Enough With the Leftovers
Mark 12:41-44
Introduction: Illustration re: Chuck Swindoll forgetting his anniversary
Read Scripture/Pray
Background: Jesus’ contrast of the self-righteous leaders vs. the poor
Purpose Statement: When you give to the Lord recognize...
I. It’s not the size of the gift that counts
A. When church leaders seek out fund-raising or
1. They have more to offer
B. Is the giving sacrificial or superficial?
1. WA Criswell illustration
2. She gave an amount that made a real difference in her life
II. Faith is evidenced by your commitment
A. Life had dealt this women some terrible blows
1. Widowed
2. Poor
B. Faith in God had sustained her
1. She gives sacrificially because she recognizes the debt she owes to God
2. Do we really trust God?
III. Are you just giving leftovers?
A. Restaurant illustration
1. If we give from abundance what is that?
2. It’s really about Who is at the center of our heart
B. What is the point of this story?
1. Give all? – no, probably not
2. Give in Cheerfulness and humility
Conclusion: Are you patting yourself on the back too quickly?
W. A. Criswell tells of an ambitious young man who told his pastor he’d promised God a tithe of his income. They prayed for God to bless his career. At that time he was making $40.00 per week and tithing $4.00. In a few years his income increased and he was tithing $500.00 per week. He called on the pastor to see if he could be released from his tithing promise, it was too costly now.
The pastor replied, "I don’t see how you can be released from your promise, but we can ask God to reduce your income to $40.00 a week, then you’d have no problem tithing $4.00." W. A. Criswell, A Guidebook for Pastors, p. 156
