The Blessing of Giving
Introduction;
1) The cheap husband who went Christmas shopping; A wealthy man went Christmas
shopping for his wife. He was looking around the ladies perfume area of a store when
when a sales clerk ask if she could help. He replied that he was looking for something for his wife for Christmas, so the clerk brought him a bottle of perfume, he asked how much is it? She said $50, He told that was too much could she find something cheaper, so returned with a smaller bottle of perfume, he again asked how much, she replied $30. He again said that was too much. Next she brought a very small bottle for $15. This time he was getting frustrated and told her he was wanting to see something really cheap. The clerk returned and gave him something and said “if you want to see something really cheap look at this.” She handed him a mirrow.
2) Statistics on giving of Christians;
The average Christian household gives 2.5% to their church
The average Christian gives only $20 to missions but spends $1,174 on gambling
Text; Philippians 4:14-19
I. The Philippian Church was a Giving Church
A. Examples of their giving;
1) To apostle Paul (4:15-18)
2) To the Jerusalem saint (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
B. Why they gave
1) Not out of their abundance but deep poverty
2) In gratitude of Paul
3) To support the preaching of the gospel
4) Because of their love for those in need
II. The Results of Their Giving
A. They Blessed others
B. They received credit on their heavenly accounts
(Matthew 6:19, 20) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust destroys and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.”
(1 Timothy 6:18, 19) “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves treasures of a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”
ILL.- I am reminded of the story about person who died and went to heaven. When he arrived he was told he would be taken to his home. They passed by many beautiful mansions. Finally, on the very outskirts of heaven he was shown a very small, rundown house and was told it was his. He complained and protested, but was told, “We’re sorry, but this is all we could do for you with the materials you sent up.”
C They pleased God
(2 Corinthians 9:6, 7) “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, andhe who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’
(Hebrews 13:16) “ And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
D. All their needs would be met
This is a conditional promise to those who are generous givers
Have You Discovered the Blessing of Giving?
Selfishness will not bring joy
How much do you want to be blessed?
Sow many seeds of giving
