Giving With Liberality

Giving With Liberality

Introduction:

Think of these basic truths: Mt. 13:22 – riches are deceitful. Mt. 16:26 – permanence is a true test of all values. Do we grasp fact that many things we hold near/dear are temporary? Are we in danger of sacrificing eternal for the temporary? See Mt. 19:16-30. We need to understand that Jesus promised rewards for our liberality & that a reward is a just motivating factor. We need to be stimulated by the wonderful reward that is waiting at the conclusion of this life. We must learn to produce the proper motivation – so our service will be acceptable. 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.

1. 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?

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

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

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

II. Consider Jesus’ law of giving & receiving:

A. Lk. 6:31; 35-38. 6:38 is God’s inexorable law of giving & receiving.

1. Long-term – never get ANYTHING worthwhile for NOTHING.

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

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

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

A. Publisher’s clearing House; ...what would you do if you won a million dollars?

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

a) Would we use money we do not have in ways that we infrequently use the money we do have?

B. Reasons why our stewardship & giving breakdown.

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

a) Regret becomes an acceptable substitute for action.

b) 1 John 3:17-18 – we must do our part with what we have!

2. Do we justify inaction in helping by claiming to be good stewards?

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

C. Mk. 12:38-44 - 12:42 – what does the widow drop in? 12:44 – she put in all she owned. What would we say?

D. The key measurement of stewardship is sacrifice.

E. Quit DREAMING of what you would do with what you DO NOT have & ACT with what you DO have!

Conclusion:

A. God’s gifts should inspire our gifts. John 3:16 – what did God give?

B. Do you need to give yourself to Him?



Giving With Liberality Introduction: Think of these basic truths: Mt. 13:22 – riches are deceitful. Mt. 16:26 – permanence is a true test of all values. Do we grasp fact that many things we hold near/dear are temporary? Are we in danger of sacrificing eternal for the temporary? See Mt. 19:16-30. We need to understand that Jesus promised rewards for our liberality & that a reward is a just motivating factor. We need to be stimulated by the wonderful reward that is waiting at the conclusion of this life. We must learn to produce the proper motivation – so our service will be acceptable. 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. 1. 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? C. Happiness is found in Christian liberty as it is found in nothing else. 1. Have we experienced the spiritual success & joy that comes from our investments in eternity? D. 6:21 – what folly to store our treasure in the place we must soon leave. II. Consider Jesus’ law of giving & receiving: A. Lk. 6:31; 35-38. 6:38 is God’s inexorable law of giving & receiving. 1. Long-term – never get ANYTHING worthwhile for NOTHING. 2. Reverse the law: you can never give something worthwhile w/o receiving back, in time! B. We limit ourselves & we limit God’s ability to help us when we are tight; stingy; selfish & lack liberality! III. Stewardship concerns focus in what we actually have & the ways we can actually serve. A. Publisher’s clearing House; ...what would you do if you won a million dollars? 1. Amazing to consider what we would do w/the money we do not have. a) Would we use money we do not have in ways that we infrequently use the money we do have? B. Reasons why our stewardship & giving breakdown. 1. We see needs that overwhelm us & convince ourselves that our help would be less than significant. a) Regret becomes an acceptable substitute for action. b) 1 John 3:17-18 – we must do our part with what we have! 2. Do we justify inaction in helping by claiming to be good stewards? 3. God’s steward does what he can for people! C. Mk. 12:38-44 - 12:42 – what does the widow drop in? 12:44 – she put in all she owned. What would we say? D. The key measurement of stewardship is sacrifice. E. Quit DREAMING of what you would do with what you DO NOT have & ACT with what you DO have! Conclusion: A. God’s gifts should inspire our gifts. John 3:16 – what did God give? B. Do you need to give yourself to Him?