Stewardship: Giving And Forgiving

STEWARDSHIP: GIVING AND FORGIVING

A: INTRODUCTION Galatians 6:1-10

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

For each one shall bear his own load.

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows that he will also reap.

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption but he who sows to the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we so not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

B. STRANGE IDEAS OF CHRISTIANS ABOUT MONEY

1. Mistake 1: They think "money" is evil. If they don’t think money is evil, many think that "things" are evil.

a. Genesis 1:31 - "God looked at everything He made and said, "Behold it is very good."

b. I Timothy 6:17 - "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." Note, God gave all things to enjoy, therefore all things are not evil.

2. Mistake 2: That material is separated from the spiritual life.

a. Luke 16:11 - "If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, (money) who will commit to your trust the true riches (the things of God)?"

The right use of things our money guarantees God will trust us and give us greater spiritual blessings.

C. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WORLDLY MAN AND THE SPIRITUAL MAN

a. The spiritual=use giving money as an opportunity

The worldly=use as an obligation.

b. Galatians 6:10 - "So then while we have opportunity let us do good to all men . . ."

General William Boothe, Founder of Salvation Army was unable to attend their International Convention. He sent a telegram to be read to the delegates with just one word, "OTHERS."

The Peanuts cartoon had Lucy asking Charles Brown, "Why are we here on earth?" Charlie Brown answered, "To make others happy." Lucy ponders the answer for a moment and then says,

"Then why are the others here?"

We must look at the "one another" verses throughout the Bible. Love one another occurs at least 24 times.

"Pray one for another," (James 5:16)

"Edify one another," (I Thessalonians 5:11)

"Prefer one another," (Romans 12:10)

"Be hospitable one to another," (I Peter 4:9)

"Bear one another’s burdens," (Galatians 6:2)

C. THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE

1. Galatians 6:6 - "And let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with him who teaches." This verse is paraphrased to mean, "as we receive spiritual truth from others, we should share material blessings with them."

2. I Timothy 5:17 - "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine."

3. Matthew 6:21 - "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Stingy - Satan

Sharing - God

The closer to sharing a person comes, the closer to God he gets.

Sharing has nothing to do with wealth . . .

Sharing has nothing to do with health . . .

Sharing has everything to do with attitude!

D. THE OPPORTUNITY TO SOW

1. Galatians 6:7,8 - Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Many times this verse is preached to the sinner, telling them that when they sow to the flesh they will reap judgment. This verse should also be preached to Christians. When they give money to God, they will reap blessings.

E. STATEMENTS ON SOWING MONEY

1. Life returns what life receives.

Life is like a mirror, what is reflected into the mirror is seen there and is reflected out. What we sow in life, is what we get out of it.

Life is like the old fashioned pump on the farm. We had to take water and prime the pump, i.e. we have to pour water into a pump before we can get water out of a pump.