compassion; kindness; and mercy! c) Jesus fed those who tried to take advantage of him – John 6 d) Healed those who did not even say thanks – Lk. 17:11-19 4. What was Jesus’ greatest priority & God’s greatest concern? Helping people! We cannot understand stewardship unless: a) We understand Jesus as a servant. b) We understand we are servants c) We understand surrender is a natural aspect of servant hood. d) Mt. 25:31-46 – we give our will to God by giving our heart to people. 5. God’s steward does what he can for people! C. Mk. 12:38-44 1. 12:38-39 – why should disciples beware of the Scribes? 2. 12:40 – evicted widows to steal their homes & then covered it up w/long prayers. 3. 12:41 – why did these people put in money? a) To support/maintain temple & its sacrificial system was expensive! b) Significant money required to offer 1000’s of animal sacrifices each day. c) Rich were putting in large sums. 4. 12:42 – what does the widow drop in? a) Coins called leptons. 2 of these = Quadran. Quadran = 1/64^th of a denarius. 1 days’ wage was a denarius. 5. 12:44 – she put in all she owned. D. What would we say? 1. She put in nothing. 2. The treasury wouldn’t even notice if she didn’t give because it was so insignificant. 3. 12:43 – Jesus says… E. God’s highest standard for acts of stewardship is sacrifice! It is liberality in giving! 1. The AMOUNT given is NOT God’s greatest standard of stewardship! 2. God’s concept of stewardship makes it possible for a poverty stricken person to be a better steward than a prosperous person. 3. A small amount given: a) W/great trust in God… b) W/great personal sacrifice is of greater significance to God than a large amount that represents little sacrifice. F. Whether it is large of small – the key measurement of stewardship is sacrifice. G. Look at contrasts: 1. Scribes wore fine clothing – widow didn’t. 2. Scribes held significant religious positions – widow did not. 3. Scribes were honored. Widow wasn’t. 4. Scribes prominent in religious assemblies – widow was not. 5. Scribes were HORRIBLE stewards who would receive GREATER condemnation. 6. Widow symbolized the TRUST in God necessary to be an EXCEPTIONAL steward. 7. Her sacrifice expressed her stewardship. H. Let’s quit DREAMING of what we would do with what we DO NOT have and ACT with what we DO have ! Conclusion: A. God’s gifts should inspire our gifts. 1. John 3:16 – what did God give? 2. 1 John 4:19 – B. How ungrateful is the person who does not reciprocate the love of God by giving himself in return for what God has given him! C. George Pepperdine: All I have left is what I gave away. What I spent, I had; what I kept; I lost; what I gave, I have. 1. Jesus would not have us serve Him in vain. 2. He assures us of abundant reward for whatever price we pay for discipleship. 3. Not one cup of water; not one cent given in His name will fail to bring reward! D. Do you need to give yourself to Him? E. I N V I T A T I O N