Jesus Teaches About Giving
Here is my outline (and the basis for the message notes) from yesterday’s message.
It’s important to remember that this teaching on Jesus (and the thrust of my message) was not aimed at the weekly offering.
The teaching of Jesus and the thrust of my message was focused on Christ followers living lives of generosity (the way we respond to needs we see in our community).
Jesus Teaches About Giving
a message from Matthew 6:1-4
THAT ALL WILL SEE HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
- God is the GIVER of every good and perfect gift.
- God determines to bless others through the GENEROSITY of his people.
Matthew 6:1-4 (NCV) “Be careful! When you do good things, don’t do them in front of people to be seen by them. If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “When you give to the poor, don’t be like the hypocrites. They blow trumpets in the synagogues and on the streets so that people will see them and honor them. I tell you the truth, those hypocrites already have their full reward. So when you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know what you are doing. Your giving should be done in secret. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.
FALSE GENEROSITY
- Giving as a MERIT BADGE.
- Giving as a MEASURING STICK.
- Giving as a MANIPULATION TOOL.
THE TRANSITION FROM DISINGENUOUS GIVING TO GENEROUS GIVING IS FOUND IN THE EXAMPLE OF A WIDOW:
Mark 12:41-44 (NCV) Jesus sat near the Temple money box and watched the people put in their money. Many rich people gave large sums of money. Then a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which were only worth a few cents. Calling his followers to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow gave more than all those rich people. They gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had; she gave all she had to live on.”
TRUE GENEROSITY
- Giving as a SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE.
- Giving as a FAITH EXPRESSION.
- Giving as a TEACHING TOOL.
THE PRACTICE OF GENEROUS GIVING IS THE AMBITION OF CHRIST FOLLOWERS:
Galatians 6:9-10 (NCV) We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.
MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY
The underlying assumption behind the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6:1-4 is that you will be generous.
This assumption is based in the truth of being a follower of Jesus Christ who desires to pursue a greater righteousness and a greater love for all.
This assumption is also based in the truth of being children of a generous God.
- Giving leads me away from the temptation to HOARD.
- Giving leads me away from the impulse to WASTE.
- Giving leads me away from a heart of GREED to a heart of GENEROSITY.
The Bible teaches us not only to be willing to make the most of every opportunity but to be ready.
How prepared are you to make the most of every opportunity?
5 Responses to “Jesus Teaches About Giving”
Just catching up here. You turned 43? And I turned 44?? That doesn’t seem right. Here, I’ve been looking up to you for wisdom and counsel all these years!
Steve, only because I had a head start on the ministry thing. Now that I’m sticking my big toe into the teaching thing I will be looking to you for wisdom and counsel!
Good points. I especially like the part about the tithe. Hold on, wrong post…
i liked this part, especially; though i thought all of it was good
“TRUE GENEROSITY
* Giving as a SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE.
* Giving as a FAITH EXPRESSION.
* Giving as a TEACHING TOOL.”
it feels timely; not because of the upcoming holidays (and all the “opportunities” offered), but with the terrible fear and loss people are experiencing.
i feel like, within the family, we hide our financial concerns more than many other things…but that doesn’t excuse me for paying attention, does it.. and i really have to resist that impulse to hoard..very convicting to see it spelled out there…(my husband and i were just talking about that–my issues there)..
Thanks for the outline bro. Even during hard economic times we need to be generous hearted.
Too bad Greg is not still preaching. He wouldn’t have to do any sermon preparation for Sunday!
Peace.
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