Confessions of a Christian Part 3

CONFESSIONS OF A CHRISTIAN – 3

·      I don’t always feel like being generous. 

 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

 

Psalm 37:21 NLT The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.

 

Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

A Matter of the Heart

 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

 

1. Give joyfully.

 

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

Proverbs 21:26 NLT Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!

2. Give selflessly.

 

2 Corinthians 8:5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

 

3. Give willingly.

 

2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable…

 

Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

 

4. Give thankfully.

 

Psalm 116:12 How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?

 

1 Chronicles 29:14 …Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

 

5. Give intentionally.

 

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT You must make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

 

1 Timothy 6:19 LB By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourself in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity.

 

The Promise: You cannot out-give God.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.