A. INTRODUCTION
“While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has’” (Luke 21:1-4, NLT).
1. God delights to use small things so His glory is seen.
a. Humility: “When you were little in your own sight” (1 Sam. 15:17).
b. Possessions/things: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord” (Prov. 15:16).
c. Progress/time: “By little and little I will drive them out” (Ex. 23:30). “Line upon line, here a little, there a little” (Isa. 28:10).
d. Future: “Again a little while, and you will not see Me” (John 16:16).
2. God unexpectedly uses little things.
a. Little reputation. Prisoner Joseph saved the world from starvation.
b. Little army. Gideon was told twice to go small, (1) go home, (2) chase those who lapped water, i.e., 300 men.
c. Little weapons. Goliath had a spear and a sword. But David had 5 smooth stones.
d. Little physical talent. Moses stuttered.
e. Little place, insignificant location. “Thou Bethlehem . . . you were little among the earth” (Micah 5:2).
3. The widow’s mite was an enormous gift to heaven and God.
a. The example principle. Millions have read her example and have given multiple millions.
b. The investment principle. She sacrificed all into God’s treasury, and she enjoys multiple blessings in heaven.
c. The faith principle. When someone with a little gift gives it sacrificially to God, He blessed what is left over and beyond that He supplies for their need in the future.
4. The stewardship principle. “Stewardship is properly managing your time, talent and treasures for the glory of God.
5. The eternity principle. The widow was not emphasizing life on this earth, but looked forward to rewards in heaven.
6. The happiness principle. The widow gave all that she had and was happy with nothing. Ask yourself, “Does money make me happy?”
7. Illustrations of how God expands little gifts to Him.
a. The sword: young John Ring died saving Captain Russell Cornwell’s sword and it led to Cornwell’s conversion. It is embedded in the chapel wall at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
b. The red purse of Hattie Mae Wyatt held 57 cents when she died. Those 57 pennies sold for $250.00 (54 of 57 returned). Down payment 57 cents in Baptist Temple.
c. The Emma Hill gold dollar was given to missionary John McCullough at Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee. It was the last gift to her as her father died. She said, “See that Jesus gets it.” He held it up to my $17,000 to plant a church. It was displayed for 100 years at the American Sunday School Mission headquarters.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns
Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
