WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.360 We are not going to be continuing on in Ephesians. 00:00:05.040 --> 00:00:08.140 Our pastor George, it's a convenient table, 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:13.339 our pastor George is currently on a study leave in the Holy Land. 00:00:13.960 --> 00:00:15.720 He'll get back this upcoming week. 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:22.440 So this morning we'll be in 2 Corinthians 9, verses 6 to 15. 00:00:22.800 --> 00:00:25.179 That is the section that Matt read for us. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:30.960 This morning we're going to talk about money. 00:00:32.920 --> 00:00:36.719 A good pastor always feels a bit uncomfortable with talking about money 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:44.480 and preaching about money because his income comes from the tithes of the people. 00:00:45.299 --> 00:00:49.320 And let me just say, if that marks a good pastor, our pastor is excellent 00:00:49.320 --> 00:00:55.399 because our pastor has so much discomfort in talking about that, 00:00:55.480 --> 00:00:57.519 he's pawned off the sermon to me. 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:00.880 His underling. 00:01:01.799 --> 00:01:07.920 And he is so excellent that he's not even in this room or the city. 00:01:08.280 --> 00:01:09.859 In fact, he's in another continent. 00:01:10.700 --> 00:01:11.719 Our pastor is fantastic. 00:01:12.200 --> 00:01:13.659 Listen, that's not actually how it went down. 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:16.640 George, when he was leaving a few weeks ago, 00:01:16.759 --> 00:01:19.280 he gave us a couple passages to pick from. 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:24.219 And this was one that felt like the Lord, out of all of them, 00:01:24.659 --> 00:01:25.560 said, give it a shot. 00:01:26.859 --> 00:01:28.700 Precisely because it made me feel uncomfortable. 00:01:30.579 --> 00:01:33.900 Talking about money can be dicey, especially for a preacher. 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:37.280 Except that when I began to dig into this text 00:01:37.280 --> 00:01:40.519 and started to see what it had to say, 00:01:41.599 --> 00:01:45.439 realized that this text is less about money, 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:48.920 although it most certainly is about money and giving. 00:01:49.519 --> 00:01:54.760 But this text, in fact, is about radical, loving, transformative, 00:01:55.819 --> 00:02:00.159 expressive, imitating discipleship of Jesus Christ. 00:02:03.120 --> 00:02:06.200 To be a disciple of Jesus is to be rich. 00:02:06.200 --> 00:02:07.519 And I'll just say this right off the bat. 00:02:07.600 --> 00:02:10.759 To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to be rich. 00:02:12.500 --> 00:02:12.939 Why? 00:02:13.199 --> 00:02:17.159 Because God has sent Jesus, his son, 00:02:18.259 --> 00:02:20.900 to earth to pay for our sins completely. 00:02:21.460 --> 00:02:23.800 To ransom us from the grave completely. 00:02:24.520 --> 00:02:26.640 And to not just save us from something, 00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:28.099 but to give us something. 00:02:28.640 --> 00:02:29.300 New life. 00:02:29.900 --> 00:02:31.140 The resurrection of the dead. 00:02:31.599 --> 00:02:35.759 That we are now sons and daughters of the living God. 00:02:36.919 --> 00:02:42.359 That our cup is always not to the edge of the top. 00:02:42.479 --> 00:02:43.599 It's overflowing. 00:02:44.359 --> 00:02:45.879 We are blessed people. 00:02:46.819 --> 00:02:49.039 To be a disciple is to be rich. 00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:54.839 But to be a disciple also is to be an imitator of Christ. 00:02:54.840 --> 00:02:59.400 It means following the example and direction of our King Jesus. 00:03:00.120 --> 00:03:03.199 It means recognizing that we have been bought with a price 00:03:03.199 --> 00:03:06.900 and that the life we now live is not our own. 00:03:06.900 --> 00:03:11.200 I think for some of us here, 00:03:11.200 --> 00:03:12.260 we need to hear that. 00:03:12.819 --> 00:03:14.540 That the life you live, 00:03:14.620 --> 00:03:16.000 if you call yourself a Christian, 00:03:16.140 --> 00:03:20.599 if you have confessed faith in Jesus Christ, 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:22.780 that he is your Lord and Savior, 00:03:22.920 --> 00:03:24.200 he has forgiven you of your sins, 00:03:24.860 --> 00:03:26.980 your life is not your own. 00:03:26.979 --> 00:03:34.359 His ways always lead to blessing and praise towards him, 00:03:34.419 --> 00:03:35.620 but they are his ways, 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:36.459 not our ways. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:40.539 We don't enter into this relationship with God 00:03:40.539 --> 00:03:42.719 only to start calling the shots. 00:03:43.579 --> 00:03:46.459 He has laid out for us the way he wants us to live. 00:03:46.460 --> 00:03:52.580 And including in that is how we approach money 00:03:52.580 --> 00:03:55.080 and how we approach our resources, 00:03:55.760 --> 00:03:58.319 how we approach our talents, 00:03:58.740 --> 00:04:01.240 all the commodities that we may possess. 00:04:02.640 --> 00:04:05.840 And really the attitude towards those things 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:08.879 as a Christian disciple of Jesus Christ 00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:11.200 is an attitude of generosity. 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:15.460 So our text today, we'll jump right into that. 00:04:15.460 --> 00:04:16.620 We'll address that. 00:04:16.680 --> 00:04:17.819 It'll look at three things. 00:04:19.340 --> 00:04:20.160 Excuse me. 00:04:21.240 --> 00:04:23.259 It'll look at the motivation for being generous, 00:04:23.639 --> 00:04:26.319 the results of being generous, 00:04:26.660 --> 00:04:29.980 and the foundation of what generosity is all about. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:33.439 So we have the motivation of generosity, 00:04:33.660 --> 00:04:34.819 the results of generosity, 00:04:34.819 --> 00:04:37.560 and the foundation of what generosity truly is. 00:04:38.480 --> 00:04:39.780 But first let me pray 00:04:39.780 --> 00:04:41.040 and then we'll just jump into the text. 00:04:41.139 --> 00:04:43.439 Lord God, it's a dicey subject. 00:04:45.459 --> 00:04:52.099 Pastors in North America have not got the best rep 00:04:52.099 --> 00:04:53.659 for teaching on money. 00:04:54.839 --> 00:04:57.799 Lord, the heart of this text is generosity. 00:04:58.060 --> 00:05:00.599 Help us to see with your eyes, 00:05:00.939 --> 00:05:02.679 to be moved by your Holy Spirit. 00:05:03.099 --> 00:05:04.579 We pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:05:05.579 --> 00:05:05.799 Amen. 00:05:05.899 --> 00:05:07.000 So before we get into the text, 00:05:07.060 --> 00:05:08.819 a bit of a background with what's happening here. 00:05:08.819 --> 00:05:11.379 Chapter 9, our text today, 00:05:11.740 --> 00:05:12.819 verses 6 to 15, 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:17.339 is nestled within chapter 8 and 9, 00:05:17.800 --> 00:05:19.000 obviously. 00:05:19.699 --> 00:05:21.959 But what's not obvious is that 00:05:21.959 --> 00:05:23.740 Paul is making an appeal 00:05:23.740 --> 00:05:25.959 to the Corinthian people 00:05:25.959 --> 00:05:29.159 about a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. 00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:31.439 Paul here is essentially making 00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:34.860 a pitch for famine and poverty relief. 00:05:34.860 --> 00:05:39.259 So we know from the early chapters of Acts 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:40.460 that in Jerusalem, 00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:42.340 the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost 00:05:42.340 --> 00:05:44.939 and there was a huge conversion. 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:47.920 Thousands of people converted. 00:05:48.920 --> 00:05:51.180 But we don't necessarily see the fallout. 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:53.280 We get a bit of it here. 00:05:53.980 --> 00:05:56.220 Undoubtedly, the saints in Jerusalem 00:05:56.220 --> 00:05:59.860 would have been ostracized from their family 00:05:59.860 --> 00:06:01.520 if their whole families didn't come to faith. 00:06:02.400 --> 00:06:03.620 Kicked out of their families. 00:06:03.620 --> 00:06:05.600 If they had businesses, 00:06:06.139 --> 00:06:07.840 it's likely that their businesses 00:06:07.840 --> 00:06:08.500 would have suffered. 00:06:10.480 --> 00:06:13.379 If they had any kind of employment 00:06:13.379 --> 00:06:15.560 with somebody who was not a believer, 00:06:16.079 --> 00:06:18.800 it's likely that they would have lost their job. 00:06:18.899 --> 00:06:21.879 They would be pushed to the fringes of society. 00:06:22.060 --> 00:06:23.480 You know, this actually happens a lot 00:06:23.480 --> 00:06:24.519 in the world today. 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:25.740 Not so much in our culture, 00:06:26.379 --> 00:06:29.019 but in places like Iran or in China, 00:06:29.439 --> 00:06:30.340 places like India. 00:06:30.339 --> 00:06:33.359 The Jerusalemites were poor. 00:06:33.819 --> 00:06:35.339 They were very, very poor. 00:06:36.039 --> 00:06:40.939 And Paul here is making a big pitch, 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:41.939 not only to the Corinthians, 00:06:42.119 --> 00:06:43.759 but also to the Macedonian church. 00:06:44.139 --> 00:06:45.659 We see that at the beginning of chapter 8. 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:47.299 Macedonians were poor themselves, 00:06:47.399 --> 00:06:48.459 but he's making a pitch to them 00:06:48.459 --> 00:06:49.739 for this famine relief. 00:06:50.019 --> 00:06:51.339 And then he comes to the Corinthians, 00:06:51.659 --> 00:06:52.879 who have an abundance 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.920 and have been collecting funds 00:06:54.920 --> 00:06:56.120 for over a year, 00:06:56.839 --> 00:06:59.659 but for whatever reason, 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:02.379 are struggling with being generous. 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:05.180 They're struggling with being ready, 00:07:05.779 --> 00:07:07.100 as the text says. 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:09.300 Something has to do with, 00:07:09.540 --> 00:07:12.519 something about their lack of readiness 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:14.079 must have had to do with 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:16.600 not being cheerful in their giving. 00:07:16.719 --> 00:07:18.939 Maybe their zeal that they once had 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:19.839 was waning. 00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:21.819 They were becoming reluctant 00:07:21.819 --> 00:07:22.599 in their giving. 00:07:23.479 --> 00:07:24.399 And it's this context 00:07:24.399 --> 00:07:25.659 that we find our text 00:07:25.659 --> 00:07:27.639 and bring us to our first point, 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:29.619 the motivation for being generous. 00:07:29.739 --> 00:07:31.939 So look with me in chapter 9. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:32.939 We'll start in verse 6. 00:07:34.219 --> 00:07:38.259 And we'll go to verse 9. 00:07:38.959 --> 00:07:40.459 The point is this. 00:07:41.219 --> 00:07:42.699 Whoever sows sparingly 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:44.359 will reap sparingly. 00:07:44.659 --> 00:07:46.259 And whoever sows bountifully 00:07:46.259 --> 00:07:48.379 will also reap bountifully. 00:07:48.379 --> 00:07:50.219 Each one must give 00:07:50.219 --> 00:07:51.879 as he has decided in his heart, 00:07:52.219 --> 00:07:54.600 not reluctantly or under compulsion, 00:07:54.740 --> 00:07:56.399 for God loves a cheerful giver. 00:07:57.360 --> 00:07:58.659 And God is able to make 00:07:58.659 --> 00:08:00.040 all grace abound to you 00:08:00.040 --> 00:08:01.439 so that having all sufficiency 00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:03.139 in all things, 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:04.560 at all times, 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:07.060 you may abound in every good work. 00:08:07.779 --> 00:08:08.600 As it is written, 00:08:09.480 --> 00:08:11.139 He has distributed freely, 00:08:11.519 --> 00:08:12.600 He has given to the poor, 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:14.980 His righteousness endures forever. 00:08:14.980 --> 00:08:18.000 He who supplies seed to the sower 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:19.700 and bread for food 00:08:19.700 --> 00:08:22.040 will supply and multiply their seed 00:08:22.040 --> 00:08:23.060 for sowing and increase 00:08:23.060 --> 00:08:25.360 the harvest of your righteousness. 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:26.819 Paul makes it clear 00:08:26.819 --> 00:08:30.660 that what he is making an appeal to, 00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:31.840 this famine relief, 00:08:32.180 --> 00:08:33.960 is not some sort of tax. 00:08:34.039 --> 00:08:35.279 We see this if we go up 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:37.920 just one verse in verse 5 of chapter 9. 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:38.340 And he says, 00:08:38.340 --> 00:08:54.379 So Paul here plays on 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:57.300 this imagery found throughout Proverbs 00:08:57.300 --> 00:08:58.580 of sowing and reaping. 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:01.560 It's full, full of that imagery 00:09:01.560 --> 00:09:02.340 throughout Proverbs. 00:09:02.420 --> 00:09:03.940 And he's calling the Corinthians 00:09:03.940 --> 00:09:05.300 back to the scriptures, 00:09:06.020 --> 00:09:07.720 back to the heart 00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:08.820 that God so desires 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:09.580 for His people. 00:09:10.420 --> 00:09:11.740 So Paul encourages the Corinthians 00:09:11.740 --> 00:09:13.960 to be generous 00:09:13.960 --> 00:09:16.980 in order that they may reap a bounty. 00:09:17.660 --> 00:09:18.580 What kind of bounty? 00:09:18.700 --> 00:09:20.100 Well, we'll see in verse 10. 00:09:22.160 --> 00:09:24.140 Notice that he doesn't say anything 00:09:24.140 --> 00:09:25.300 about a dollar amount. 00:09:26.300 --> 00:09:28.620 So in the Old Testament temple system, 00:09:29.140 --> 00:09:31.880 a tenth was what was required. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:33.179 But here Paul simply says 00:09:33.179 --> 00:09:34.480 that it is a personal matter 00:09:34.480 --> 00:09:36.139 and that personal choice 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:38.019 must not be reluctantly given 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:39.960 nor given under pressure. 00:09:41.220 --> 00:09:41.559 Why? 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:45.019 Because God loves a cheerful giver. 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:49.559 Here's the motivation for generosity. 00:09:50.299 --> 00:09:52.620 It is to reciprocate God's grace 00:09:52.620 --> 00:09:54.000 that He has given to us. 00:09:55.539 --> 00:09:56.659 And we know this because, 00:09:56.820 --> 00:09:57.360 like I mentioned, 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:59.240 this section is nestled 00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:01.000 within a broader section 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:02.019 of chapter 8 and 9. 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:03.879 And in chapter 8, verse 9, 00:10:03.980 --> 00:10:04.840 this is what it says. 00:10:05.659 --> 00:10:07.519 For you know the grace 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:09.059 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:10:09.059 --> 00:10:10.600 that though He was rich, 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:13.320 yet for your sake He became poor 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:15.419 so that you by His poverty 00:10:15.419 --> 00:10:16.799 might become rich. 00:10:19.799 --> 00:10:21.200 So what we have here 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:23.440 is Paul making an appeal 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:24.399 to the Corinthians 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:27.779 to remember the example 00:10:27.779 --> 00:10:28.980 of Christ Himself 00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:33.120 that He gave Himself up willingly, 00:10:34.179 --> 00:10:36.279 not through some kind of compulsion, 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:39.379 but He sought joy 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:40.939 to go to the cross 00:10:40.939 --> 00:10:42.279 to endure the sufferings. 00:10:42.919 --> 00:10:44.000 And that should be 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:45.340 our attitude, 00:10:46.199 --> 00:10:47.259 our motivation 00:10:47.259 --> 00:10:49.019 to give generously. 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:51.000 And this results 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:51.840 in two things. 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:52.899 The cheerfulness, 00:10:53.439 --> 00:10:54.519 God loves a cheerful giver, 00:10:54.840 --> 00:10:56.019 but also faith. 00:10:56.939 --> 00:10:57.679 So let's look first 00:10:57.679 --> 00:10:58.500 at the cheerful giving. 00:11:00.179 --> 00:11:01.919 Why is reluctant giving 00:11:01.919 --> 00:11:03.439 such a big issue? 00:11:04.579 --> 00:11:05.419 Why is it? 00:11:05.419 --> 00:11:07.919 I mean, 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:08.740 if it results 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.599 in the same thing, 00:11:09.979 --> 00:11:10.919 if you reluctantly 00:11:10.919 --> 00:11:11.939 give somebody $5 00:11:11.939 --> 00:11:14.019 or joyfully give somebody $5, 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:16.219 they have $5 in their hand. 00:11:17.279 --> 00:11:17.599 I mean, 00:11:17.799 --> 00:11:18.779 the ends 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:19.979 kind of work out. 00:11:20.199 --> 00:11:20.879 They both have 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:21.899 the $5. 00:11:22.479 --> 00:11:23.860 But why is there something 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:25.159 not okay 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:26.360 with reluctant giving? 00:11:26.819 --> 00:11:27.259 Well, remember, 00:11:27.360 --> 00:11:27.899 we talked about 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:28.679 how this text 00:11:28.679 --> 00:11:30.159 is about discipleship. 00:11:31.059 --> 00:11:32.599 And to be a disciple 00:11:32.599 --> 00:11:33.579 of Jesus Christ 00:11:33.579 --> 00:11:34.279 means to follow 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:35.179 in His ways 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:37.000 to be saved by Him, 00:11:37.059 --> 00:11:38.079 to follow in His ways, 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:39.339 empowered by His Spirit. 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:41.039 And this is not following 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:42.139 the example of Christ. 00:11:42.719 --> 00:11:43.379 Like I mentioned, 00:11:43.500 --> 00:11:44.179 Christ did not 00:11:44.179 --> 00:11:45.500 give Himself up 00:11:45.500 --> 00:11:46.199 for us 00:11:46.199 --> 00:11:47.419 reluctantly. 00:11:48.399 --> 00:11:48.979 It did not, 00:11:51.039 --> 00:11:51.719 in one sense, 00:11:51.839 --> 00:11:53.399 it pained God, 00:11:53.500 --> 00:11:54.239 but in another sense, 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:55.279 it pleased God 00:11:55.279 --> 00:11:56.719 that our suffering 00:11:56.719 --> 00:11:57.439 should be laid 00:11:57.439 --> 00:11:58.399 on the Messiah. 00:11:59.359 --> 00:12:00.359 That God gives 00:12:00.359 --> 00:12:01.519 freely and graciously, 00:12:01.719 --> 00:12:02.519 not reluctantly. 00:12:03.039 --> 00:12:03.359 And therefore, 00:12:03.500 --> 00:12:04.319 reluctant giving 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:06.280 is not God honoring. 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:09.920 And by the way, 00:12:10.020 --> 00:12:10.500 you might get 00:12:10.500 --> 00:12:11.600 a $5 bill, 00:12:11.720 --> 00:12:12.340 no matter what, 00:12:12.400 --> 00:12:13.360 from a reluctant giver 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:14.420 and a cheerful giver. 00:12:15.540 --> 00:12:17.480 But that reluctant giving, 00:12:17.620 --> 00:12:18.379 it might be $5, 00:12:18.680 --> 00:12:19.320 but it comes with 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:20.780 some strings attached, 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:21.260 doesn't it? 00:12:22.040 --> 00:12:22.940 Or you feel like 00:12:22.940 --> 00:12:23.420 you might be 00:12:23.420 --> 00:12:24.980 in their debt. 00:12:26.580 --> 00:12:27.420 Or that person 00:12:27.420 --> 00:12:29.020 might scoff at you 00:12:29.020 --> 00:12:29.380 and look down 00:12:29.380 --> 00:12:30.400 their nose at you. 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:33.480 Or maybe they just 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:34.120 don't go through 00:12:34.120 --> 00:12:34.439 with it 00:12:34.439 --> 00:12:35.860 and take the money away 00:12:35.860 --> 00:12:36.220 and then you're 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:36.799 left with nothing. 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:37.620 But the point is, 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:38.799 there is a difference 00:12:38.799 --> 00:12:39.959 between reluctant giving 00:12:39.959 --> 00:12:41.079 and generous giving. 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:49.539 This giving 00:12:49.539 --> 00:12:50.259 that we're supposed 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:51.439 to engage 00:12:51.439 --> 00:12:52.439 in this cheerful giving 00:12:52.439 --> 00:12:53.799 is voluntary. 00:12:54.720 --> 00:12:55.639 It's what Paul says 00:12:55.639 --> 00:12:56.879 in chapter 8, 00:12:56.899 --> 00:12:57.360 verse 3. 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:59.419 It is given freely. 00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:00.120 We looked at it 00:13:00.120 --> 00:13:00.659 in chapter 9, 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:01.159 verse 5. 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.480 And generously, 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:04.519 excuse me, 00:13:04.560 --> 00:13:05.200 in verse 6. 00:13:06.039 --> 00:13:07.080 So giving cheerfully 00:13:07.080 --> 00:13:07.960 to bring gifts 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:08.539 with joy 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:09.120 that come 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:10.700 from a place 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:11.379 of blessing 00:13:11.379 --> 00:13:13.060 and not with 00:13:13.060 --> 00:13:14.080 tight-fistedness 00:13:14.080 --> 00:13:14.800 that harbors 00:13:14.800 --> 00:13:15.580 resentment. 00:13:15.740 --> 00:13:17.039 That is what God wants. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.279 Growing up, 00:13:20.340 --> 00:13:20.940 I would hear 00:13:20.940 --> 00:13:22.000 every now and then, 00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:23.320 God loves a cheerful giver. 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:25.000 And I just thought, 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:25.600 it's just, 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:26.360 it's like you're 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:27.320 taking the edge off 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:28.159 of asking people 00:13:28.159 --> 00:13:28.680 for money 00:13:28.680 --> 00:13:29.639 to, 00:13:29.860 --> 00:13:30.560 whether it be pastors 00:13:30.560 --> 00:13:31.500 or ministry leaders. 00:13:32.820 --> 00:13:33.700 But no, 00:13:33.919 --> 00:13:34.320 no, 00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:34.840 it is, 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:35.220 it is, 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:36.379 it is a call 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:37.539 to follow 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:38.759 in the very example 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:40.100 of Jesus Christ himself. 00:13:41.200 --> 00:13:42.480 To give cheerfully. 00:13:44.560 --> 00:13:45.279 Cheerful giving 00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:46.379 and being a miser 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:47.120 don't mix. 00:13:47.300 --> 00:13:47.940 But remember, 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:49.019 if you're feeling 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:49.680 like, 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:50.279 oh, 00:13:50.320 --> 00:13:51.360 I don't want to give 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:52.480 if I'm not giving cheerfully, 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:52.980 understand 00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:54.379 that Paul is saying 00:13:54.379 --> 00:13:56.560 it is voluntary. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:58.639 You need to decide 00:13:58.639 --> 00:13:59.340 what you're willing 00:13:59.340 --> 00:14:00.800 to give yourself. 00:14:01.860 --> 00:14:02.180 Now, 00:14:02.460 --> 00:14:03.560 when we give to the church, 00:14:03.740 --> 00:14:04.620 all the resources 00:14:04.620 --> 00:14:05.320 come together 00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:06.879 and we have 00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.259 a godly council 00:14:08.259 --> 00:14:09.480 and a godly pastor 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:11.460 that try their best 00:14:11.460 --> 00:14:13.139 to seek the Lord 00:14:13.139 --> 00:14:14.279 and ask for the Holy Spirit 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:14.700 to lead 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:16.259 and then invest 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:17.340 and to bless 00:14:17.340 --> 00:14:18.620 in the different ministries 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:20.100 in our church, 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:20.740 in the city, 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:21.360 beyond, 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:22.279 with our missionaries. 00:14:24.300 --> 00:14:24.779 So, 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:26.379 you know, 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:27.360 there is this aspect 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:28.580 of just a communal 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:30.560 giving that ends up 00:14:30.560 --> 00:14:31.440 happening to the church. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.139 It's like 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:33.440 more buying power, 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:33.659 right? 00:14:33.680 --> 00:14:34.820 We put all our pot 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:35.259 together. 00:14:35.779 --> 00:14:36.919 But ultimately, 00:14:37.159 --> 00:14:37.659 ultimately, 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.039 you guys are individuals 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:41.259 and the call is 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:42.500 to make that call 00:14:42.500 --> 00:14:43.080 yourself. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.419 But make sure 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:45.340 that it's done 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:46.180 cheerfully. 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:47.360 And again, 00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:48.700 why do we do this? 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:49.759 Because God himself 00:14:49.759 --> 00:14:51.740 is a cheerful giver. 00:14:52.980 --> 00:14:53.960 But you might 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:55.080 not feel like 00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:56.139 you can give much 00:14:56.139 --> 00:14:57.139 or you're reluctant 00:14:57.139 --> 00:14:57.740 to give. 00:14:58.600 --> 00:14:59.580 Or you might 00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:00.439 have this feeling 00:15:00.439 --> 00:15:01.200 inside that 00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:02.939 if I give, 00:15:03.299 --> 00:15:04.819 I will suffer. 00:15:05.700 --> 00:15:06.620 If I give, 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:07.419 I won't have enough 00:15:07.419 --> 00:15:08.019 for bills, 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:08.939 I won't have enough 00:15:08.939 --> 00:15:10.580 for potential car repair, 00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:13.540 I'm hoping to, 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:14.400 you know, 00:15:14.420 --> 00:15:15.639 have some leisure activity, 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:16.860 vacations coming up. 00:15:17.280 --> 00:15:18.660 Or maybe your kids, 00:15:19.520 --> 00:15:19.780 you know, 00:15:20.020 --> 00:15:20.660 like you've, 00:15:20.660 --> 00:15:21.780 you've budgeted 00:15:21.780 --> 00:15:22.639 a certain amount of money 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.340 to put your kids 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:24.740 in sports or activities. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.960 Whatever it may be, 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:28.660 whatever it may be, 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:31.300 the call is still 00:15:31.300 --> 00:15:32.440 to give generously. 00:15:33.800 --> 00:15:34.240 Again, 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:35.440 but I'm not going to say to you, 00:15:35.800 --> 00:15:36.840 you have to give this amount. 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:38.340 That's between you 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:38.740 and the Lord. 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:39.720 Seriously. 00:15:40.700 --> 00:15:41.100 Remember, 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:42.440 Paul is making this appeal 00:15:42.440 --> 00:15:43.060 to the Corinthians 00:15:43.060 --> 00:15:43.940 who are in abundance, 00:15:43.940 --> 00:15:45.320 but he's also made the appeal 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:46.280 to the Macedonians 00:15:46.280 --> 00:15:47.360 who are poor themselves. 00:15:48.420 --> 00:15:48.820 So, 00:15:49.160 --> 00:15:50.480 it's hard to be 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:51.399 a disciple of Jesus. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:52.759 It is hard 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.519 to counter 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:54.860 our flesh, 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:56.040 to counter 00:15:56.040 --> 00:15:56.940 the devil, 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:57.960 and most certainly 00:15:57.960 --> 00:15:58.519 to counter 00:15:58.519 --> 00:15:59.600 the world 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:00.680 and its influences. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.340 There are real 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:03.280 and large obstacles 00:16:03.280 --> 00:16:04.200 standing in the way 00:16:04.200 --> 00:16:05.280 of walking with Jesus. 00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:07.539 We can keep 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:08.779 this religious zeal 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:10.100 for only so long, 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:11.980 but you'll get wearied 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:12.980 or you'll get worried. 00:16:14.539 --> 00:16:15.059 And just like 00:16:15.059 --> 00:16:15.639 the Corinthians, 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:17.539 your excitement, 00:16:17.819 --> 00:16:18.879 your drive 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:20.379 for the Lord 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.339 will start to wane. 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:22.399 And that's just 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:23.079 a part of it. 00:16:24.159 --> 00:16:24.480 But, 00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:26.699 what do we have here? 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.059 We have, 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:29.459 in verse 8, 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:31.579 this wonderful 00:16:31.579 --> 00:16:32.740 declaration of, 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:33.379 sorry, 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.279 in verse 6 and 7, 00:16:34.279 --> 00:16:35.079 this wonderful 00:16:35.079 --> 00:16:36.039 kind of charge 00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:37.120 to give generously. 00:16:37.439 --> 00:16:38.480 But then in verse 8, 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:39.659 this wonderful 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:41.699 kind of declaration 00:16:41.699 --> 00:16:43.120 by Paul 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:44.019 that God, 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:45.299 if you give, 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:46.959 He will provide. 00:16:48.319 --> 00:16:49.100 Look with me 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:50.159 at verse 8. 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:52.620 And God is able 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:54.259 to make all grace 00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:55.339 abound to you 00:16:55.339 --> 00:16:56.559 so that having 00:16:56.559 --> 00:16:57.620 all sufficiency 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:59.480 in all things 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:00.639 at all times 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.720 you may abound 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:02.299 or literally 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:03.039 overflow 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:05.299 in every good work. 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:07.200 It's a bit of a wordplay 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:07.940 going on there. 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:11.359 You aren't able 00:17:11.359 --> 00:17:12.779 as yourself 00:17:12.779 --> 00:17:13.920 to change 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:14.839 every problem 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:15.599 that you see. 00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:16.879 Our church 00:17:16.879 --> 00:17:17.480 isn't able 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:18.000 to address 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:19.299 every issue 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:19.980 or problem 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:21.220 that we encounter. 00:17:21.900 --> 00:17:23.099 But the areas 00:17:23.099 --> 00:17:24.059 that we encounter 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:24.660 that God 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.480 is leading us to, 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.559 He will, 00:17:26.559 --> 00:17:27.899 He will provide 00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:28.500 for us. 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:31.440 Not so that we 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:32.179 can store it up, 00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:33.059 so that we can be 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:33.879 a conduit 00:17:33.879 --> 00:17:34.859 of blessing. 00:17:38.059 --> 00:17:39.039 But this requires 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:39.500 faith. 00:17:40.179 --> 00:17:41.139 And that's hard. 00:17:42.179 --> 00:17:43.339 Because we are 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:44.419 potentially putting 00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:45.460 ourselves out on the line 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:46.059 when we give 00:17:46.059 --> 00:17:46.720 in such a way 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:47.259 that hurts. 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:50.019 But He is saying, 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:50.440 listen, 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.240 give generously. 00:17:52.740 --> 00:17:53.980 You'll reap generously. 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.420 But understand, 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.559 God will supply. 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:59.019 Maybe the supply 00:17:59.019 --> 00:18:00.299 will be 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:01.319 in the form 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:02.099 of other people 00:18:02.099 --> 00:18:02.900 giving to you. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:04.400 That will require 00:18:04.400 --> 00:18:05.059 some humility. 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:06.440 That's hard. 00:18:06.599 --> 00:18:07.519 It's easier to give 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.259 than to receive 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.779 for most of us. 00:18:12.379 --> 00:18:13.240 Maybe it will be 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.059 one of those things 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.339 where 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:16.000 what He will end up doing 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:17.039 is He will 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.839 challenge you 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:19.099 to refashion 00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:19.639 your life 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:20.420 and priorities. 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:23.460 So that certain 00:18:23.460 --> 00:18:24.639 areas of your life 00:18:24.639 --> 00:18:25.319 that previously 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.399 you could afford 00:18:26.399 --> 00:18:27.899 or that you could 00:18:27.899 --> 00:18:28.639 devote time to. 00:18:28.700 --> 00:18:29.099 Because remember, 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.759 this isn't just 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:30.299 a money thing. 00:18:30.359 --> 00:18:31.399 This is a resource thing 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:33.579 that you have time 00:18:33.579 --> 00:18:35.920 to put towards. 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:37.099 Or certain talents 00:18:37.099 --> 00:18:37.799 that you've used 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:38.440 for yourself. 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:39.579 Now you're being 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:40.460 challenged to use them 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:40.960 for the benefit 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:41.700 of other people. 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:45.059 All of those situations 00:18:45.059 --> 00:18:46.000 might cause you 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:47.519 to refashion 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:48.359 your life a little bit. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:49.680 But again, 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:51.480 God will provide. 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.819 All sufficiency 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:53.420 doesn't mean 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:54.380 some sufficiency. 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:57.920 It is absolute. 00:18:58.740 --> 00:18:59.940 We need to trust God. 00:19:00.640 --> 00:19:01.460 This is His word 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:02.359 and we are disciples. 00:19:02.599 --> 00:19:02.819 Again, 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:03.880 disciples of Him. 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:04.960 Listen, 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:05.700 I'm talking like, 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:05.880 oh, 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:06.619 I've figured out. 00:19:06.740 --> 00:19:06.880 Like, 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:08.039 I am in the boat 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:09.220 with you guys. 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:10.500 And sometimes 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:12.299 it is hard 00:19:12.299 --> 00:19:13.680 to put our faith 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.180 and trust 00:19:14.180 --> 00:19:15.000 and hope in God. 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:16.240 But sometimes 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:16.900 I think 00:19:16.900 --> 00:19:18.680 that when Jesus says, 00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:19.819 if you have the faith 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.640 of a mustard seed, 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:21.819 He actually means 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:23.259 the faith of a mustard seed. 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:27.200 But who is that faith in? 00:19:28.359 --> 00:19:29.380 It's in Jesus. 00:19:31.880 --> 00:19:32.940 And it says here 00:19:32.940 --> 00:19:34.740 that He is able, 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.299 verse 8, 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:38.419 to make all grace 00:19:38.419 --> 00:19:39.500 abound to you. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:43.019 So I challenge you guys 00:19:43.019 --> 00:19:45.539 that as you think 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:46.779 of generously giving, 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:48.819 generously give, 00:19:49.139 --> 00:19:49.919 trusting that 00:19:49.919 --> 00:19:50.779 the God 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:52.019 that created 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:52.619 the universe, 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:53.980 the God that did not 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:55.279 withhold His own Son, 00:19:55.779 --> 00:19:57.339 will provide for us. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:59.299 We don't know how, 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.000 but He will. 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:07.319 He gives us His word 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:08.399 that He will provide. 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.480 I'll just pause 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:11.299 really quickly here. 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:15.500 If you think 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.639 that this is 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.819 some kind of, 00:20:18.859 --> 00:20:19.819 I don't know, 00:20:19.879 --> 00:20:19.960 like, 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.180 I could potentially 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:21.819 see this, 00:20:21.899 --> 00:20:22.079 like, 00:20:23.159 --> 00:20:25.180 we turn some words around, 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:25.399 like, 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.339 maybe this is 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:27.659 a talk 00:20:27.659 --> 00:20:28.339 that a cult leader 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:28.799 would give. 00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.019 Like, 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:30.440 just give me the money 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:32.279 and God 00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:33.180 or whatever deity, 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:33.740 like, 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:34.680 you will be blessed. 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:36.859 But, 00:20:37.659 --> 00:20:40.960 I would encourage you guys 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:43.139 that if you are truly, 00:20:43.599 --> 00:20:46.319 if you are truly moving 00:20:46.319 --> 00:20:47.500 in the direction 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.700 of faith and trust 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.680 and hope in Jesus, 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:53.059 to hold God's feet 00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:53.759 to the fire, 00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:54.599 so to speak. 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.559 God is, 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:01.539 He is not 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.940 a distant God. 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:05.539 He is ever close. 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:06.819 And, 00:21:06.919 --> 00:21:07.799 He knows the things 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:08.779 we are going to ask 00:21:08.779 --> 00:21:09.879 before we ask them. 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.099 So, 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.019 I would challenge you 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:13.759 to do your best 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:14.779 to push away 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.559 the skepticism 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:17.019 and to look 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:18.220 to be generous givers. 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:20.839 There's a wonderful, 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:21.440 wonderful, 00:21:21.639 --> 00:21:23.240 wonderful story 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:24.379 in 1 Kings. 00:21:24.619 --> 00:21:25.480 It's the story 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.480 of Elijah and the widow. 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:27.940 And, 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:28.919 this is precisely 00:21:28.919 --> 00:21:30.180 this generous giving 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:31.559 that results 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.419 in cheerfulness 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:34.100 and an increased 00:21:34.100 --> 00:21:35.660 faith in God's provision 00:21:35.660 --> 00:21:36.840 that is talked 00:21:36.840 --> 00:21:37.340 about here. 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:38.120 We see it 00:21:38.120 --> 00:21:39.860 in 1 Kings 00:21:39.860 --> 00:21:40.759 chapter 17. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:41.600 I'll read this to you. 00:21:41.640 --> 00:21:42.440 You don't have to turn there. 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:44.279 So, 00:21:44.320 --> 00:21:45.240 this is in light 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:45.940 of a famine 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:46.779 and a drought 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:47.360 in Israel. 00:21:47.360 --> 00:21:47.620 And, 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:48.320 this is what it says. 00:21:48.320 --> 00:21:49.360 Then the word of the Lord 00:21:49.360 --> 00:21:50.060 came to him, 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:50.480 Elijah, 00:21:51.480 --> 00:21:53.400 saying, 00:21:53.840 --> 00:21:54.380 Arise, 00:21:54.620 --> 00:21:55.800 go to Zarephath, 00:21:56.200 --> 00:21:58.259 which belongs to Sidon, 00:21:58.320 --> 00:21:59.279 and dwell there. 00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.680 Behold, 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.339 I have commanded 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:01.200 a widow there 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:01.940 to feed you. 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:02.720 So, 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:03.399 he arose 00:22:03.399 --> 00:22:04.839 and went to Zarephath. 00:22:05.220 --> 00:22:05.399 And, 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:05.839 when he came 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.359 to the gate 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:06.879 of the city, 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.399 behold, 00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:08.660 a widow was there 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:09.660 gathering sticks. 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:10.539 And, 00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:11.039 he called her 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:11.319 and said, 00:22:11.399 --> 00:22:12.480 bring me a little water 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:13.039 in a vessel 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:14.039 that I may drink. 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:15.319 And, 00:22:15.420 --> 00:22:15.960 as she was going 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.500 to bring it, 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.460 he called to her 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:18.460 and said, 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:20.019 bring me a morsel 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:20.440 of bread 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:21.039 in your hand. 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:22.660 But, 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:23.359 the widow said, 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:24.619 as the Lord 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:25.500 your God lives, 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:26.599 I have nothing baked, 00:22:26.660 --> 00:22:27.319 only a handful 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:27.879 of flour 00:22:27.879 --> 00:22:28.519 in a jar 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.779 and a little oil 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.440 in a jug. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:31.160 And, 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:31.980 now I am gathering 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:32.799 a couple of sticks 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:34.579 that I may go in 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.259 and prepare it 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:36.339 for myself and my son 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:38.079 that we may eat it 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:38.720 and die. 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:39.799 And, 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:40.660 Elijah said to her, 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.379 do not fear, 00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:42.680 go and do as 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:44.240 you have said, 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:45.279 but first make me 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.220 a little cake of it 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:47.299 and bring it to me. 00:22:47.639 --> 00:22:47.819 And, 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:48.279 afterward, 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:48.819 make something 00:22:48.819 --> 00:22:49.440 for yourself 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:50.099 and your son. 00:22:51.139 --> 00:22:51.379 For, 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:52.460 thus says the Lord, 00:22:52.579 --> 00:22:53.639 the God of Israel, 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:55.220 the jar of flour 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.460 shall not be spent 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:57.420 and the jug of oil 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:58.500 shall not be empty 00:22:58.500 --> 00:22:59.759 until the day 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.339 that the Lord 00:23:00.339 --> 00:23:00.940 sends rain 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:01.700 upon the earth. 00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:03.299 And she went 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:04.599 and did as Elijah said, 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:07.039 and she and he 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:07.880 and her household 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:08.900 ate for many days. 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.319 The jar of flour 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:11.180 was not spent, 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:12.599 neither did the jug 00:23:12.599 --> 00:23:13.700 of oil become empty, 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.039 according to the word 00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:15.500 of the Lord 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:16.460 that he spoke 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.140 by Elijah. 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:19.220 God, 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:21.000 he doesn't fool us. 00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:23.240 He's not a trickster. 00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:25.259 If he says it, 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:26.799 he says it, 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.799 he means it. 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:30.900 He makes the promise 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:32.039 and he follows through 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:33.319 because he is able to. 00:23:34.379 --> 00:23:35.220 It's a wonderful, 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:36.200 wonderful story. 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:37.839 So, 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.400 giving generously, 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:40.119 the motivation 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:41.039 for giving generously 00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:42.680 is in light 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:43.700 of what Christ 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:44.940 has done for us, 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:46.099 the generous God 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:47.379 giving to us, 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:48.240 and it results 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:48.940 in cheerfulness, 00:23:49.099 --> 00:23:49.519 it results 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.900 in increased faith. 00:23:50.900 --> 00:23:53.800 But it also results 00:23:53.800 --> 00:23:54.700 in a couple other things, 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:55.360 not for us, 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.180 but for others. 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.259 So you see 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:57.900 what's happening 00:23:57.900 --> 00:23:58.740 is that 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.700 there is 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:01.960 trust in God 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:03.360 that results, 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.259 there's blessing 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.920 from God 00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:05.860 that results 00:24:05.860 --> 00:24:06.740 in thanksgiving 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.700 to God, 00:24:08.420 --> 00:24:09.259 and that we in turn 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:10.660 put that blessing 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:11.720 to other people 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:12.740 that increases 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.560 their faith 00:24:13.560 --> 00:24:14.740 and our faith, 00:24:15.360 --> 00:24:15.840 which then 00:24:15.840 --> 00:24:16.759 helps people 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:17.720 to trust in God's 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:18.740 blessing and provision 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:19.620 as they give. 00:24:19.619 --> 00:24:20.979 good time 00:24:20.979 --> 00:24:21.399 to throw up 00:24:21.399 --> 00:24:22.419 that first picture 00:24:22.419 --> 00:24:24.019 if you have it. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.439 My drawing. 00:24:26.919 --> 00:24:27.559 Oh, there it is. 00:24:27.699 --> 00:24:28.500 So I scribbled this 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:29.299 on a post-it. 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.359 Andrew just 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:31.639 made me not look 00:24:31.639 --> 00:24:32.179 goofy. 00:24:32.979 --> 00:24:33.199 So, 00:24:33.399 --> 00:24:34.299 this is essentially 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.439 what we're going to see. 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:36.019 This is what 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:37.879 generosity results in. 00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:38.959 So we have generosity 00:24:38.959 --> 00:24:40.579 and it results 00:24:40.579 --> 00:24:41.279 in thanksgiving 00:24:41.279 --> 00:24:41.859 and faith. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.739 And we'll see here 00:24:43.739 --> 00:24:44.839 that blessing 00:24:44.839 --> 00:24:45.739 will ensue. 00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:47.359 The Jerusalemites 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:48.039 will be blessed. 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:49.319 They will be 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.139 physically blessed. 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:51.339 They will receive 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:53.299 from Paul 00:24:53.299 --> 00:24:54.579 the gathered 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.720 famine relief 00:24:55.720 --> 00:24:56.659 from the Macedonian 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.939 church, 00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:57.879 the Corinthian church, 00:24:57.879 --> 00:24:59.159 and they will have 00:24:59.159 --> 00:25:00.000 their needs met. 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:01.819 And then they will 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:02.279 in turn 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.519 thank God 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.539 and bless God 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:05.539 for that generosity. 00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:07.019 And then them, 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:07.879 they themselves 00:25:07.879 --> 00:25:08.439 will give 00:25:08.439 --> 00:25:09.500 out of their blessing. 00:25:09.740 --> 00:25:10.439 And then we'll have 00:25:10.439 --> 00:25:12.659 this continual 00:25:12.659 --> 00:25:13.419 growth 00:25:13.419 --> 00:25:14.200 in thanksgiving 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:14.839 and blessing 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:15.579 and faith 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:16.339 and generosity. 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:18.459 continues 00:25:18.459 --> 00:25:19.139 and grows 00:25:19.139 --> 00:25:19.699 and grows 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:20.159 and grows. 00:25:20.159 --> 00:25:21.619 It really truly is 00:25:21.619 --> 00:25:22.679 like just a little 00:25:22.679 --> 00:25:23.159 yeast 00:25:23.159 --> 00:25:24.339 that spreads. 00:25:25.679 --> 00:25:26.220 So, 00:25:26.399 --> 00:25:26.899 look with me 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:28.259 in verse 11 00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:29.039 to 14. 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:33.519 You will be 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:33.899 enriched 00:25:33.899 --> 00:25:34.639 in every way 00:25:34.639 --> 00:25:35.779 to be generous 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.539 in every way 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:38.839 which through us, 00:25:38.939 --> 00:25:39.819 that's Paul, 00:25:39.919 --> 00:25:40.359 the apostle, 00:25:40.799 --> 00:25:41.319 talking about 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:41.899 collecting the money, 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.839 through us 00:25:42.839 --> 00:25:43.439 will produce 00:25:43.439 --> 00:25:44.500 thanksgiving to God. 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.700 Thanksgiving to God 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.200 from whom? 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.119 The Jerusalemites. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.140 For the ministry 00:25:49.140 --> 00:25:49.940 of this service 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:51.440 is not only supplying 00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:52.180 the needs 00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:53.059 of the saints, 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:55.339 but is also 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.140 overflowing 00:25:56.140 --> 00:25:57.900 in many thanksgivings 00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:58.859 to God. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.480 By their approval 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.299 of this service, 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.859 they will glorify God 00:26:02.859 --> 00:26:03.720 because of 00:26:03.720 --> 00:26:04.640 your submission 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:05.259 that comes 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.299 from your confession 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.480 of the gospel of Christ 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.880 and the generosity 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:09.740 of your contribution 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.420 for them 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:11.880 and for all others 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:12.940 while they long 00:26:12.940 --> 00:26:13.259 for you 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:13.980 and pray for you 00:26:13.980 --> 00:26:14.680 because of the 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.559 surpassing grace 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.039 of God 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:17.099 upon you. 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:19.579 What ends up 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:19.980 happening 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:21.279 is the Jerusalemites 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:21.980 have their needs 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.380 met 00:26:22.380 --> 00:26:25.200 and the result 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:25.860 is 00:26:25.860 --> 00:26:28.039 thanksgiving 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:29.140 and praise 00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:29.660 to God. 00:26:30.360 --> 00:26:31.140 Not only that, 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:32.059 they'll turn around 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:32.759 and they'll begin 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:33.299 praying 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:34.539 for the Corinthians. 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.319 Their affections 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.599 towards the 00:26:37.599 --> 00:26:38.759 Corinthian people, 00:26:39.120 --> 00:26:39.720 it will grow. 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:40.319 Corinth 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.799 is very far away 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:42.519 from Jerusalem. 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:42.599 Jerusalem. 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:45.059 Maybe these people 00:26:45.059 --> 00:26:46.299 potentially could have met. 00:26:46.400 --> 00:26:47.920 My guess is not a chance. 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.879 But the point is 00:26:49.879 --> 00:26:51.000 there's people 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:52.200 that are called 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:53.180 by the same God 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:53.700 that are brothers 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:54.639 and sisters in Christ 00:26:54.639 --> 00:26:56.059 in Asia Minor 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:57.559 and in the ancient Near East 00:26:57.559 --> 00:26:58.579 and they have affection 00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.420 for one another, 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:00.819 brotherly love 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:01.420 for one another. 00:27:01.519 --> 00:27:02.859 They're unified together. 00:27:03.819 --> 00:27:04.819 But all of a sudden 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:05.279 it says 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:07.000 that the Jerusalemites, 00:27:07.119 --> 00:27:07.779 they're going to be 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:09.299 praying for the Corinthians 00:27:09.299 --> 00:27:10.680 and longing for them. 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.639 So this generosity 00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:13.659 results not in 00:27:13.659 --> 00:27:15.019 our own personal growth 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:16.440 in what it means 00:27:16.440 --> 00:27:17.720 to be cheerful 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:19.299 and our personal faith, 00:27:19.379 --> 00:27:20.659 but it will result 00:27:20.659 --> 00:27:23.379 in their needs being met 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:24.779 and their praise to God. 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:26.180 And in verse 12, 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.759 Paul says this, 00:27:27.839 --> 00:27:28.420 for the ministry 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.339 of this service 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:31.399 is not only, 00:27:31.899 --> 00:27:33.920 put your finger on that, 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:35.000 not only supplying 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:35.779 the needs of the saints, 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:38.500 but also overflowing 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:39.920 in many thanksgiving 00:27:39.920 --> 00:27:40.460 to God. 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.480 That not only, 00:27:41.599 --> 00:27:42.180 but also, 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:43.480 it's taking something 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.019 that's good 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:45.160 and contrasting it 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:45.500 with something 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.039 that's better. 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:47.399 So not only are you 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.160 supplying the needs, 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:49.160 but also 00:27:49.160 --> 00:27:51.000 it's bringing thanksgiving 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.200 and glory to God. 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:54.620 That's the ultimate thing 00:27:54.620 --> 00:27:55.500 when we're talking 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.700 about being generous givers. 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:58.420 It glorifies God. 00:27:59.140 --> 00:28:00.120 He gets the praise. 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:00.900 He gets the honor. 00:28:02.620 --> 00:28:03.519 It's wonderful. 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:05.900 People's faith grows. 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.720 Generosity ensues. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:09.360 All things are from God 00:28:09.360 --> 00:28:10.019 and for God. 00:28:10.100 --> 00:28:10.819 God enriches 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.819 for generosity 00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:12.640 which results 00:28:12.640 --> 00:28:13.740 in thanksgivings 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:14.680 to Him. 00:28:17.580 --> 00:28:18.980 So the Jerusalemites, 00:28:19.100 --> 00:28:20.140 although they themselves 00:28:20.140 --> 00:28:22.320 are unable to repay the money, 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.820 not that that was a condition 00:28:23.820 --> 00:28:25.600 upon which they receive the money, 00:28:26.040 --> 00:28:27.920 but instead they reciprocate 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:29.640 again with affections 00:28:29.640 --> 00:28:30.480 and prayers. 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:32.040 And the wonderful thing 00:28:32.040 --> 00:28:32.580 about this 00:28:32.580 --> 00:28:34.140 is that although we are 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:35.840 a local church 00:28:35.840 --> 00:28:38.560 and like we're a part 00:28:38.560 --> 00:28:39.800 of the Anglican Network 00:28:39.800 --> 00:28:40.259 in Canada, 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:41.120 which is a part of 00:28:41.120 --> 00:28:42.400 the Global Anglican Communion, 00:28:42.820 --> 00:28:44.340 we are connected 00:28:44.340 --> 00:28:46.280 by virtue of faith 00:28:46.280 --> 00:28:47.180 in Jesus Christ 00:28:47.180 --> 00:28:48.640 to every true 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:50.600 Orthodox Christian 00:28:50.600 --> 00:28:52.360 that lives today 00:28:52.360 --> 00:28:55.000 and that has ever lived 00:28:55.000 --> 00:28:55.920 before us, 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:58.060 we are unified with them. 00:28:58.799 --> 00:28:59.840 And the thing is 00:28:59.840 --> 00:29:01.779 when we grow in unity 00:29:01.779 --> 00:29:03.019 and we grow in affection 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:03.600 with people, 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:05.100 it transforms the world. 00:29:05.180 --> 00:29:06.000 So not only 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:07.500 is the result personal, 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:10.360 but it benefits others. 00:29:10.360 --> 00:29:12.480 It actually benefits the world. 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:14.680 In John 17, 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:16.660 verses 20 to 21, 00:29:17.319 --> 00:29:19.140 Jesus in his high priestly prayer 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:20.019 prays this, 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:22.259 I do not ask for these also, 00:29:22.360 --> 00:29:23.380 but also for those 00:29:23.380 --> 00:29:24.680 who will believe in me 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.460 through your word, 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:28.279 that they may all be one 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:29.920 just as you, Father, 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:30.799 are in me 00:29:30.799 --> 00:29:32.599 and I in you, 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:35.299 that they also may be in us 00:29:35.299 --> 00:29:37.059 so that the world 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:37.900 may believe 00:29:37.900 --> 00:29:39.279 that you have sent me. 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:42.319 When we are generous, 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:44.559 it proclaims to the world 00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:47.440 that there is a God 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:49.480 and that he has sent his son, 00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:50.359 Jesus Christ, 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:54.940 and that God desires to bless. 00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:57.019 So wherever the church 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:58.200 has been truly walking 00:29:58.200 --> 00:30:00.240 in the way God has called her to walk, 00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:01.940 there has been incredible blessings 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:02.579 for the world. 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:04.980 Hospitals have been built, 00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:07.200 children have been educated, 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:08.740 widows and orphans 00:30:08.740 --> 00:30:09.799 have been cared for, 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:13.799 lepers have been tended to, 00:30:14.259 --> 00:30:14.799 oftentimes, 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:16.980 at the peril of the Christians 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.859 looking after them. 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:22.720 It is a giving of themselves 00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:23.920 cheerfully. 00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:27.200 One example, 00:30:27.359 --> 00:30:28.839 there is a letter, 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:31.519 it's called the Epistle of Diognetus. 00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:33.180 It comes from the second century 00:30:33.180 --> 00:30:35.360 and it talks about 00:30:35.360 --> 00:30:36.720 what the Christians look like. 00:30:37.539 --> 00:30:38.779 It's a longer epistle, 00:30:38.900 --> 00:30:39.560 I'm only going to read 00:30:39.560 --> 00:30:40.860 a couple of the verses 00:30:40.860 --> 00:30:42.279 and it says, 00:30:42.700 --> 00:30:43.380 of Christians, 00:30:43.380 --> 00:30:46.380 they dwell in their own countries 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:47.780 but only as sojourners. 00:30:47.940 --> 00:30:48.880 They bear their share 00:30:48.880 --> 00:30:50.140 in all things as citizens 00:30:50.140 --> 00:30:51.780 and they endure all hardships 00:30:51.780 --> 00:30:52.560 as strangers. 00:30:53.520 --> 00:30:54.420 Every foreign country 00:30:54.420 --> 00:30:55.540 is a fatherland to them 00:30:55.540 --> 00:30:56.880 and every fatherland is foreign. 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:59.540 They marry like all other men 00:30:59.540 --> 00:31:01.120 and they beget children 00:31:01.120 --> 00:31:02.560 but they do not cast away 00:31:02.560 --> 00:31:03.120 their offspring. 00:31:04.020 --> 00:31:05.580 They have their meals in common 00:31:05.580 --> 00:31:06.600 but not their wives. 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:09.260 They find themselves in the flesh 00:31:09.260 --> 00:31:11.520 and yet they live not after the flesh, 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:13.119 they obey the established laws 00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:14.299 and they surpass the laws 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:15.059 in their own lives. 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:17.039 They love all men 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:18.740 and they are persecuted by all. 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:21.059 They are in beggary 00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:22.980 and yet they make many rich. 00:31:23.579 --> 00:31:25.180 They are in want of all things 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:27.539 and yet they abound in all things. 00:31:28.839 --> 00:31:29.680 So what happens 00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:31.039 when brothers and sisters 00:31:31.039 --> 00:31:32.579 dwell together in unity, 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:34.299 when they give generously, 00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:36.019 when they put their faith 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:38.700 and trust and hope in Jesus, 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:41.339 trusting that he will provide 00:31:41.339 --> 00:31:43.879 for the things 00:31:43.879 --> 00:31:45.679 that he has called them 00:31:45.679 --> 00:31:48.319 to do as his disciples. 00:31:50.899 --> 00:31:52.059 This last bit, 00:31:52.399 --> 00:31:55.039 we have the motivation for generosity, 00:31:55.179 --> 00:31:56.599 we have the results of generosity, 00:31:56.599 --> 00:31:58.959 but the ultimate foundation of generosity 00:31:58.959 --> 00:32:00.039 is Christ himself. 00:32:00.919 --> 00:32:02.419 Look with me at verse 15. 00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:05.359 Thanks be to God 00:32:05.359 --> 00:32:07.779 for his inexpressible gift. 00:32:07.779 --> 00:32:12.240 This inexpressible gift, 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:14.099 even though Paul here, 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.259 he talks about, 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:16.879 excuse me, 00:32:17.539 --> 00:32:18.339 he talks about 00:32:18.339 --> 00:32:20.779 how the Jerusalemites 00:32:20.779 --> 00:32:22.420 will praise the Lord 00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:23.940 because of the submission 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:25.259 of the Corinthians, 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:27.180 because they have put their hope 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:27.700 and trust 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:28.379 and they're walking 00:32:28.379 --> 00:32:29.519 in obedience 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.940 and faithfulness to Christ 00:32:30.940 --> 00:32:32.259 in verse 13. 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:33.619 But ultimately, 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:34.440 the thanks 00:32:34.440 --> 00:32:36.740 that Paul gives to God 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:37.960 for his inexpressible gift 00:32:37.960 --> 00:32:39.059 is Jesus himself. 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:41.980 Again, 00:32:42.779 --> 00:32:43.460 chapter 8, 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.200 verse 9. 00:32:45.160 --> 00:32:46.379 For you know the grace 00:32:46.379 --> 00:32:47.740 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:32:48.140 --> 00:32:49.980 that though he was rich, 00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:51.799 yet for your sake 00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:53.299 he became poor, 00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:54.339 so that you, 00:32:54.559 --> 00:32:55.519 by his poverty, 00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:57.519 might become rich. 00:32:57.519 --> 00:32:58.519 Jesus, 00:33:00.359 --> 00:33:01.319 when we put our hope 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:01.940 and faith in him, 00:33:02.119 --> 00:33:02.500 again, 00:33:02.639 --> 00:33:03.779 he saves us 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:04.859 from sin 00:33:04.859 --> 00:33:05.680 and from death. 00:33:06.059 --> 00:33:06.619 He gives us 00:33:06.619 --> 00:33:07.400 a new family. 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:08.799 He unites us 00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:09.240 with people 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:10.420 in far off lands 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.339 and far off parts 00:33:11.339 --> 00:33:11.920 of our city, 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:13.559 with neighbors, 00:33:13.819 --> 00:33:14.379 with relatives. 00:33:14.879 --> 00:33:15.900 But the ultimate, 00:33:16.119 --> 00:33:17.099 inexpressible gift 00:33:17.099 --> 00:33:18.160 that God gives us 00:33:18.160 --> 00:33:18.799 is himself. 00:33:21.160 --> 00:33:22.660 We are made 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:24.019 to worship God. 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:25.019 We are. 00:33:25.900 --> 00:33:26.599 And when you don't 00:33:26.599 --> 00:33:27.400 worship God, 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:29.599 you don't stop 00:33:29.599 --> 00:33:30.160 worshiping. 00:33:30.839 --> 00:33:31.639 You just worship 00:33:31.639 --> 00:33:32.279 other things. 00:33:33.099 --> 00:33:34.180 But those other things 00:33:34.180 --> 00:33:34.900 are not meant 00:33:34.900 --> 00:33:35.740 to be worshiped 00:33:35.740 --> 00:33:36.660 and they cause 00:33:36.660 --> 00:33:37.240 a strife. 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.039 And in our 00:33:39.039 --> 00:33:40.160 affluent city, 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:43.660 we struggle 00:33:43.660 --> 00:33:44.599 with money, 00:33:44.740 --> 00:33:46.240 whether it is 00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:46.879 coming from 00:33:46.879 --> 00:33:48.079 a spot of great wealth 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:50.139 or great poverty. 00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:51.660 Money is something 00:33:51.660 --> 00:33:52.559 that is tough, 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.619 that we struggle with. 00:33:54.839 --> 00:33:55.799 All too often 00:33:55.799 --> 00:33:56.420 we worship. 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:58.660 But if we, 00:33:58.879 --> 00:33:59.720 as God's people, 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:00.779 can understand 00:34:00.779 --> 00:34:02.079 that he has given 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:03.180 us himself 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:03.900 in Jesus, 00:34:04.900 --> 00:34:05.619 that we can 00:34:05.619 --> 00:34:06.359 worship him 00:34:06.359 --> 00:34:07.299 and know him, 00:34:07.980 --> 00:34:08.639 and not just 00:34:08.639 --> 00:34:09.199 know him, 00:34:09.259 --> 00:34:10.340 but be known 00:34:10.340 --> 00:34:11.119 by him, 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:13.059 warts and all, 00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:13.960 like genuinely, 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:16.420 that we don't have 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:17.159 to strive 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:19.739 for more money, 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:20.780 we don't have to 00:34:20.780 --> 00:34:21.539 strive for a better 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:22.139 reputation, 00:34:22.420 --> 00:34:23.380 for a better job, 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:24.659 for more obedient 00:34:24.659 --> 00:34:25.199 children, 00:34:25.199 --> 00:34:26.279 for whatever it 00:34:26.279 --> 00:34:26.899 may be, 00:34:27.219 --> 00:34:28.179 that will somehow 00:34:28.179 --> 00:34:30.339 give us credibility. 00:34:30.519 --> 00:34:30.960 We don't have to 00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:31.500 strive for that 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.399 because we have 00:34:32.399 --> 00:34:34.199 credibility in Jesus 00:34:34.199 --> 00:34:35.179 that we are already 00:34:35.179 --> 00:34:36.319 operating at an 00:34:36.319 --> 00:34:36.839 overflow, 00:34:37.299 --> 00:34:38.259 not a surplus, 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:39.500 like at an overflow, 00:34:40.299 --> 00:34:40.859 overflow, 00:34:41.039 --> 00:34:41.359 overflow, 00:34:41.500 --> 00:34:41.779 overflow, 00:34:41.779 --> 00:34:43.440 because we have him. 00:34:43.839 --> 00:34:44.779 That will change 00:34:44.779 --> 00:34:45.500 the way we live. 00:34:46.299 --> 00:34:47.359 And that is what 00:34:47.359 --> 00:34:48.299 is offered to us 00:34:48.299 --> 00:34:48.839 as Christians. 00:34:49.700 --> 00:34:50.640 If you are not 00:34:50.640 --> 00:34:51.180 a Christian, 00:34:53.780 --> 00:34:55.100 this is the day, 00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:56.519 because tomorrow 00:34:56.519 --> 00:34:57.240 is not guaranteed. 00:34:58.400 --> 00:34:59.160 It isn't. 00:35:01.000 --> 00:35:01.960 Tomorrow may be 00:35:01.960 --> 00:35:02.680 guaranteed for some 00:35:02.680 --> 00:35:02.880 people, 00:35:02.940 --> 00:35:03.320 but it's not 00:35:03.320 --> 00:35:04.140 necessarily guaranteed 00:35:04.140 --> 00:35:04.600 for you. 00:35:04.960 --> 00:35:05.920 So I'd encourage you 00:35:05.920 --> 00:35:07.620 to put your faith 00:35:07.620 --> 00:35:08.640 and hope and trust 00:35:08.640 --> 00:35:09.140 in God, 00:35:09.200 --> 00:35:10.300 and he will give you 00:35:10.300 --> 00:35:11.420 himself, 00:35:12.200 --> 00:35:12.980 and you will know 00:35:12.980 --> 00:35:14.180 what it truly means 00:35:14.180 --> 00:35:16.380 to live as a human 00:35:16.380 --> 00:35:16.940 being, 00:35:17.120 --> 00:35:18.240 made in the image 00:35:18.239 --> 00:35:18.699 of God, 00:35:18.779 --> 00:35:20.019 made for God, 00:35:20.679 --> 00:35:22.019 known by God 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:22.739 because of Jesus 00:35:22.739 --> 00:35:23.459 Christ and what 00:35:23.459 --> 00:35:23.939 he has done. 00:35:25.079 --> 00:35:25.479 Lord, 00:35:25.559 --> 00:35:26.339 thank you so much 00:35:26.339 --> 00:35:27.299 for the call 00:35:27.299 --> 00:35:28.039 to be generous. 00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:29.159 Now, 00:35:29.199 --> 00:35:29.939 this call to be 00:35:29.939 --> 00:35:31.239 generous isn't 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:32.239 a sly way of 00:35:32.239 --> 00:35:33.059 getting more money 00:35:33.059 --> 00:35:33.679 into the church 00:35:33.679 --> 00:35:34.239 coffers. 00:35:34.739 --> 00:35:35.500 It is a call 00:35:35.500 --> 00:35:36.399 to discipleship, 00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:37.579 to be like Jesus 00:35:37.579 --> 00:35:38.179 Christ, 00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:40.459 who again, 00:35:40.919 --> 00:35:41.479 chapter 8, 00:35:41.539 --> 00:35:42.219 verse 9, 00:35:43.099 --> 00:35:43.899 the grace that 00:35:43.899 --> 00:35:44.939 he has shown us, 00:35:45.199 --> 00:35:46.179 though he was rich, 00:35:46.299 --> 00:35:47.059 became poor, 00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:47.699 that in his 00:35:47.699 --> 00:35:48.199 poverty, 00:35:48.239 --> 00:35:49.299 we might become 00:35:49.299 --> 00:35:50.519 rich knowing you. 00:35:51.279 --> 00:35:51.659 Lord, 00:35:51.739 --> 00:35:52.659 transform our hearts. 00:35:53.819 --> 00:35:54.779 Help us to see this. 00:35:54.879 --> 00:35:55.539 Help us to spur 00:35:55.539 --> 00:35:56.500 one another on 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.239 in good works. 00:35:57.899 --> 00:35:58.599 Help us to do 00:35:58.599 --> 00:35:59.099 the good works 00:35:59.099 --> 00:35:59.859 you called us to, 00:35:59.959 --> 00:36:00.479 knowing that you 00:36:00.479 --> 00:36:01.459 will supply our needs 00:36:01.459 --> 00:36:02.719 so that we will be 00:36:02.719 --> 00:36:03.839 all sufficient 00:36:03.839 --> 00:36:04.599 in all things 00:36:04.599 --> 00:36:05.559 at all times 00:36:05.559 --> 00:36:06.959 to do every good work. 00:36:08.239 --> 00:36:08.500 And Lord, 00:36:08.599 --> 00:36:09.559 thank you so much 00:36:09.559 --> 00:36:10.879 that all of this 00:36:10.879 --> 00:36:12.159 is for your renown, 00:36:12.519 --> 00:36:13.659 for your glory. 00:36:15.399 --> 00:36:15.759 Lord, 00:36:15.760 --> 00:36:16.680 help us to be 00:36:16.680 --> 00:36:19.040 disciples of Jesus 00:36:19.040 --> 00:36:20.420 that are truly, 00:36:20.640 --> 00:36:21.240 truly gripped 00:36:21.240 --> 00:36:22.000 by your gospel 00:36:22.000 --> 00:36:24.220 and learning to live 00:36:24.220 --> 00:36:24.660 for your glory. 00:36:24.760 --> 00:36:25.700 In Jesus Christ's name, 00:36:26.560 --> 00:36:26.880 Amen.