1. The Grace of Liberality Part 1

2. The Grace of Liberality Liberality means: “generous; openhandedness”. Synonyms to the word are “kindness” or “charity”. We will begin our series by taking note of the many warnings provided in Scripture that concern the improper use of money. We also will seek to make some applications for our lives today.

3. Using material possessions in unacceptable ways… Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:24, 32; 13:22; 1Timothy 6:17 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry Col 3:5 (NKJV) The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22) 1Timothy 6:9-10 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Eph 5:5 (NKJV) The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 20:32-35; Ephesians 4:28; 1Timothy 6:17-19

4. General Warnings… Psalm 49:6-7… knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV) Psalm 49:10, 16-17… For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Tim 6:7 (NKJV) Psalm 62:10… But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Tim 6:9 (NKJV)

5. General Warnings… He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage. Prov 11:28 (NKJV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. Prov 22:1 (NKJV) With your wisdom and your understanding You have gained riches for yourself, And gathered gold and silver into your treasuries; 5 By your great wisdom in trade you have increased your riches, And your heart is lifted up because of your riches Ezek 28:4-5 (NKJV) "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matt 6:24 (NKJV)

6. General Warnings… Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. Matt 13:22 (NKJV) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Tim 6:9-10 (NKJV) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim 6:17-19 (NKJV)

7. The Lord’s Remedy… Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19- 20) Remember that the Lord has blessed you with every good thing; so be a FAITHFUL steward (Luke 16:11) Sow bountifully (2Corinthians 9:6) Be rich in good works (1Timothy 6:17-18) Beware of covetousness (Luke 12:15; Colossians 3:5)

8. Conclusion… Do not allow your future goals for “this life” to come in-between you and God. Do not let your current lifestyle keep you from serving God to the fullest. We must use our money and resources to help others and the cause of Christ!