Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.. We will look at Matthew 10:40-42 and hospitality. My prayer is that as we've studied this letter, that you have seen the themes of unity, joy, and love throughout Thanks for your interest! If we want something, we just charge it. That was a step of faith for my wife and me and our three young children. When we stop worrying about if we will have enough, and start looking for ways to plant the seeds that God gives us. Do so now. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. And the Word of God says, you, the recipient, can also give: but something physical. In recent months, we have increased our financial commitment to our missionaries, and the elders plan to review this yearly. And yet, our hearts can be at rest in His presence. For an example of this, listen to, Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of Gods grace. It seems God might be calling me into full-time ministry. This language from the Old Testament shows that our giving becomes an act of worship and devotion to God. And the question is this: What does it mean to receive Faithlife Sermons is now Logos Sermons. BUT you will be amazed what started to happen when we stopped looking so hard inside these walls and started taking opportunities out there. 3For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. Having pursued understanding, we know that we are blessed in the heavenly realms, Try. How important is it to be a welcoming church? On that note, Paul ends his letter with both greetings and grace. How would you answer someone who doesnt believe in the Trinity? I know that some of us are familiar with John Donns famous statement; John Donn who lived long ago. Grant forgiveness to someone youve been holding hostage? What if someone gave you the mistaken idea that there wasnt enough air in this room? James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Scriptures: Father, we thank You again for this opportunity we have had to look into Your Word. 1. This is the way it is and the way it will always be. There are primarily two types of people. Then he learned, in the last part of his life, how to give. We give of our lives and resources generously and God blesses us in the same manner. Notice that Jethros critique wasnt ad hominem. He kept everything and hoarded everything his whole life. 5:18-6:1). or #2 The Sower because he has Drop down to the last half of verse 24 where well see that He is also a giver: And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us., Its so hard to think of God as a giver when someone you love has been taken from you. Even in prison Paul is other-centered. Calvary Chapel. It shouldnt take an administrative genius to see that your system doesnt scale. A word we use alot in church but less so in other places. In John 2:24-25 we read that Jesus knows all men and knows what is in all people. Others are dismayed and discouraged. He didnt say, Moses, youre a lousy leader. Childrens and Youth programs at 10:30. And wherever you are, wherever you may be, you are in a position to receive; you are in a position to give. God Gave them the CHARIS in the midst of severe trial. The leadership wanted to expand the facilities and add a school, and they put their body under tremendous financial pressure. Baptist. Ask for forgiveness from someone youve wronged? The presence of God will never be revealed to us, through us, or in us, if we dont receive our gifts and employ them in unity. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. What were urging you to do in Christianity is to constantly be a sprinkler, because the world needs more sprinklersit has enough vacuum cleaners. Welcome back, friends. He doesnt give us everything we want but he will give us what we need. Is there a prayer request that youve been praying for a long time? 7But as you abound in everythingin faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for ussee that you abound in this grace also. Someone has aptly said, Only God could love a human being., God is great and He is glorious. The Importance of Givingand ReceivingBlessings Sermons A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Moana just wanted to go out into the wider ocean, something she had felt drawn to since her youngest days when she toddled along the beach near her village in the Polynesian Islands. . Instead of commanding, or twisting their arm, and demanding they live up to their commitment. Erin and I kind of have a hirearchy of help when we need something. This metaphor is extended to verse 17: I seek for the profit or fruit that increases to your account. Pauls focus is not on himself, but rather on what was happening to the Philippians by supporting him. But when someone helps us when we are in need need, the value of charity becomes apparent. Our biggest struggle can be letting go of what we want in order to receive the riches of God through Christ. In the closing section of our study in the book of Philippians, Paul has a great word for our Christian lives and helpful insights into the matter of giving and receiving. Jethro didnt jump to a conclusion based on his own perspective. What does God expect us to give? With that thought, Paul breaks into a doxology, and we should too: Now to God our Father be the glory forever and ever. His knowledge is absolute, innate, full, complete, and free. Do you visualize long and unfamiliar words about dogma that Are you a vacuum cleaner? And then God has designed giving as a means of enriching or blessing His people. Recommit to your family like youve never done before? Praise generally makes us feel appreciated and it gives us a sense that people care about us. And you can say in any given moment, "What can I give?" But we must also focus on doing. If we tell ourselves that theres not enough air in this room, were not going to get all that we need. We learn that those who go into full-time ministry as pastors and missionaries should expect that they might have to get by with less. Scripture Reading Sometimes he has a different design for our lives, but he isnt stingy. And there is one who withholds more than is right, Or you need someone to pick you up from surgery? Give 10% of your income to the Lord, just like Mitch did? Amen.And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. God has designed giving as a means of enriching or blessing His people. Then Jethro observed his son-in-law at work. Since God ruled everything he could just as easily direct him through a father-in-law as from a cloud. Amen! Paul is trying to convince Corinthians to make good on their promise to support Jerusalem Paul addresses this gift in kind of a backwards way.. he seems to be just as concerned with HOW they Give as he is with THAT they give. that they asked for the CHARIS of giving. Jon Bloom serves as teacher and cofounder of Desiring God. Introduction: 6But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So we conclude our studies in Philippians. That explanation was helpful. New Testament Reading Titus 2:11-14 Your favorite preaching resources have a brand-new look. He promptly stood back up and shouted, "Pastor, I will increase my donation to $5,000.". If God used Jethros correction to direct Moses to greater effectiveness, how much more should we be humbly listening for Gods direction in the correction of those he sends to us? Im not even sure we will be able to answer the two questions. How are we received? God is so kind to have Jethro and Moses give us a clinic on what humble correction looks like on both sides. In times like this its easy to doubt. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lords people. Psalm 89:8 says, O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? Giving to the mission and ministry of this CHURCH. The sowers the more they plant, the more grows, All of these stories come together to say - the CHARIS CIRCUT. . This is the language of the OT sacrificial system, the image of the scent of the burnt offering wafting heavenward, a pleasing aroma to God. But we dont know how. Denomination: It seems familiar now, when disaster strikes people send money. (4:21-23). Lets be honest. I came across a verse in my Bible reading that highlights the importance of obedience. Today, we have an important topic to discuss. read more, Scripture: It is saying, Okay, God. The church is not a collection of isolated, individual Christians but a family and a community. Everything else is a means to this end. Their gift is a part of the flow of Gods grace. Our gifts are like the sacrifice of Jesus and like the offering of our time and energy in service of God. Today we had the privilege of praising our brother Robert for the time, effort, hard work and investment of his heart for the sake of the congregation. Dont bail on God. And this is the giving that honors God. This reminds me of the line from that great hymn: Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.. 2 Corinthians 9:6 Joy and generosity go together like salt and pepper, separate they bring their distinct flavor, but together they are the seasoning of God's grace. 3)SOW Pauls sense of contentment and not being consumed with want is a great model for all Christian workers. We think that if we moved to another place or got a promotion we could get the house that would solve our wants. They are all dear friends who share a common life in Christ. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Wish we could live the gospel like that. The sermon shares that once you have received the Holy Spirit then you will be witnessess, you will be recognizable, you will be ready to serve, ready for good works and you will be a re creation. He has all the resources and the ability to work His will in every circumstance in the universe. You have observed my character. There you find giving and receiving. Jesus talks a LOT about money and the harm it can cause but also how we ought to think about it. 6 views Notes Transcript Sermon Tone Analysis A D F J S Emotion A C T Language O C E A E Social View more I - want to be like that Think with me for a minuet. - Jerusalem Church famine, where it all started, people are dying and paul is going around trying to raise money for them. Where is god challenging you in the generocity of your spirit? Do you agree? Our elders always have a hard time endorsing someone who is not relationally connected and has not had his or her gifts observed by people within the body. We become conformed to his death but we live in the power of the resurrection as citizens of heaven, standing firm in the face of opposition, all to the glory of God. His goal was to lift a burden, not tear down intentions. It literally means to stay put. Friend, when problems paralyze you, stay put with Jesus. The nature of God is one reason why Christians should give. Paul uses these two chapters to paint a picture of how CHARIS figures into this biblical theme of Giving and receiving and what it means to join it. When I tell my friends at other churches about what is going on here they cant believe it. The sermon shares that once you have received the Holy Spirit then you will be witnessess, you will be recognizable, you will be ready to serve, ready for good works and you will be a re creation. Its often for many others as well. Sundays 8:30 and 10:30. But the sea of Galilee is so rich. Why do you buy gifts to give? Not giving to get back, but joining the cycle of CHARIS. Grace begets Grace, Recieving leads to giving leads to recieving. The gift that serves Pauls physical health serves the Philippians more significantly in their spiritual health. You have been with many friends and relatives at a wedding party some time. We give because the nature of God calls for it because our God is a giving God. To say it another way: Our will and Gods will coincide when we obey and do it Gods way. 25The generous soul will be made rich, It means that in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, whatever the assignment, God is with us. Our policy at PBCC is that if we dont have enough money to pay salaries, we pay all our outside obligations first and then our support staff. I drove an old Pinto wagon for 15 yearsa very embarrassing situation for my children. 4)SURPLUS Paul Gives us another example. I love the fact that if you are a born again believer, God will never take your salvation from you nor will He ever remove His Holy Spirit from your life. For an example of this, listen to Job 1:21: Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. Wish we could be benefactors. Just then, plaster fell from the ceiling and struck the rich man on the shoulder. 5)STOREHOUSE read more, Denomination: But that apart, those who say that tithing is not for the Christians, I want to tell you that it is a good way to start; because under grace (which is your argument) you are supposed to give more than one-tenth. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. If You Mix The Matters, Your Preaching Won't Matter, Still Preaching, But Running From The Ministry, Ask Yourself: 20 Great Questions Before You Preach. Right, the CHARIS of Jesus is that he gave up everything so that we might have everything. He doesnt want their money, he wants them, transformed. I know some say that tithing is not for the New Testament; it is in the Old Testament. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! This confirms that we are His and pours confidence into our faith. We give because all of life depends on giving and receiving. And that is: Giving and Receiving. But sooner or later we learn that there is always something seeking to disturb our sense of contentment. But it leads to poverty. Since this letter would have been read to the congregation, these words of gratitude would be the last thing ringing in their ears. United Methodist. read more, Scripture: By experiencing both poverty and abundance and learning to handle both conditions, to be a man in Christ, independent of circumstances, dependent on the strength that God supplies through Christ Jesus for every situation. One song came to mind this week that brings it all together. Giving and Receiving Respect November 20 2022 Series: Stewardship Topic: Stewardship Book: Matthew Giving and Receiving Respect Watch on Speaker: Rev. The love of God should cause us to live a life of love. 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. FOR EXAMPLE . Motive behind giving A. But they are laying up treasure in heaven that will be evident at the coming of Christ. We learn that it is good for us to be participating with others in the work of the gospel in which we are all partners. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of Gods grace.. Heres my challenge to you today. He isnt saying, Thanks a lot. Jesus warned His disciples not to give for the sake of being admired by men: "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them" (Matt. Do you think youre qualified to lead two million people?. When receiving correction: No prideful deflections. Scripture For the next few weeks I plan to take a break from my sermon series in Romans. Now listen to this blessing. He didnt brush him off as an outsider who didnt understand the organization. PAUL does none of these things. Complement: Friend, when problems paralyze you, stay put with Jesus. When we are feeling good, we give. G - Paul says its about JOINING into the CYCLE of Grace. Jethros correction wasnt just Gods provision for Moses, it was also Gods provision for the needs of thousands of people. I remember my struggles as a young man coming out of college. (in ways you could never predict) it changes you, it changes others, and it changes the world. Pastor Jim Luthy The gift is bearing spiritual fruit in the lives of the Philippians. 2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. Ill never forget what she said: I have to. That reminded me of this quote I heard some time ago: You will never know Jesus is all you need until He is all you have., Lets pick up the last part of verse 23: And to love one another as He commanded us.. The word is a botanical metaphor meaning to blossom again, to flourish or sprout anew. The Law Of Giving And Receiving Series Contributed by Don Hawks on Jul 10, 2007 (message contributor) based on 8 ratings (rate this sermon) | 20,284 views Scripture: Luke 6:37-40 Denomination: Methodist Summary: You can make a difference wwherever you are everyday because you're different. Sermon Submitted 4 years ago We say that Christmas is the season for giving. One way we can know that we are born again is when were moved to love with actions, not just in our attitudes; when we see the need and do the deed. Ephesians 4:1-16, Denomination: . OUTLINE The Philippian church was given the promise I was telling a friend about their generosity and he said, some people like that, they feel good by being generous But I think there is more too it than that. Yet, we seem to think that we have to give something in return. Hopefully, this fund will gradually become equal to our commitment. read more, Scripture: Matthew 13:18-23, Denomination: In 1929, The Saturday Evening Post ran an article on Albert Einstein. I used to work with a space heater in my office to keep warm :). 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. There can be no doubt that we live in a selfish and inward focused world. Contentment means to not be consumed with want but rather to trust that God is sovereign and is at work in all situations, as Paul refers to in 1:6 and 2:13. One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to translate our pain and cries from our gut to the Lord when we cant even pray. Obey first. 7)SCATTER Verse 21 gives us the result of focusing on Gods character: Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God. The word confidence means to have freedom in speaking, boldness and assurance. This morning I want to talk with you about a question that is relevant to each and every one of us here. On one side of the chart, look at the word Giving. On the other side of the chart, notice the word, Receiving. I want you to find out what kind of a person you are in a given moment. If we pridefully resist correction, we are likely plugging up a channel of grace to others. Would they be there right away? You will not perish; you will have eternal life the greatest gift that God has given to any man. All of life depends on giving and receiving. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Matthew 10:8. My first job as an engineer wasnt all that glamorous or satisfying. : The bible talks a lot about Giving and receiving. Not out of obligation, ( 2 Corinthians 9:7) C. Not to impress others, ( Acts 4:32-36; Acts 5:1-10) 2. Hold on to the truth that God is great. Giving from the right motives and for the right reasons becomes in God's sight, (Read v.18). There is more on the horizon. One definition of this is very descriptive. There is, indeed, a virtue, a grace, in receiving cheerfully and cordially as well as gratefully, which may be almost, if not quite, as acceptable to God as that of generosity itself. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. John 3:16. We will attempt to answer two important questions in this first part. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. We experienced this at Beckys house on Monday. This was the case between Paul and the Philippians. Heir of salvation, purchase of God, We learn that full-time Christian workers or churches should never manipulate people to give money. Therefore honor God with your body.. But Paul doesnt want them to get the wrong idea. We can be resentful of God, complaining about our lack, and manipulative of others to help us. It literally means. Giving and Receiving - Sermons, Bible Studies, Articles, and Essays. He tells some stories about what CHARIS looks like. When we choose to do, God will reveal His truth to you! Do you remember the end of the story how he was dancing and bouncing around? Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. It is God's gift to us. Find these references. Have you received the Son of God, friend. To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account. Sadly, we are never satisfied, so we keep on charging. Located in the Middle East in Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is essentially a salt lake whose surface is more than 1,300 feet below sea level and whose deepest point is more than 2,300 feet below sea level, according to Extreme Science's So on the one hand, the missionary is not to be manipulative but content and trusting, but on the other, every believer is to give generously as he or she is directed by God. We wonder why Paul would wait until the end of the letter to say thank you. Only the giving that stems from love is true giving. The Cheerful Giver Sermonette by Ryan McClure. He wants to supply what we need out of the storehouse of his riches. I took a 50% cut in pay when I became a pastor after ten years of working as an engineer. 6)SACRIFICE When people ask for a handout, we may feel reluctant to help out. 6So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. When we are rich, we can be consumed with riches and possessions. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Moses spent his whole day judging one dispute after another. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, Help your church understand God's plan in pain, Call your people to experience a higher freedom, Proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. To have that kind of generose spirit that oozes out of your encounters with others. Friends and family, the only way to move from a condemning heart to a confident heart is to focus on Gods character He is great, He is glorious and He is a giver. The Stoics sought self-sufficiency. We must be sure of the seed. Acts 19 Share with the group and ask them to pray for you as you seek to obey the Lord in a specific way. But Paul cannot reciprocate in kind. We aren't going to read all of it. That there will not be room enough to receive it. The financial gifts we give are not just given to a person, they are an offering to God. The earth is a gift from Him. He didnt try to save face by lying that hed been thinking about doing that very thing himself. Money and houses will not give us these things. Grace=Charis is trusting God enough to give when you dont have much, Charis is being inspiried to give by the giving of others. We may have heard this familiar chorus by Maranatha telling us what Christmas is all about. Dont get it? 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. But what delighted me even more was the fruit in my friends life. For whoever desires to save his life will lost it, but whoever loses his Moses gratefully received and immediately implemented Jethros counsel. A. Are there principles that will help guide us both individually and corporately in this regard? The result of following Gods commands is found in. It was a scary time. How do we use our time/talents/treasure? And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. G.K. Chesterton once said, "It is often supposed that when people stop believing in God, they believe in nothing. Even when he was close by in Thessalonica, the Philippians sent gifts more than once or twice. 2 Kings 4:8-17, Matthew 10:40-42. When we write a check, that is an act of worship. read more, Scripture: The Philippians are reaping fruit, accruing compound interest. v. 1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. He says he didnt really need the money because he had learned to be content in every circumstance. The enemy of our souls attacks and accuses according to. Its not easy to dobut its what we must do. Correction is a gift, and not only for you. Remember that friendship is marked by giving and receiving. You have to understand the magnitude of the gift: Our old house had its original wiring and plumbing, and neither could handle the Six questions when giving or receiving advice - Job Three hard truths about wisdom - Job 28 Job's perfect storm - Job 30, 40, 42 How to respond to a powerful and loving God - Job 42 In this sermon, Andy Cook uses examples from advice that Job gets from his friends. No matter our situation or our desires, contentment comes when we abandon ourselves to God and learn that he is working, that his strength is sufficient to meet the challenges of success or failure, wealth or poverty.