But That's My Colt

Introduction: When you think of all the things that you would be willing to give to Christ what items are not on your list.

Luke 19:29-35 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ’Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ’The Lord needs it.’ Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt? They replied, "The Lord needs it. They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.

Put yourself in the place of that colt’s owners. Let’s assume that you already know who Jesus and His followers are and you can be sure that you’ll get the colt back. What are your feelings? Would you rather they took the nag out back in the stable? Or maybe someone else has a colt that they can use.

I. QUESTION: Is that really your colt? Is it really yours to start with?

Psalms 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

The earth and everything in it belongs to God. He is the Creator and Sustainer. We are only stewards of His creation.

Genesis 1:26 says that God gave dominion over all the earth.

We are rulers and caretakers, but not owners. We are stewards. When you stop to pray at mealtime are you really thankful?

Luke 16:12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own.

Your treasure is in Heaven. But to receive that treasure, you must prove yourself to be a faithful steward.

II. Are you willing to give?

II 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.

You must decide to give - without grumbling or complaining - not because you feel you have too - cheerfully.

III. Is it the best you have to offer?

Leviticus 22:19-21 You must present a male without defect from the cattle, sheep or goats in order that it may be accepted on your behalf. Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the LORD to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable.

Only the best is good enough for God. Do you give God the change that you have left in your pocket at the end of the week? Do you work for the Lord and spend time with Him only during your spare time? Do you donate the things that you can no longer use? It takes faith to put God first in your giving.

IV. Promises concerning Giving

Proverbs 11:24-25 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

The wisdom of this world says that we should guard our possessions carefully, but God says that that is the way to poverty. The key to having in abundance is to give in abundance.

II Corinthians 9:6, 8 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Are you satisfied to have God give to you with the same measure that you give? Remember, giving is something you have to decide to do. It doesn’t just happen automatically. God has promised that we will always have enough to meet our own needs with more than enough left over to do good works.

Do you really trust God?

CONCLUSION:

I’d like each one of you to take a moment to consider what kind of a steward you are with the things that God has given you. Your time - Your money - Your possessions

Are they readily available to God? Do you always give the best that you have to give? Do you really believe that God will provide for your needs if you are a good steward?