Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings

What is this series about? An examination of 21 attitudes and behaviors identified in the New Testament as “blessed” A look at Christian conduct and characteristics that will enrich our lives with lasting joy A look at the condition of those who lack these qualities

Acts 20:35 Outline Individual benevolence The blessings of benevolence The cursed life: the uncaring & unsharing

Individual benevolence (Gal. 6:10) Definition: doing good, sharing, hospitality, kind acts Positive examples: Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-8) The Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:30-37) Residents of Malta (Acts 28:1-2) Solomon’s wisdom on sharing (Prov. 3:27-28) Instructions to the rich (1 Tim. 6:17-19) Benevolence should flow naturally from love (1 Cor. 13:3) Direct involvement is more valuable than money (Jms. 1:27) God is pleased with sharing (Heb. 13:16) “some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2)

The blessings of benevolence (Luke 6:35) “Give, and it will be given to you” (Lk. 6:38) “He who waters will himself be watered” (Prov. 11:25) “He who is generous will be blessed” (Prov. 22:9) Generosity turns enemies into allies (Prov. 25:21-22) “You will be repaid at the resurrection” (Lk. 14:13-14) “How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble” (Ps. 41:1)

The cursed life: the unsharing (Prov. 28:27) The rich young ruler could not bring himself to sacrifice his wealth to give it to the poor (Matt. 19:21-22) “worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8) The rich man who did not share with Lazarus found torment in Hades (Lk. 16:19-25) The ultimate comparison of the benevolent to the non- benevolent is found in Matthew 25. Jesus puts much value on benevolence! Consider hymn #641 “There Is A Sea”

Sea of Galilee: alive and sharing! Salt Sea: dead and unsharing!

Summary Benevolence is commanded, yet should come naturally to Christians. There is room in the kingdom of God for the things you can do, no matter how small! God blesses our benevolence by giving us more to share, and the promise of reward in the next life. The unsharing may enjoy selfish pleasures in this life, but will find no comfort in the next. “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need” (Eph. 4:28)

Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) Baptism puts you into Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Baptism saves you (1 Peter 3:21) Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10) Trust His grace and obey His commands (Hebrews 5:9) Or face the retribution due to those who do not obey 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 2:8; John 3:36

Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly