Sermon Central
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The Christian And Tithing Series
Contributed by Grant Adams on Nov 26, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: Alms spoken of in this section of God’s word covers a multitude of things, but means in general “giving or an act of charity” which means anything that we give to relieve spiritual or physical needs, can be considered alms.
The Christian and Tithing
Matthew 6:1-4
Alms spoken of in this section of God’s word covers a multitude of things, but means in general “giving or an act of charity” which means anything that we give to relieve spiritual or physical needs, can be considered alms.
I. The Disciple and His Money
A. It is taken for granted that a true disciple will be a giver.
“when thou doest thine alms” not “if”
B. Giving was as much a part of the Old Testament as it is the New and vice versa.
C. Conversion to Christ has been said to be in four stages.
1. First in the head: Realization
2. Second in the heart: Conviction
3. Third in the mouth: Confession
4. Fourth in the pocketbook: Giving
D. In Mark 12:42, we find the gauge for Christian giving. “She cast in her all”
1. Here Christ teaches that what we give is measured by what we have left.
2. This makes it possible for the poorest of men to invest as much as the richest.
E. Giving to the needs of God’s people is the same as lending to the Lord. Proverbs 19:17
II. The Disciple and His Motive
A. Negative
1. Not as the hypocrite (actor)
a. His giving carries no spiritual value.
b. He is giving for self not man or God.
2. Not with great pomp and display
3. Not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing.
a. Not displaying it before the world.
b. Not displaying it before yourself.
B. Positive
1. With your right hand which is the best.
a. Our best always belongs to God.
b. Anything less than our best is not good enough.
2. Give to please God not man.
3. Give to obtain the rewards of God not the praises of man.
a. The Pharisee gave to receive the praise of man and he received just exactly that. Consequently, he could expect nothing else.
b. We are to give to receive the regards of God and likewise can expect nothing else.
III. The Rewards of God.
A. Blessing to our life.
Acts 20:35; “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
B. Blessings in eternity.
Matthew 19:29; “Everyone that hath left houses, or brethren, or sister, or father, or mother or lands for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundred-fold and shall inherit everlasting life.”
C. Our heart is where our treasure lies.
1. God’s millionaires are heavenly minded people.
2. Only those wrapped up in the cares of this life are living in spiritual poverty.
Illustration:
The Queen of Sweden sold her jewels to provide Hospitals and Orphanages for her people. On a visit to a hospital of her providing, tears of gratitude from a bedridden woman fell on the wrist of this gracious Queen. The Queen quickly exclaimed, “God is sending me back, my jewels.”
