Doing Right For God Not Yourself Series

Doing Right for God not Yourself.

Good morning everyone. I would like to start today off with a little story. It’s a true story of two different people. The first person we will call him Dave for the sake of argument. Dave heard about a little boy who had no toys. He went out to a local thrift shop and bought him some used toys. Dave felt good about what he had done.

We will call the second person Erik again for the sake of argument. Erik went out and helped a less fortunate family as well. He went to the store bought some groceries for the family, and toys for the children. Erik felt warm and fuzzy inside as well.

There was a difference between the 2 doing the right thing. Dave walked up to the child and gave him the toy truck. Erik set the things he had bought on the door step and left.

The reason I started with that story is today’s topic is “Doing Right for God not Yourself. “ Before I get yelled at by most of the people listening to this I will clear it up some there are 2 types of giving.

1. Giving freely- the giving and not expecting anything in return. Including recognition and praise for giving.

And

2. Giving to make yourself look better. Expecting thank yous and praise for the good you have done.

Both types are helping people but the second type is a selfish helping of people. I am not saying that you have to hide your giving. I am talking more about giving from the heart. I am going to read you a parable from Luke chapter 10 verses 30 threw 37

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”

That is the parable of the good Samaritan. He gave out of compassion. His gift was straight from the heart. The other two passed the injured man. He looked like there was nothing to gain from helping him.

Giving from the heart is not always an easy thing to do. As I slipped and mentioned earlier Dave bought the boy a toy truck. When the boy started playing with the truck he noticed small things wrong with it. I cant remember exactly what but, that boy and his mother complained and told everyone how Dave gave them defective junk. Well I use junk they used other choice words that I sure am not going to repeat. Dave felt really hurt.

I would like to pull out my Bible again and read from 1 Peter 3 verses 13 and 14.

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear Or not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

Don’t let there threats and comments make you fear. I cant tell you what was in either persons heart when they gave the gifts, But I can tell you that they both did the right thing. They need to ask if they did the right thing for themselves or for doing the right thing.

The next few weeks I will be teaching on the subject of giving and gifts. So keep in mind this sermon a The next few will be near this one in topic.

Let us pray.

Our gracious and giving Heavenly Father I pray to you today. I ask that you open the hearts of everyone and let them get the attitude of the Good Samaritan saying mine is yours. Helping people from there hearts not for their pride. I ask you today show them the righteous way, and I also thank you for the gifts you give us. I pray to you in the name of your most loving son Jesus Christ. Amen.

See you in our discussion. Thank you.