What I Owe God

What Do I Owe God

Eccl.11:1-6 2 Corinthians. 8:1-12 9:6-10

Toby

We’ve looked at the topics of what I owe me, what I owe you and what I owe God. Today we’re going to see what’s left if order to be paid in full. How many of you want to arrive in heaven with your debts paid in full? If you want to be paid in full say AMEN!

Rick

You know, if I had 10 million dollars, I’d cause Pastor Rick to have a heart attack when I walked in there and laid my tithe on his desk. Then I’d make sure Our church would have the best hunger ministry here in the city feeding the homeless. The deacons would serve prime rib at the Homegoing dinners. Pastor Kellie would get a full time salary and the New Life Center would be up before the year was over. Yes if I had 10 million dollars, God could certainly count on me. The church would have no more annual deficits, because I’d write a check for the difference. I could easily see myself giving half of it away.

TOBY

Sweetheart I’m so glad to hear you say that. You got an inheritance letter from some lawyer. Uncle Henry left you $50,000 dollars. Now we can wipe out the church deficit so far this year. It’s only $11,000.00 It would be a great blessing to the church and this is unexpected money.

RICK

What are you talking about, we’re not rich. I can find some plans for that money. I said if I had 10 million dollars God could count on me. I’m sure there are other people in the church with a lot more money who could help out with the deficit. What about that rich lawyer and accountant. They could do that.. Beside’s don’t we already give them an extra $3 a month to help with the deficit. The Lord see’s my heart and He knows if I had some extra, I’d surely give it. But I mean some extra above what I need.

Toby

Have you ever met people who are eager to give to God what they do not have in order to be paid in full? Do you know God never asks us to give what we do not have. Not only that, God never asks us to give anything that he did not help us get in the first place. Every believer will agree that somehow he or she is in debt to God for all that God has done for him or for her. The bible teaches we love God because God first loved us. What does love require. Love requires some kind of response.

RICK

You know Honey, I love you so very much, there’s nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for you.

Toby

Well could we go on a cruise this summer.

Rick

I’d like to sweetheart, but I need the money for the fishing trip, I’ve prepared with the guys. We’ve been planning it for years.

TOBY

Okay that’s understandable. Could we to that fancy new downtown restaurant this weekend.

RICK

Well I want to, but I heard their prices are pretty steep. I went there a couple of times myself to check it out. There’s a new buffet place that just opened that’s a lot better bargain for the meal.

TOBY

Well okay. I tell you what. Let’s plan a weekend for ourselves at the downtown Marriott, in their suite.

RICK

I’ve seen that suite and its nice, I stayed there a couple of times before we got married, but I think we can have just as a good a time down at the Motel 6 near Mentor. It’s not the money that makes the experience, it’s the fact that we’re together that counts. I just love you so much.

RICK

How many of you think I have a problem with my love for my new wife? How many of you think I might not have a wife for long. How many of you know she’s not getting the feeling I’m paying her in full for all she’s worth. We see that my love for her is greatly influenced by my attraction to my money. My action are not following the words I proclaim. How would you have felt if you were my wife. How often is that true in our relationship to God. Our love for God is overflowing until something is asked of us.

TOBY

There are many people who are willing to give, only when they think it will not cost them anything to do it. If you have to win something before you give to God, you have not made any kind of sacrifice for the Lord.

Jesus came to earth with a mission. He said, “I came to seek and to save those who were lost.” That was the most critical aspect of Jesus’ ministry. Then Jesus turned around and gave the mission to us. He tells us in John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Notice that as a result of us doing what God tells us to do, God is able to bless us with answers to our prayers.