Cheerful Giving
Introduction:
Acts 20:35 – it is more blessed to give than receive. Been said, to get more out of life – the thing to do is to give more to life. Jesus showed us the best way to get is to give. The truest expression of Christianity is not in vows of poverty & denial of normal needs – nor in luxurious profligate living. # 641 – There is a Sea. This hymn beautifully exhibits God’s principle of giving & receiving. Have you ever considered the words of this song? There is genuine joy in giving unselfishly. Heb. 12:1-3. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross… no person ever gave more than Jesus! May we faithfully endure in making heavenly investments because our heavenly reward will be worth all the sacrifice on earth.
I. 4 Classes of Givers:
A. The covetous man who gives with regret.
B. The unteachable one who resents teaching about giving.
C. The honest truth seeker – untaught – but teachable.
D. The liberal giver – the one taught and who believes & practices truth in the matter.
II. What is a cheerful giver? 2 Cor. 9:7b
A. What do we do today? Give out of necessity? Give cheerfully?
1. We should be filled w/joy because of our ability to give & of the opportunity to render service!
2. Attitude has always been significant in giving.
a) Acts 4:36-37; 5:1-11 – Contrast Barnabas & Ananias
3. 1 Cor. 13:3 – love is an essential!
4. Rom. 6:17 – God wants our heart in it!
5. 1 John 3:17-18 – cheerful giving results from compassion.
III. We are to give as prospered. 1 Cor. 16:1-2
A. Giving is to be regular & periodic. When do some people give?
B. What does the Bible say? 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Upon the FD of the week!
C. Giving is to be proportionate! 1 Cor. 16:1-2
1. How much does the bible require? 1 Cor. 16:2 – as he may prosper.
IV. Giving is a personal matter.
A.
2
Cor. 9:6-7a – each man should give what he has decided in his heart
to give.
B. When we participate in giving – each person testifies to true faith in Jesus.
C. How often do we choose money above following God? (RYR – Mt. 19)
D. Contrast between Macedonians & Corinthians in FC…
1. Do we have the greatest of intentions but never follow through?
2. Must we be reminded to finish; follow through on what we’ve started?
V. What God Gave Indicates True Liberality.
A. John 3:16; Rom. 8:32 – this was the greatest gift of all!
B. God gave the nearest & dearest thing to Him!
C. Jesus gave Himself – gave His life. Jhn. 10:11-18
1. God set the pattern for liberality!
Conclusion:
A. It is by His grace that we share His wealth & crown! Have you taken advantage of His love for you? Obey the gospel today!