GIVING Part 2 The Privilege of a Grateful People

God's generosity to us Ephesians 1:3-9 In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing he made known to us the mystery of his will to the praise of his glorious grace.

Our response to God Ephesians 1:3-9 Romans 12:1-2 In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing he made known to us the mystery of his will to the praise of his glorious grace. Romans 12:1-2 In view of God’s mercy offer your bodies as a living sacrifice then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is this is your true and proper worship.

Our motivation for giving Command of God Responsibility of "riches" Privilege of God's family Confirmation of Christ Matthew 10:7-8 - And as you go, preach, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Luke 20:48b - From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. 2 Corinthians 8:4 - Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 1 John 3:17 - If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

What do we give? Our time, energy, focus Our talents, skills, gifts Our possessions, property Our money, % of income v10 - Be devoted to one another in love. v6 - We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. v3b - Practice hospitality. 1 Corinthians 16:2a - On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income.

Who do we give to? The poor and needy Those who teach Any God-inspired project Acts 20:35a - In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak. Galatians 6:6 - The one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Exodus 36:5 - And they said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform."

How do we give? Willingly Generously Sacrificially Excellently Matthew 5:42 - Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. v8b - If [your gift] is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. v2 - In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Cor 8:7 - But since you excel in everything … see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

The result of giving Great blessing! Repayment from God Test the Lord! "It is more blessed to give than to receive". Repayment from God Test the Lord! Proverbs 11:24 - One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Proverbs 19:17 - Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. Malachi 3:10 - "Test Me now in this," says the LORD, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."

1 Timothy 6:17-19 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.