GENEROSITY (2)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Generosity
Romans 12:6-10
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
a) The Bible tells us to share generously with those in need, and good things will come to us in turn. We are not meant to live hard-hearted or self-centered lives. This is never made clearer than in Matthew 25:31-46. A greedy, miserly life leaves us devoid of anything but an empty craving for more possessions, more power or more status.
i) He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. (Proverbs 28:27)
b) It is not necessary to be a wealthy philanthropist or a full-time volunteer to make a meaningful contribution. Rather, we should give generously of whatever wealth and abilities we have, no matter how small the amount.
i) And [Jesus] looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a certain poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4)
c) Finally, our good deeds should be motivated by a sincere desire to help others. Public recognition should not be the goal.
i) "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (Matthew 6:1-2)
d) Each of us has something to give. Some have wealth, some have talents, some have time. Whatever gifts we have been given -- large or small -- we should share generously. When we do, we make the world better for someone else and find true meaning and satisfaction in our own lives.
e) Related verses: Leviticus 25:35-36, Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Psalms 41:1, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 22:9, Isaiah 58:6-7, Isaiah 58:10-11, Matthew 5:42, Matthew 19:21, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 3:10-11, Luke 6:30, Luke 12:33-34, Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 9:5-9, Hebrews 13:16, James 1:27, James 2:14-17.
The End ...
1. GenerosityRomans 12:6-10
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
a) The Bible tells us to share generously with those in need, and good things will come to us in turn. We are not meant to live hard-hearted or self-centered lives. This is never made clearer than in Matthew 25:31-46. A greedy, miserly life leaves us devoid of anything but an empty craving for more possessions, more power or more status.
i) He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. (Proverbs 28:27)
b) It is not necessary to be a wealthy philanthropist or a full-time volunteer to make a meaningful contribution. Rather, we should give generously of whatever wealth and abilities we have, no matter how small the amount.
i) And [Jesus] looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a certain poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4)
c) Finally, our good deeds should be motivated by a sincere desire to help others. Public recognition should not be the goal.
i) "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (Matthew 6:1-2)
d) Each of us has something to give. Some have wealth, some have talents, some have time. Whatever gifts we have been given -- large or small -- we should share generously. When we do, we make the world better for someone else and find true meaning and satisfaction in our own lives.
e) Related verses: Leviticus 25:35-36, Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Psalms 41:1, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 22:9, Isaiah 58:6-7, Isaiah 58:10-11, Matthew 5:42, Matthew 19:21, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 3:10-11, Luke 6:30, Luke 12:33-34, Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 9:5-9, Hebrews 13:16, James 1:27, James 2:14-17.
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