Give or Take
Sermon Notes
[Romans 10:12] Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.
Generosity isn't just an act of GIVING; it's an act of FAITH.
[1 Timothy 6:17-19] Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. [18] Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. [19] By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Giving is not a GAMBLE.
What defines a generous person is that they've CHOSEN generosity.
[2 Corinthians 9:6-10] Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. [7] You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." [8] And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. [9] As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." [10] For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
If you are sowing SEEDS everyday the HARVEST will come.
[Proverbs 11:24-25] Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. [25] The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
If you want to be like JESUS we need to live a GENEROUS life.
[Ephesians 4:28] If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
God wants to move us from being TAKERS to being GIVERS.
Generosity ATTRACTS God's blessings.
[Luke 6:38] Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."