Heavenly Treasure Accounts Part 1 Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, November 9, 2014 Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts © Copyright 2014 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

Philippians 4:10-20 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:10-20 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:10-20 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Philippians 4:10-20 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:10-20 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Heavenly Treasure Accounts Matthew 6 Be careful not to practice your “acts of righteousness” in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (verse 1) So, when you give to the needy… (verse 2a) And when you pray… (verse 5a) When you fast… ( verse 16a)

Appeals for Money Make Many Defensive…Anxious -Even Pastors

Let’s Pray

Tithing Giving a tenth of my total ongoing income

Tithing Old Testament Giving a tenth of my total ongoing income Giving 10% of eatable produce from my fields, gardens and flocks

Old Testament Law Deuteronomy 14:22 Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Leviticus 27:30 A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.

No New Testament Direct Command to Give: 10% of your gross income

No New Testament Direct Command to Give: 10% of your gross income 10% of your net income after deducting business expenses if you are self- employed

“Tithe(s)” 33 uses in Old Testament 5 uses in New Testament 2 Historical references in Hebrews 7 3 references from Jesus regarding Pharisaic hypocrisy

“Proportionate” Giving I Corinthians 16: 1-2 Luke 21: 3-4 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up…

“Proportionate” Giving I Corinthians 16: 1-2Luke 21: 3-4 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up… This poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

Jesus presumed (not commanded) that His people would continue certain spiritual practices

Not from an obligation prescribed by Law, but because of Love

Chapters of Denunciation Matthew 23: 1-39 Luke 11: Seven woes 39 verses Tithing is mentioned in the fourth woe Six woes Sixteen verses Tithing is mentioned in the first woe

Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin.

Matthew 23:23 “ Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter,

Matthew 23:23 “ Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Matthew 23:23 “ Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. Luke 11:42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

Matthew 23:23 “ Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. Luke 11:42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

Jesus Expects Professed Followers of God and His Ways to be Tithers

A Similar Point: Matthew 6: Be careful not to practice your “acts of righteousness” in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (verse 1) So, when you give to the needy… (verse 2a) And when you pray…( verse 5a) When you fast…( verse 16a)

A Similar Point: Matthew 6: Be careful not to practice your “acts of righteousness” in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (verse 1) So, when you give to the needy… (verse 2a) And when you pray…( verse 5a) When you fast…( verse 16a)

Luke 18: To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people— robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’”

Jesus Expects All His Followers to pray and fast and tithe. Give to support Kingdom of God Workers Give to support Kingdom of God Work Including helping the poor and needy

The Presumed “When you give” Starting Point of Giving according to Jesus is: Tithing

John Wesley The last part of man to be converted is his wallet.

Martin Luther Every man needs two conversions: the first is his heart, the second of his wallet!

Pastor Ed’s Motivation?

Heavenly Treasure Accounts It was good of you to share in my troubles…Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. Philippians 4: 14, 17 God will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

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For Further Study Purchase through Christianbook.com Today’s Take-home

Next Time Heavenly Treasure Accounts Part 2