Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
To explore the importance of giving with a generous heart, emphasizing that it's not just the act of giving but the intention behind it that matters, as our treasures should be stored in heaven, not on earth.
Good morning, Church Family!
Today, we're going to dive deep into the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Matthew 6:19-21, and explore the themes of God's Command to Give, The Benefits of Giving, and The Priority of Giving.
Opening Scripture Reading – Let's read the scripture passage together, shall we? Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
This passage is a potent reminder of the importance of giving and the rewards that come with it. Not just physical rewards, but spiritual ones as well, ones that have eternal value.
As we delve into the first point of our sermon today, God's Command to Give, it's essential to understand that giving is not just a suggestion from God, but a command. This command is not a burden but a blessing, not a demand but a divine invitation. It is God's way of involving us in His work, of making us partakers in His divine plan.
When we look at the Bible, we see numerous instances where God commands His people to give. In the Old Testament, we see the Israelites commanded to give a tenth of their income, their first fruits, and their offerings. In the New Testament, we see Jesus commending the widow who gave all she had, even though it was just two small coins. The Apostle Paul also encouraged the early church to give generously and cheerfully.
But why does God command us to give? Is it because He needs our resources? Absolutely not! God is the creator of the universe, the owner of everything. He doesn't need our money or our possessions. Yet, He commands us to give because He knows that it is good for us. It is in giving that we become more like Him, for God Himself is a giver. He gave us life, He gave us His Son, Jesus, and He continually gives us His love, grace, and mercy.
Giving also helps us break free from the grip of materialism. In a world that constantly tells us to accumulate more, to seek satisfaction in possessions, God's command to give serves as a powerful counter-narrative. It reminds us that true satisfaction and joy come not from what we have but from what we give, not from our possessions but from our generosity.
Moreover, God's command to give is a test of our faith and trust in Him. When we give, we are essentially saying, "God, I trust that you will provide for my needs. I trust that you will take care of me." It's easy to say we trust God, but giving is a tangible way of demonstrating that trust.
Lastly, God's command to give is a way for us to participate in His work. When we give, we are not just giving to a church or a charity. We are giving to God, and He uses our gifts to further His kingdom, to spread His love, to help those in need. In this way, giving is not just a duty; it's a privilege. It's an opportunity for us to be part of something bigger than ourselves, something eternal.
The benefits of giving are manifold, and they extend far beyond the immediate gratification of helping someone in need ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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