WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.240 I would like you to turn in your Bibles this morning to 2 Corinthians chapter 8. 00:00:07.240 --> 00:00:18.519 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:39.759 And we look forward to Caleb and Charity's ministry in Jamaica. 00:00:40.820 --> 00:00:46.760 Next week will be a very special week for all of us, including Caleb and Charity and Ruth, 00:00:47.120 --> 00:00:47.879 I am certain. 00:00:48.659 --> 00:00:56.620 And I trust that it will be one that is memorable in their lives and an encouragement to them, 00:00:56.700 --> 00:00:58.000 but also to us as well. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:02.960 I want us to look at 2 Corinthians chapter 8, verse 1. 00:01:03.060 --> 00:01:04.560 Let me read the passage to you. 00:01:05.620 --> 00:01:11.060 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches 00:01:11.060 --> 00:01:12.719 of Macedonia. 00:01:14.039 --> 00:01:20.620 For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty having overflowed 00:01:20.620 --> 00:01:23.260 in a wealth of generosity on their part. 00:01:23.260 --> 00:01:29.600 For they gave according to their means, as I may contestify, and beyond their means of 00:01:29.600 --> 00:01:35.160 their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the 00:01:35.160 --> 00:01:35.560 saints. 00:01:36.880 --> 00:01:41.880 And this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the 00:01:41.879 --> 00:01:42.899 will of God to us. 00:01:44.179 --> 00:01:50.439 Accordingly, we urge Titus thus that as he had started, he should complete among you this 00:01:50.439 --> 00:01:52.679 act of grace. 00:01:54.579 --> 00:01:55.780 Let's take a minute and pray. 00:01:55.780 --> 00:02:05.379 Father God, for us, this business of coming to you often in prayer is never a habit. 00:02:06.980 --> 00:02:11.599 It's never something that we do just out of mere duty or obligation, but it is an expression 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:17.639 of our confidence in you as the giver of all that is good. 00:02:17.639 --> 00:02:24.859 And so it's fitting that we, in our frailty, confess that we need your enabling this morning 00:02:24.859 --> 00:02:30.119 that your spirit would work in us so that we, as we attend to the word of God, may find 00:02:30.119 --> 00:02:35.679 in it the joy and the purpose and the wisdom that is there for us as your children. 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:47.019 That we, blessed beyond imagination and beyond our full comprehension, may be pleasing to you. 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:50.159 That our lives would be marked by obedience. 00:02:51.359 --> 00:02:56.000 Not dull and forced, but glad. 00:02:57.079 --> 00:03:03.500 And Lord, as we think about this subject of stewardship, we recognize that the world tends 00:03:03.500 --> 00:03:10.219 to crowd in on our thinking in this area, and we want to be submissive to that which pleases you 00:03:10.219 --> 00:03:13.339 and to know the joy that comes with following your word. 00:03:13.340 --> 00:03:16.420 And we ask this in Jesus' name. 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:17.700 Amen. 00:03:20.099 --> 00:03:26.120 As I come to you this morning, I'm curious, how many of you remember how I started last 00:03:26.120 --> 00:03:29.340 year's stewardship series? 00:03:31.620 --> 00:03:33.060 Raise your hands if you do. 00:03:33.060 --> 00:03:41.120 Pastor Saul, do you remember what Alistair Begg said that you and I remember? 00:03:41.719 --> 00:03:45.699 Never underestimate the ability of your people to forget the really important things you said. 00:03:48.699 --> 00:03:53.879 Last year, I started out by telling you that in the first time in my pastoral ministry, 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:59.539 I had to come to you and say, hey, listen, we're in a surplus situation where we're actually 00:03:59.539 --> 00:04:04.280 going to begin to begin to talk about how we use the extra money that God has given. 00:04:04.500 --> 00:04:05.900 How can you forget that? 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:11.959 Well, you did. 00:04:13.419 --> 00:04:18.459 And it gives me great consolation that as I launch into this lesson on stewardship, 00:04:19.060 --> 00:04:22.779 even though some of you are going to say I heard it before, evidently you don't remember it. 00:04:22.779 --> 00:04:26.219 And so it's okay. 00:04:26.319 --> 00:04:30.919 I can tell you the same things again, and it's going to be fine for you. 00:04:32.959 --> 00:04:37.899 Actually, the truth of the matter is, is that there are a number of different Bible principles 00:04:37.899 --> 00:04:40.159 that we should pay attention to regularly. 00:04:42.079 --> 00:04:48.899 And one of them has to do with the matter of our finances. 00:04:48.899 --> 00:04:56.620 And so I have no problem this morning taking up the text and having you think with me about it. 00:04:56.679 --> 00:05:00.839 And I would say that there are some of you here that as we look at what the scriptures 00:05:00.839 --> 00:05:05.439 have to say about the matter of biblical stewardship, for some of you, it's just going to be, 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:09.399 you're going to be sitting there saying, right on, preach it, pastor, bring it. 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:12.819 You know, it's like you get fired up and excited about Bible truth. 00:05:12.979 --> 00:05:15.099 Do you follow what I mean by excited about Bible truth? 00:05:15.100 --> 00:05:19.320 How many of you know what it is to be excited about Bible truth? 00:05:21.800 --> 00:05:22.500 Bring it on. 00:05:23.480 --> 00:05:25.660 You know, I mean, okay, some of you are going to be there saying, 00:05:26.100 --> 00:05:28.760 man, I love it every time he talks about this thing. 00:05:28.900 --> 00:05:29.780 I am with it. 00:05:30.700 --> 00:05:34.120 Others of you are going to be sitting out there saying, I never heard this before. 00:05:34.980 --> 00:05:37.879 Where does this come from? 00:05:38.780 --> 00:05:40.540 Here's the truth, and I've shared this before. 00:05:40.840 --> 00:05:42.280 I grew up in a Christian home. 00:05:42.360 --> 00:05:43.840 My wife grew up in a Christian home. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:49.000 And the truth of the matter is, is that in terms of the careful exposition 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:52.679 regarding the matter of biblical stewardship, I never heard it. 00:05:54.199 --> 00:05:57.139 Until I was in my 30s. 00:05:58.739 --> 00:06:03.779 That was the first time that I heard someone actually lay out in a careful and reasoned fashion 00:06:03.779 --> 00:06:10.439 the exposition of scripture regarding the matter of God's people being faithful in their giving. 00:06:10.439 --> 00:06:19.660 It was transformative for me because it moved me from being occasional and sporadic 00:06:19.660 --> 00:06:23.519 to beginning to develop with my bride. 00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:24.459 Hi, Judith. 00:06:25.259 --> 00:06:27.439 I like it when she's in the services, in case you're wondering. 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:29.079 I always look around to see where she is. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:30.160 There she is. 00:06:31.079 --> 00:06:36.219 So, you know, we began developing a pattern that we'd have to admit. 00:06:36.459 --> 00:06:40.959 How many of you heard the stories about you begin tithing and after that, the windows of heaven open up 00:06:40.959 --> 00:06:46.199 and you go to the mailbox every week and you find that long lost uncle decided to send you checks 00:06:46.199 --> 00:06:49.279 that ten times multiplied over what you were giving away. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:50.759 It didn't happen that way for us. 00:06:50.759 --> 00:07:01.399 As we began moving towards being faithful in our giving, we found that what we had to do was relearn how to spend less 00:07:01.399 --> 00:07:04.959 and use what he'd given us more wisely. 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:09.740 It was a profound journey of unbelievable blessing. 00:07:12.120 --> 00:07:19.839 And when I got ready to go into pastoring, pastoral ministry, I asked Randy Patton, who you can blame for this sermon in part, 00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:22.639 I said, so what are some of the things that I should know as a pastor? 00:07:22.719 --> 00:07:24.419 He said, teach on giving faithfully. 00:07:25.479 --> 00:07:29.119 So, any of you know Randy, you can text him and say, here it goes again. 00:07:29.739 --> 00:07:31.679 Heard this before, but I forgot it, so it's okay. 00:07:32.139 --> 00:07:37.879 But, you know, pastor is doing what you advised him to do about 35 years ago. 00:07:41.299 --> 00:07:46.439 So, as we look at this matter of stewardship and the matter of faithfulness and giving, 00:07:46.439 --> 00:07:50.180 I would encourage you, if you don't have it all down, 00:07:50.600 --> 00:07:54.459 go ahead and take notes so you can kind of refresh your memory later on for your sakes. 00:07:55.480 --> 00:07:59.779 We're going to rely in a large part on 2 Corinthians chapter 8 and 9 00:07:59.779 --> 00:08:06.259 because in this flow of passage, we find the apostle taking time to teach the people in Corinth 00:08:06.259 --> 00:08:08.279 about the subject of giving. 00:08:08.279 --> 00:08:16.039 Let me say also that the subject of giving is not part of the advanced curriculum for the Christian. 00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:22.279 What I mean by that is that, okay, in your 11th and 12th year of spiritual progress, 00:08:23.039 --> 00:08:28.219 one of the later lessons that you should probably learn is about the matter of stewardship, not at all. 00:08:29.479 --> 00:08:31.899 Church of Corinth was made up of all different kinds of people 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:36.559 who had come to faith fairly late in life for the most part, 00:08:36.860 --> 00:08:42.559 and here is Paul writing to them and giving them instruction on this matter. 00:08:43.419 --> 00:08:47.120 Let me have you look at the passage and break it out for you. 00:08:47.559 --> 00:08:48.679 There in verse 1 he says, 00:08:48.919 --> 00:08:52.199 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God. 00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:53.199 Stop just for a second. 00:08:53.200 --> 00:09:01.220 How many of you really are on occasion overwhelmed by the grace of God? 00:09:01.280 --> 00:09:03.860 You really are honestly overwhelmed by the grace of God. 00:09:05.620 --> 00:09:07.860 And when we think about the grace of God, 00:09:08.400 --> 00:09:13.960 we tend, rightfully so, to think about things such as our salvation, right? 00:09:15.420 --> 00:09:17.480 I mean, for by grace you are saved. 00:09:17.580 --> 00:09:20.379 It is not something that you or I have earned. 00:09:20.379 --> 00:09:27.059 And I would appeal to you that you as a believer should never, ever get to the place 00:09:27.059 --> 00:09:32.980 where you are kind of settled and mundane in your views of what God has done in saving you. 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:34.980 It's a grace. It's a work of grace. 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:40.379 And here is the apostle using that word, and he makes this point. 00:09:41.840 --> 00:09:44.960 This business of giving is really a grace of God. 00:09:45.059 --> 00:09:49.799 And so let me kind of give you an overarching view as we step into this. 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:54.059 Let me say this, that God's word says much about stewardship and money. 00:09:54.979 --> 00:09:58.599 And what we're going to find here in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 00:09:58.599 --> 00:10:02.519 is just a part of the larger context. 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:07.199 Let me say in broad terms, there are really many, many passages on stewardship and finances. 00:10:08.539 --> 00:10:11.620 If you were to, in fact, one of the things I did as I was studying, 00:10:11.719 --> 00:10:15.099 just out of curiosity, I put in 10 commandments and money. 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:18.560 How many of you like the fact that you can Google things? 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:20.940 I mean, honestly, you know, it's out there. 00:10:21.759 --> 00:10:23.639 Jared, he's not in here. He never is. 00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:26.840 I usually refer to Jared when he's in the nursery. 00:10:27.060 --> 00:10:29.420 So track this. I did refer to you when you were here. 00:10:30.240 --> 00:10:34.200 Jared commented that we live in a day and age where whatever you say as a teacher 00:10:34.200 --> 00:10:38.680 can immediately be rebutted because they check on their little phones. 00:10:38.679 --> 00:10:41.679 And it's like, I checked Google and I don't know where you came up with that. 00:10:42.939 --> 00:10:48.539 Anyway, I was checking on the net about giving and 10 commandments. 00:10:48.839 --> 00:10:53.019 And I was struck by how many financial 10 commandments there are. 00:10:53.019 --> 00:11:01.079 I say this because really, God did not give us 10 commandments on finances. 00:11:02.039 --> 00:11:04.539 He gave us overarching 10 commandments. 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:09.679 However, two of the 10 commandments have bearing on the matter of giving. 00:11:09.819 --> 00:11:10.639 That's pretty interesting. 00:11:11.600 --> 00:11:12.379 What does it say? 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:16.220 Don't covet. That's about money. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:19.460 And don't steal. That's about money. 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:22.779 If you also want to say that you'll have no other God, you could probably say three. 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:26.019 But at least two to start with and maybe stretch out to three. 00:11:26.480 --> 00:11:31.899 I want you to know that there are 700 direct references to money in the New Testament. 00:11:33.659 --> 00:11:40.699 16 of the 38 parables deal with the right and wrong use of our material possessions. 00:11:42.100 --> 00:11:48.559 One in six verses in the Gospels have some reflection or another on the matter of finances. 00:11:48.559 --> 00:12:01.779 1 Corinthians, the letter that preceded 2 Corinthians, 1 Corinthians has 13 verses on love and 39 on money. 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:04.620 That's pretty interesting, isn't it? 00:12:06.019 --> 00:12:08.899 13 verses on love and 39 on money. 00:12:10.439 --> 00:12:13.600 I want you to understand as you think about what the Bible has to say in broad terms. 00:12:13.699 --> 00:12:15.259 Let's kind of put our hands around this. 00:12:15.620 --> 00:12:17.220 It really all is God's. 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:19.980 And He gives us the ability to get money. 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:21.179 I think that's a starting point. 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:22.379 You've got to get settled in your mind. 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:24.579 It really all belongs to God. 00:12:24.580 --> 00:12:32.259 It's not that, well, okay, okay, I'm really going to suck it up and I'm going to go the whole distance and I'm going to let Him have 10%. 00:12:32.259 --> 00:12:34.180 Let me give you a little clue. 00:12:34.520 --> 00:12:35.280 He owns it all. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:38.680 It's A-L-L, all his. 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:43.040 He's the one who gives us the ability to make money. 00:12:43.039 --> 00:12:50.039 In Deuteronomy chapter 8, verse 17 and 18 says, I'm the one who gives you the ability to make money. 00:12:50.959 --> 00:12:58.599 And in 1 Chronicles chapter 29, verse 12 and 13, as Solomon is praying and he kind of looks at the, is it Solomon or David? 00:12:58.699 --> 00:12:59.919 But anyway, one of those two. 00:13:00.219 --> 00:13:03.759 They're praying and just saying, man, look at all this that we've given for building the temple. 00:13:04.059 --> 00:13:05.480 Actually, it all came from you. 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:07.319 It all came from you. 00:13:07.320 --> 00:13:18.400 So what you have that enables you to be generous is not something that you can pat yourself on the back for and say, well, listen, you know what? 00:13:18.540 --> 00:13:22.780 I was the one who did all this and so I get all the credit. 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:24.379 No, God's the one who gave that to you. 00:13:25.400 --> 00:13:31.280 Furthermore, not only is it all God's and He's the one who gave it to you, but it is all God's and we are really His stewards. 00:13:32.520 --> 00:13:33.580 Do you know what a steward is? 00:13:33.580 --> 00:13:38.759 A steward is somebody that is responsible for something that belongs to someone else. 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:47.879 I want you to turn your Bible away from that passage there in 2 Corinthians for a moment and go to Matthew chapter 25. 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:54.560 Matthew chapter 25, verse 14 through 30. 00:13:54.639 --> 00:14:00.879 We're not going to take our time to dive into the text in detail, but just kind of reference this fact. 00:14:03.580 --> 00:14:15.860 This parable, which is about stewardship in essence, centers in on the reality of the fact that it is God who gave, or in this passage, 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:22.960 the Lord, the Master, is the one who gave to each one according to their ability. 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:33.519 And we recognize that behind the work that is being referred to of giving is the one that is being referenced is really God. 00:14:33.639 --> 00:14:37.019 He's the one who gives to us all that we have. 00:14:38.040 --> 00:14:41.600 Let me bring up another point that I think is really, really important for us to understand. 00:14:42.060 --> 00:14:43.780 God is not dependent on our giving. 00:14:45.540 --> 00:14:50.240 God is not dependent on our giving, nor is He obligated by it. 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:50.960 God is dependent on our giving. 00:14:50.960 --> 00:14:51.700 Listen to me carefully. 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:57.100 How many times have I preached on stewardship in the last year? 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:57.799 Does anybody remember? 00:14:57.919 --> 00:14:59.940 Can I count on this how many times I've done so? 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:01.659 Hello? 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:03.580 Fair question. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.399 How many times? 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.500 I'm going to ask. 00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:09.039 Tom is flying right now to China. 00:15:09.560 --> 00:15:11.279 He is a financial treasurer. 00:15:12.060 --> 00:15:13.680 Todd is the financial secretary. 00:15:14.060 --> 00:15:16.399 Financial secretary, how many times have I preached on stewardship? 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:18.240 Once a year. 00:15:18.419 --> 00:15:19.019 Once a year. 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:20.360 I actually do it for two Sundays. 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:24.419 But since we're having the Gibbs farewell next Sunday, you guys get a pass. 00:15:25.659 --> 00:15:27.340 I've got to put a lot of it into one shot. 00:15:27.439 --> 00:15:28.039 So here we go. 00:15:28.419 --> 00:15:29.459 I preach on it twice. 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:30.039 Twice. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:31.120 Generally. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:38.579 If you want to figure out how important giving is in telemarketing and televangelism, 00:15:38.580 --> 00:15:43.460 all you have to do is dial into any one of the favorite preachers, and there will hardly 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:47.540 ever be a sermon that somehow or another doesn't wind its way back to what? 00:15:49.940 --> 00:15:51.540 It's there all the time. 00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:56.879 Now, one of the things I was praying about this morning is, Tim, please don't be brassy. 00:15:57.420 --> 00:16:00.420 Sometimes I really have a called foot in mouth problem. 00:16:00.580 --> 00:16:03.940 You know, it's like I say things that I probably shouldn't say, and inappropriate. 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:05.840 My nature comes out. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.860 I don't want to be overly brassy, but here's the deal. 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:12.220 If you can sit there and really, yeah, I tell you, I can't believe that Benny Hinn does 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:14.420 that all the time or Joel Olsteen does that all the time. 00:16:14.540 --> 00:16:15.560 Why listen to him? 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:19.160 You've got to signal what he's after. 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:21.840 Do you need to keep on sucking at that stuff? 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:22.740 No. 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:23.440 The answer is no. 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:24.660 Okay. 00:16:25.580 --> 00:16:26.720 So let me tell you this. 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:29.780 God is not dependent on our giving. 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:36.059 Anytime you hear anybody say the kingdom of heaven is going to collapse if you don't roll 00:16:36.059 --> 00:16:37.839 it out and do it, that's wrong. 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:44.399 God's not obligated by our giving. 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:52.659 And when you hear teaching that plays out that level, it is manipulative and it is unbiblical. 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:53.699 I'll tell you what. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.019 Listen carefully. 00:16:56.019 --> 00:17:01.639 If I do not participate in God's plan, he'll find somebody else to do it. 00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:02.319 Do you agree with that? 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.160 Do you understand that? 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:08.220 You may decide that instead of being a generous giver, you're going to be a hoarder. 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:12.259 The kingdom of God will not collapse because you're not being obedient. 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:14.680 He will find someone else. 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:25.720 I kind of like the idea of Job chapter 41, verse 11. 00:17:25.820 --> 00:17:27.160 Just kind of recite it to you a little bit here. 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:30.680 We're talking about God's not dependent on our giving and he's not obligated by it. 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:35.600 Don't ever let anybody give you the idea that if you shell out a couple that God is responsible 00:17:35.600 --> 00:17:36.840 to return something for it. 00:17:36.860 --> 00:17:37.440 Do you follow that? 00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:40.440 I mean, hey, I gave God 10. 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:41.400 I expect 100. 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:43.740 I mean, you know, that's a Bible equation. 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:46.039 No, it's not. 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:53.440 Over in Job chapter 40, because you want to check me out, Job chapter 41, actually, verse 00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:56.940 11, it says, who has first given to me that I should repay him? 00:17:58.799 --> 00:17:59.019 Yeah. 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.740 So you gave me something? 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:01.920 Big deal. 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:03.579 I'm God. 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:06.720 And I don't need what you have, number one. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:10.500 And number two, just because you put it in a plate doesn't mean I'm obligated to do anything 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:17.160 for you other than put my son on the cross for the sake of your salvation. 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:20.039 So let's kind of overarching view. 00:18:20.119 --> 00:18:21.500 The Bible has a lot to say about money. 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:24.299 Now let's look at this passage a little more carefully. 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:28.980 We're going back now to the passage in 2 Corinthians chapter 8. 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:30.759 And I want you to get this in your mind. 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:33.680 Biblical giving is a work of grace. 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:40.640 Now, let's deal with some statistics just for a second. 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:46.519 And by the way, I do not know the giving of anybody in this congregation. 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:51.720 I don't think that is, I don't think that's, that's just because of me. 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:54.680 I probably am more frail than some people. 00:18:54.779 --> 00:18:57.519 I know some pastors know all the details and that's their business. 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.660 I just don't know. 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:06.420 So when I speak about the subject of the giving of this congregation, I don't know a dime of it. 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.180 Do you follow that? 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:08.359 I don't know a dime. 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:19.519 But the fact of the matter is, is that the giving of the average evangelical does not rise 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:22.599 to the level of biblical expectation. 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:24.339 That's a fair statement. 00:19:24.339 --> 00:19:33.599 In fact, one of the curious things about giving is that proportionally, and contrary to the 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:40.439 example and model of scripture, people of lower income are actually more generous proportionally 00:19:40.439 --> 00:19:41.740 than those of higher income. 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:50.640 It would seem that what happens is as people increase in their economic status, they become 00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:52.579 better spenders rather than better givers. 00:19:52.579 --> 00:20:03.519 When you look at this issue that we are looking at here in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, Paul says 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:11.179 this, he says, I want you to understand that this matter of giving is a matter of grace. 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:16.000 The free will giving of God's people is very important to him. 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:18.019 He cares about it and we'll understand why. 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:23.160 But I do want you to understand as you think about this, that willing stewardship is not 00:20:23.160 --> 00:20:25.900 a subject for advanced studies of select saints. 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:31.740 It is a basic, let me say that slowly, basic element of biblical faith. 00:20:31.879 --> 00:20:35.119 It is a basic element of biblical faith. 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:42.759 In fact, when a person resists the scripture's instructions on the matter of their stewardship, 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:48.779 they restrict their spiritual development far more than they think. 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:56.319 Again, one of the things that God's people should always be keyed in on is asking the practical 00:20:56.319 --> 00:21:00.279 question, where in the world does that thought come from? 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:03.960 Turn in your Bibles to Luke chapter 16. 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:11.160 Luke chapter 16, another one of the many passages in the Gospels that deal with the matter of stewardship. 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:18.880 Luke chapter 16, verse 10. 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:38.540 It's an interesting statement. 00:21:39.340 --> 00:21:45.380 Here is Jesus telling a parable and he's telling it in the community that he is ministering to. 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:49.920 It has his disciples there, but it also has the Pharisees present. 00:21:52.040 --> 00:21:56.600 And by the way, just so you know from the passage, 00:21:57.880 --> 00:22:02.320 kind of put your finger on who was really irritated by Jesus' teaching on giving. 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.060 Okay? 00:22:05.840 --> 00:22:11.340 Verse 14, the Pharisees who were lovers of money heard all these things and they ridiculed him. 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:17.799 It really irritated them that Jesus had the gall to teach as he was. 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:30.500 10 and 11, the point that I want you to understand is that learning to be faithful with that which is 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:37.419 in your hand and God has given to you is actually a part of the process of growing in grace, 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:40.599 growing in faith, and learning more about God. 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:43.679 And so if you're struggling this morning with the matter of stewardship, 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:47.539 let me tell you on the basis and the authority of the Scriptures 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:52.500 that your unwillingness to grow in this area is an impediment. 00:22:53.659 --> 00:22:59.139 It is hindering your ability to grow in other areas spiritually. 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:03.039 And by the way, what are some of the disadvantages of not growing spiritually? 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:04.719 Everybody smile. 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:13.880 You are grossly repetitious with some of the painful issues of doing the same things again and again. 00:23:14.579 --> 00:23:23.600 And unfortunately experiencing the unintended consequences of your practical disobedience to the Word of God. 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:31.339 Well, for one, biblical giving is also a testimony of God's grace in the believer. 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:36.379 You see here in 1 Corinthians or 2 Corinthians 8.1, 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:38.839 and you can put your finger on the way Paul starts it out. 00:23:38.899 --> 00:23:40.639 And I think this is very important to understand. 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:50.779 John Stott actually comments that instead of beginning with the model of the generosity of the churches there in Macedonia, 00:23:51.379 --> 00:23:53.619 Paul begins with the generosity of God. 00:23:54.459 --> 00:23:55.299 Isn't that interesting? 00:23:55.299 --> 00:24:03.039 I was in OSU Hospital several different times the last several days, 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:08.619 and I encourage you to be in prayer for Carla Beal as she is going through a very difficult challenge. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:13.740 We don't know the final details of her diagnosis, but it could be very serious. 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:19.259 I remember as I was walking out after the surgery was over, 00:24:19.659 --> 00:24:22.180 and I was walking through the hallway to go to my car, 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:28.380 and there is a gargantuan wall that is filled with the names of donors. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:30.220 You know? 00:24:30.840 --> 00:24:32.680 And they're color-coded. 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:35.500 These people gave $10 million. 00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:38.060 These people gave $5 million. 00:24:39.120 --> 00:24:40.880 These people gave, you know, whatever. 00:24:41.080 --> 00:24:43.980 It's just go way on up the food chain, and I'm reading the numbers, 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:46.340 and they're way beyond my zero skill set. 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:48.340 You know, it's like, whoa. 00:24:50.140 --> 00:24:51.019 Here's the deal. 00:24:52.180 --> 00:25:00.160 Paul wants people to understand that generosity, first of all, 00:25:01.640 --> 00:25:06.019 flows out of who God is. 00:25:06.140 --> 00:25:06.799 Do you follow that? 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:11.100 And I think it's important for us to understand that 00:25:11.100 --> 00:25:15.380 when people get their heads around the fact that God is generous, 00:25:16.360 --> 00:25:17.799 you're overwhelmed by that. 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:21.599 And when you're overwhelmed by God's generosity, 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:23.779 and you appreciate his generosity, 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:26.539 and the wealth of his goodness to you, 00:25:26.659 --> 00:25:28.940 it ends up affecting the way you live. 00:25:30.639 --> 00:25:34.779 Growing in grace brings growing in generosity. 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:37.220 Can you say that with me out loud? 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:41.180 Growing in grace brings growing in generosity. 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:45.200 Let's say it carefully, slowly, and kind of follow me. 00:25:45.320 --> 00:25:47.380 John, do you want to come up here and help us with some music background? 00:25:48.140 --> 00:25:49.519 Growing in grace, let's say it again. 00:25:49.840 --> 00:25:53.000 Growing in grace brings growing in generosity. 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.460 I like that. 00:25:58.500 --> 00:25:59.700 Is that a Bible truth? 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:02.000 That's the important question. 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:04.000 Is that a Bible truth? 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:09.519 Growing in grace brings growing in generosity. 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:16.059 By the way, it doesn't say that growing in your income 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:19.099 brings growing in generosity. 00:26:19.440 --> 00:26:20.700 It didn't say that, does it? 00:26:21.579 --> 00:26:23.779 The Bible does not give us that indication. 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:27.000 In fact, the greatest examples of generosity in the Bible 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:29.019 are not incredibly wealthy people. 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:36.180 As you read on through the passage, 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:38.779 you see that this is played out in the church of Macedonia. 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.039 Despite their hardship, 00:26:41.839 --> 00:26:43.720 the true children of our generous God 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:47.579 were generous beyond Paul's imagination. 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.619 Now, a little sidebar. 00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:51.099 No pastor worth his salt 00:26:51.099 --> 00:26:54.200 can avoid teaching his people about money. 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:57.080 Why is that? 00:26:57.840 --> 00:26:59.860 Because a shepherd's heart is really interested 00:26:59.860 --> 00:27:03.039 in seeing the people that are blessed by salvation 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:04.779 and are part of the bride of Christ 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:06.319 growing in their appreciation 00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:08.880 for the sweetness of the blessing they have in Christ. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:11.940 And so, I teach you the truth of stewardship 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:14.160 so you can grow in appreciating 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:15.480 what he's done for you. 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:19.539 Now, let's stop for a second 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:21.120 and just ask a practical question. 00:27:21.119 --> 00:27:26.579 What would motivate impoverished and mistreated people 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:28.859 such as those in Macedonia 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:32.299 to be quite as generous as they were? 00:27:34.119 --> 00:27:37.079 Well, Paul, as we look at this, 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:39.059 and you look at verse 5, 00:27:39.139 --> 00:27:41.519 go back there if you would to 2 Corinthians chapter 8. 00:27:43.879 --> 00:27:46.959 Paul in verse 5 says this, 00:27:46.960 --> 00:28:01.220 I want you to recognize that when people 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:05.279 are moved by the generosity of God, 00:28:06.279 --> 00:28:07.539 they grow in generosity, 00:28:08.100 --> 00:28:11.240 but they also grow in their sensitivity 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:14.539 to where God's word and character leads them in that. 00:28:14.539 --> 00:28:16.839 So, let's think first, biblical giving 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:18.559 is a matter of the work of grace. 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:20.899 The second thing is that biblical giving 00:28:20.899 --> 00:28:21.879 is the will of God. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.200 Look there at verse 5. 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:25.180 I can't tell you how many times as a pastor 00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:26.480 I've had people tell me, 00:28:26.639 --> 00:28:29.240 I just want to know what the will of God is. 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.879 Do you follow that? 00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:34.420 Now, I've got to tell you that the will of God 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:36.899 is not quite as complicated as some people make it. 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:41.220 In fact, it's not quite so mysterious. 00:28:41.820 --> 00:28:42.840 Let's just try this. 00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:46.280 I can rattle off a couple things and you'll know. 00:28:47.300 --> 00:28:48.940 It is the will of God, your sanctification, 00:28:49.100 --> 00:28:50.280 that you don't live in immorality. 00:28:50.340 --> 00:28:50.759 How's that? 00:28:51.320 --> 00:28:52.660 That's not complicated, is it? 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:55.259 God wants you not to live an impure, unholy life 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:56.400 like the unbelieving world. 00:28:57.580 --> 00:29:00.300 It's the will of God that you are generous 00:29:00.300 --> 00:29:02.720 as a reflection of who He is. 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:05.120 And that's really what we're dealing with here. 00:29:05.119 --> 00:29:08.939 And when you find people that are touched by God's grace, 00:29:09.099 --> 00:29:10.519 they give themselves to God. 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:12.579 They put it on the table for God. 00:29:13.719 --> 00:29:16.079 You cannot come into the glorious presence 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:18.439 of our gracious and generous God 00:29:18.439 --> 00:29:21.919 without being drawn into a profound relationship with Him. 00:29:23.879 --> 00:29:27.819 And that relationship turns you 00:29:27.819 --> 00:29:30.799 from being an unhappy and self-focused person 00:29:30.799 --> 00:29:34.119 into being a person who has their needs satisfied 00:29:34.119 --> 00:29:37.919 satisfied with the person and relationship you have with God. 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:41.339 And it makes you move from being self-focused 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:45.679 to being Him-focused and then focused on the people 00:29:45.679 --> 00:29:47.639 that He puts you into relationship with. 00:29:47.719 --> 00:29:50.139 So, let me put it this way, in broad terms. 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:53.459 If you spend most of your time thinking about yourself, 00:29:54.219 --> 00:29:55.500 you're not thinking about God. 00:29:56.339 --> 00:29:59.199 And one of the indicators that you're usually thinking about yourself 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:02.100 is you're keeping kind of a rolling score 00:30:02.100 --> 00:30:03.680 in what you're not getting out of things. 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.340 Do you follow that? 00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:06.500 I'm not respected at work. 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:08.600 Or I don't have enough friends. 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:10.220 Or people didn't talk to me. 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:11.200 Or I didn't... 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:12.360 Kick, kick, kick. 00:30:12.400 --> 00:30:14.160 We've all got these little things that we're keeping track of. 00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:16.360 That person is not thinking about 00:30:16.360 --> 00:30:19.420 the unbelievable, undeserved richness 00:30:19.420 --> 00:30:21.559 of God who loves them unconditionally. 00:30:21.559 --> 00:30:27.200 They're not overwhelmed by the glory of the grace of God. 00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:30.519 And as a result, their scorekeeping is a pretty miserable status 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:32.899 or a reflection on where their thinking is. 00:30:35.299 --> 00:30:36.619 Now, let me say this secondly. 00:30:37.879 --> 00:30:41.460 When you are given to God, you give yourselves to others. 00:30:42.659 --> 00:30:44.919 Put your finger, if you would, you're in verse 8. 00:30:45.119 --> 00:30:45.779 It says this. 00:30:46.200 --> 00:30:47.819 They gave themselves first to the Lord. 00:30:48.480 --> 00:30:49.460 Hey, everybody smile. 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:50.259 Look at me just for a second. 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:54.539 It's very easy to say, I've given myself to the Lord. 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:55.480 Do you follow that? 00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:58.660 It's pretty easy to say that. 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:01.599 But Paul backs it up. 00:31:02.019 --> 00:31:02.740 Follow the logic. 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:06.039 He says, they gave themselves first to the Lord 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:08.099 and then by the will of God to us. 00:31:10.420 --> 00:31:12.420 A right relationship with the Father 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:14.059 drives us to relationships 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:16.900 and being spent in the lives of others. 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:17.779 Can I... 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:19.059 I want you to get this. 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:24.819 A right relationship with the Father 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:26.660 drives us to relationships 00:31:26.660 --> 00:31:29.180 and being spent in the lives of others. 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:31.440 Hey, one of these days, 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:34.640 we may, as an answer to prayer, 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:36.559 end up calling another man to be a pastor here. 00:31:36.579 --> 00:31:37.220 Do you understand that? 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:39.759 And we're going to have an interview time. 00:31:39.859 --> 00:31:40.240 And one of the... 00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:41.359 We always question and answer. 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:42.619 One of the big things at Marinathlete. 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.279 We do that. 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:44.720 And so we say, 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:46.460 so why are you interested in coming here? 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:46.899 And the guy says, 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:47.240 well, you know, 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:48.579 I've been thinking about a career advancement 00:31:48.579 --> 00:31:49.940 and I'm hoping you guys will pay me more 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:50.839 than where I was last 00:31:50.839 --> 00:31:52.920 and I really want my needs met. 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:54.019 Bang! 00:31:57.299 --> 00:31:57.660 Huh? 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:00.519 Everybody said, amen! 00:32:02.319 --> 00:32:03.399 That's a Baptist amen 00:32:03.399 --> 00:32:04.180 if I've ever heard one. 00:32:04.680 --> 00:32:04.759 Okay. 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:04.859 Okay. 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:08.379 You're looking for someone 00:32:08.379 --> 00:32:10.000 who'll come here and pour his heart out, right? 00:32:10.619 --> 00:32:10.899 Amen. 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:17.159 If you want that in the pastor, 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:20.339 don't you think Jesus wants that in you? 00:32:24.740 --> 00:32:25.139 Hmm? 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:28.479 Maybe. 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:32.719 So when was the last time you were spent 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:35.700 for the well-being of the bride of Christ? 00:32:39.660 --> 00:32:41.299 When you've given yourself to God, 00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:44.120 you give yourself to other people. 00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:47.360 When you've given yourself to God, 00:32:48.140 --> 00:32:49.740 you give yourself to other people. 00:32:54.319 --> 00:32:57.120 I understand that unbelievers keep long lists 00:32:57.120 --> 00:32:58.600 of the failures of other people 00:32:58.600 --> 00:33:00.880 and disappointments they have in relationships. 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:01.759 I understand that. 00:33:02.720 --> 00:33:05.500 I understand unbelievers 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:08.299 saying fairly regularly, 00:33:08.420 --> 00:33:09.539 I'm not getting my needs met. 00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:15.900 But when I hear that from believers, 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:16.759 I'm always thinking, 00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:19.079 so who are you really connected to 00:33:19.079 --> 00:33:20.160 and who really counts? 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:22.680 Do you follow that? 00:33:25.839 --> 00:33:27.420 Let me make my point textually. 00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:28.440 I mean, there's no better argument 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:29.220 than the Bible, right? 00:33:29.299 --> 00:33:31.539 So let's go to 1 John 3, verse 16. 00:33:31.539 --> 00:33:36.460 I love this logic. 00:33:37.940 --> 00:33:39.740 By the way, what pastor can't love 00:33:39.740 --> 00:33:40.879 the logic of the Bible, right? 00:33:40.960 --> 00:33:42.399 I mean, that follows pretty easily. 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:44.220 1 John 3, verse 16. 00:33:44.319 --> 00:33:45.220 This is a real zinger. 00:33:45.799 --> 00:33:46.720 You know what I mean by a zinger? 00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:48.619 It's the one that's got teeth in it. 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:50.500 Verse 16. 00:33:52.159 --> 00:33:53.180 By this we know love, 00:33:53.839 --> 00:33:55.639 that he laid down his life for us. 00:33:56.779 --> 00:33:58.000 And now underline the other part, 00:33:58.000 --> 00:33:59.140 because that's where it really kicks in. 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:00.599 We ought to lay down our lives 00:34:00.599 --> 00:34:01.059 for the brothers. 00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:06.480 Hey, when was the last time 00:34:06.480 --> 00:34:07.420 you put it on the line 00:34:07.420 --> 00:34:08.400 for someone else 00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:10.360 in the family of God 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:12.880 without expecting anything in return 00:34:12.880 --> 00:34:15.219 and without letting everybody else 00:34:15.219 --> 00:34:16.599 know how sacrificial you are? 00:34:17.880 --> 00:34:18.119 Right? 00:34:18.119 --> 00:34:20.659 I spoke to three people in the lobby. 00:34:20.759 --> 00:34:21.799 Do I get extra points for that? 00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:24.960 Okay. 00:34:25.139 --> 00:34:25.400 Okay. 00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:26.059 Enough of that. 00:34:26.599 --> 00:34:27.319 Remember I talked about 00:34:27.319 --> 00:34:28.639 pray that the pastor isn't brassy. 00:34:28.779 --> 00:34:29.519 I need your prayer. 00:34:30.239 --> 00:34:30.839 Last thing. 00:34:32.420 --> 00:34:33.980 And this is how you know 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:34.920 real Bible preaching. 00:34:35.659 --> 00:34:36.460 Are you listening to me? 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:38.559 Bible preaching can never get away 00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:39.519 from the fact that Jesus 00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:41.279 is really the center of the story. 00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:41.900 Right? 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:44.519 And Paul, 00:34:44.720 --> 00:34:46.200 great Bible preacher that he is, 00:34:46.700 --> 00:34:47.619 he's talking about giving, 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:48.680 but, oh, guess what? 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:49.380 By the way, 00:34:49.619 --> 00:34:50.380 when we really get down 00:34:50.380 --> 00:34:52.039 to the nuts and bolts of it, 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:52.980 Jesus is in the picture. 00:34:53.300 --> 00:34:53.840 I love that. 00:34:54.180 --> 00:34:54.820 So here we are. 00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:56.900 If you look at 2 Corinthians 8, 00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:57.980 verse 9, 00:34:58.440 --> 00:34:59.800 biblical giving follows 00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:01.079 the model of Christ. 00:35:02.619 --> 00:35:03.960 And I love this passage. 00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:05.260 For you know the grace 00:35:05.260 --> 00:35:06.420 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.420 that though he was rich, 00:35:07.680 --> 00:35:08.619 yet for your sake 00:35:08.619 --> 00:35:09.579 he became poor, 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:10.819 that you, 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:12.119 by his poverty, 00:35:12.400 --> 00:35:13.559 might become rich. 00:35:14.880 --> 00:35:15.559 Now listen to me. 00:35:17.599 --> 00:35:18.319 Here is Paul, 00:35:18.480 --> 00:35:19.319 pouring out his heart 00:35:19.319 --> 00:35:20.860 to people that he desperately loves. 00:35:21.159 --> 00:35:22.400 Do you know what Paul wants 00:35:22.400 --> 00:35:23.519 from the Corinthian church? 00:35:24.219 --> 00:35:26.579 He doesn't have any interest 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:28.239 in having a better jet. 00:35:29.739 --> 00:35:31.239 He is not interested 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:32.440 in having a bigger house. 00:35:33.659 --> 00:35:35.440 He is interested in them 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.960 giving to other people 00:35:36.960 --> 00:35:39.079 that Paul has no connection to 00:35:39.079 --> 00:35:40.400 other than that they're part 00:35:40.400 --> 00:35:41.519 of the family of God. 00:35:43.119 --> 00:35:43.460 And he says, 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:43.779 listen, 00:35:44.380 --> 00:35:45.659 let me bring you around 00:35:45.659 --> 00:35:47.099 to Trump in this argument 00:35:47.099 --> 00:35:48.360 of why you need to be generous. 00:35:48.860 --> 00:35:51.019 You need to look at Jesus. 00:35:51.299 --> 00:35:53.259 Seeing Jesus will cure 00:35:53.259 --> 00:35:55.619 the natural self-focused 00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:57.139 selfishness of your heart 00:35:57.139 --> 00:35:59.039 because you can't get 00:35:59.039 --> 00:36:00.900 your eyes fixed on Jesus 00:36:00.900 --> 00:36:02.139 without ending up 00:36:02.139 --> 00:36:03.079 having it affect 00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:05.059 the way you think. 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:10.500 What did Jesus do for me? 00:36:12.219 --> 00:36:12.840 Well, 00:36:13.059 --> 00:36:15.380 as the passage reflects, 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:18.019 he who was rich 00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:18.840 became poor. 00:36:20.440 --> 00:36:23.539 And those simple words 00:36:23.539 --> 00:36:27.039 carry a profound depth 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:27.480 of meaning. 00:36:27.480 --> 00:36:31.119 He left the glory of heaven. 00:36:32.400 --> 00:36:34.719 He left that rightful place 00:36:34.719 --> 00:36:35.219 of honor. 00:36:36.860 --> 00:36:40.800 He left that sweet communion 00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:43.840 that was absolutely unhindered 00:36:43.840 --> 00:36:46.960 to take my sins 00:36:46.960 --> 00:36:48.219 and die on my place 00:36:48.219 --> 00:36:48.920 on the cross 00:36:48.920 --> 00:36:50.659 and say the words 00:36:50.659 --> 00:36:52.800 that no other living human 00:36:52.800 --> 00:36:54.159 will ever say 00:36:54.159 --> 00:36:56.859 with the same sense 00:36:56.859 --> 00:36:57.699 that Jesus said, 00:36:57.839 --> 00:36:58.739 my God, my God, 00:36:59.099 --> 00:37:02.099 why hast thou forsaken me? 00:37:05.079 --> 00:37:06.279 He who was rich 00:37:06.279 --> 00:37:07.119 became poor 00:37:07.119 --> 00:37:10.500 that I might have 00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:11.420 everlasting life. 00:37:13.299 --> 00:37:14.039 And so really, 00:37:14.559 --> 00:37:16.579 when a shepherd 00:37:16.579 --> 00:37:18.259 preaches on stewardship, 00:37:19.699 --> 00:37:21.119 that's what I'm doing, 00:37:22.420 --> 00:37:23.759 he should talk about Jesus. 00:37:23.760 --> 00:37:24.380 Isn't that right? 00:37:26.280 --> 00:37:27.440 And when you think 00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:28.300 about your wallet, 00:37:28.700 --> 00:37:29.940 I got mine back here somewhere. 00:37:30.580 --> 00:37:31.840 Move my Mr. Rogers sweater 00:37:31.840 --> 00:37:32.280 out of the way 00:37:32.280 --> 00:37:32.800 and we'll do it. 00:37:36.020 --> 00:37:36.700 Okay, listen. 00:37:38.580 --> 00:37:38.800 Hey. 00:37:40.380 --> 00:37:41.800 When Jesus has my heart, 00:37:42.480 --> 00:37:43.540 he has my wallet. 00:37:44.140 --> 00:37:45.140 Would you agree with that? 00:37:45.940 --> 00:37:46.500 Not your head? 00:37:46.720 --> 00:37:46.900 Yeah. 00:37:47.980 --> 00:37:49.660 When Jesus has my heart, 00:37:50.680 --> 00:37:51.640 Jesus has my wallet. 00:37:53.760 --> 00:37:57.080 Can I tell you something? 00:37:59.700 --> 00:38:01.980 A pastor can do no better 00:38:01.980 --> 00:38:02.740 than to care about 00:38:02.740 --> 00:38:04.040 your relationship with Jesus. 00:38:08.040 --> 00:38:09.340 Many of you here 00:38:09.340 --> 00:38:12.060 know Jesus, 00:38:12.059 --> 00:38:15.380 but somehow or another 00:38:15.380 --> 00:38:16.559 you've moved away 00:38:16.559 --> 00:38:20.159 from the incredible sweetness 00:38:20.159 --> 00:38:20.960 of having 00:38:20.960 --> 00:38:23.159 all of your sins forgiven 00:38:23.159 --> 00:38:24.480 and just being overwhelmed 00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:25.059 and enthralled 00:38:25.759 --> 00:38:26.719 with the joy 00:38:26.719 --> 00:38:28.779 of a relationship 00:38:28.779 --> 00:38:30.699 in which you 00:38:30.699 --> 00:38:32.099 were in communion 00:38:32.099 --> 00:38:33.400 with a lover of your soul. 00:38:33.400 --> 00:38:38.680 And for some of you 00:38:38.680 --> 00:38:39.240 this morning, 00:38:39.380 --> 00:38:40.539 the issue of stewardship 00:38:40.539 --> 00:38:42.720 really is an indictment 00:38:42.720 --> 00:38:43.320 of the fact 00:38:43.320 --> 00:38:43.940 you've lost 00:38:43.940 --> 00:38:45.180 your first love. 00:38:48.059 --> 00:38:49.240 I'm not interested 00:38:49.240 --> 00:38:49.980 in your wallet. 00:38:52.059 --> 00:38:52.960 I'm interested 00:38:52.960 --> 00:38:53.680 in your love. 00:38:54.340 --> 00:38:55.579 That's what Jesus says. 00:38:55.579 --> 00:38:58.259 And when your love 00:38:58.259 --> 00:38:59.699 is where it needs to be, 00:39:00.039 --> 00:39:00.679 your wallet 00:39:00.679 --> 00:39:02.420 comes right after it. 00:39:04.159 --> 00:39:05.079 I had somebody 00:39:05.079 --> 00:39:05.619 in this church 00:39:05.619 --> 00:39:06.639 actually tell me one time, 00:39:06.719 --> 00:39:07.639 you spoil your wife. 00:39:09.900 --> 00:39:11.239 That's not entirely true, 00:39:11.719 --> 00:39:13.079 but it's awful close. 00:39:14.559 --> 00:39:15.400 Do you know why? 00:39:17.219 --> 00:39:18.039 I love her. 00:39:19.460 --> 00:39:20.960 And when you love Jesus, 00:39:22.319 --> 00:39:25.179 your giving will change. 00:39:25.179 --> 00:39:27.699 But that brings me 00:39:27.699 --> 00:39:28.519 to one other thing. 00:39:30.919 --> 00:39:32.440 A message on stewardship 00:39:32.440 --> 00:39:33.279 in which Jesus 00:39:33.279 --> 00:39:34.139 is the center 00:39:34.139 --> 00:39:35.159 cannot help 00:39:35.159 --> 00:39:38.079 but talk about salvation. 00:39:39.879 --> 00:39:41.500 I am not interested 00:39:41.500 --> 00:39:42.219 in your wallet. 00:39:42.379 --> 00:39:43.079 I am interested 00:39:43.079 --> 00:39:44.339 in your eternal destiny. 00:39:46.319 --> 00:39:47.539 And the truth of the matter 00:39:47.539 --> 00:39:48.599 is there are some of you 00:39:48.599 --> 00:39:49.199 here today 00:39:49.199 --> 00:39:50.980 that do not know Jesus. 00:39:51.319 --> 00:39:53.480 And I am not interested 00:39:53.480 --> 00:39:54.199 in your wallet. 00:39:55.179 --> 00:39:59.059 Christ Jesus 00:39:59.059 --> 00:40:00.119 came into the world 00:40:00.119 --> 00:40:04.279 to pay the penalty 00:40:04.279 --> 00:40:05.159 for your sins 00:40:05.159 --> 00:40:06.000 and for my sins. 00:40:06.079 --> 00:40:06.599 And he died 00:40:06.599 --> 00:40:07.319 on the cross 00:40:07.319 --> 00:40:09.599 to make a way 00:40:09.599 --> 00:40:10.259 that I, 00:40:11.559 --> 00:40:12.339 believing on his 00:40:12.339 --> 00:40:13.219 finished work, 00:40:14.219 --> 00:40:15.639 could have complete 00:40:15.639 --> 00:40:16.079 forgiveness 00:40:16.079 --> 00:40:17.159 for all of my sins. 00:40:17.159 --> 00:40:21.759 I have said to so many people, 00:40:21.879 --> 00:40:22.460 Tim Kenoyer 00:40:22.460 --> 00:40:24.339 is a lifetime debtor 00:40:24.339 --> 00:40:24.859 to Jesus. 00:40:26.779 --> 00:40:27.699 And if you're here 00:40:27.699 --> 00:40:28.219 this morning 00:40:28.219 --> 00:40:29.319 and you do not know 00:40:29.319 --> 00:40:30.199 the freedom 00:40:30.199 --> 00:40:30.899 and the blessing 00:40:30.899 --> 00:40:32.059 of having all of your sins 00:40:32.059 --> 00:40:32.460 forgiven 00:40:32.460 --> 00:40:33.879 because you have come 00:40:33.879 --> 00:40:34.940 in broken faith 00:40:34.940 --> 00:40:36.079 and asked him 00:40:36.079 --> 00:40:37.099 to save you 00:40:37.099 --> 00:40:37.839 and you repented 00:40:37.839 --> 00:40:38.440 of your sins, 00:40:38.980 --> 00:40:40.279 you're still living 00:40:40.279 --> 00:40:40.980 under the shadow 00:40:40.980 --> 00:40:41.559 and cloud 00:40:41.559 --> 00:40:42.179 and the fear. 00:40:42.179 --> 00:40:44.659 And I would plead 00:40:44.659 --> 00:40:45.399 with you this morning, 00:40:45.859 --> 00:40:47.000 trust in Christ. 00:40:48.719 --> 00:40:49.279 Receive him 00:40:49.279 --> 00:40:49.919 as your Savior. 00:40:51.059 --> 00:40:51.940 Let's close in prayer. 00:40:59.059 --> 00:40:59.919 Beloved Father, 00:41:00.000 --> 00:41:00.460 this morning 00:41:00.460 --> 00:41:02.199 as we think about 00:41:02.199 --> 00:41:04.179 a secondary issue, 00:41:06.179 --> 00:41:07.440 namely the matter 00:41:07.440 --> 00:41:08.079 of stewardship, 00:41:08.079 --> 00:41:09.039 we can't help 00:41:09.039 --> 00:41:09.779 but come back 00:41:09.779 --> 00:41:10.940 to the centrality 00:41:10.940 --> 00:41:13.000 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:41:13.000 --> 00:41:13.759 who is 00:41:13.759 --> 00:41:15.819 the author 00:41:15.819 --> 00:41:16.380 and finisher 00:41:16.380 --> 00:41:17.139 of our faith, 00:41:17.279 --> 00:41:18.199 who is our Savior, 00:41:18.679 --> 00:41:19.340 who is the one 00:41:19.340 --> 00:41:20.400 who paid the penalty 00:41:20.400 --> 00:41:21.239 for our sins 00:41:21.239 --> 00:41:22.159 and offers 00:41:22.159 --> 00:41:23.019 complete forgiveness 00:41:23.019 --> 00:41:24.059 to all who will believe 00:41:24.059 --> 00:41:24.699 on his name. 00:41:25.960 --> 00:41:26.400 We, 00:41:26.920 --> 00:41:28.519 who are your people, 00:41:28.639 --> 00:41:29.159 want to grow 00:41:29.159 --> 00:41:29.860 in our love 00:41:29.860 --> 00:41:31.840 and we are willing 00:41:31.840 --> 00:41:32.599 to ask you 00:41:32.599 --> 00:41:33.819 to do whatever it takes 00:41:33.819 --> 00:41:35.039 to distance us 00:41:35.039 --> 00:41:38.400 from the carnality 00:41:38.400 --> 00:41:39.380 and the selfishness 00:41:39.380 --> 00:41:40.219 that so easily 00:41:40.219 --> 00:41:41.659 sucks the oxygen 00:41:41.659 --> 00:41:43.000 out of our spiritual life. 00:41:44.219 --> 00:41:45.019 Make us a people 00:41:45.019 --> 00:41:46.480 that are ambitious 00:41:46.480 --> 00:41:47.860 for the glory of Christ 00:41:47.860 --> 00:41:49.380 and long to see him 00:41:49.380 --> 00:41:49.980 lifted up 00:41:49.980 --> 00:41:51.840 and let all that we do 00:41:51.840 --> 00:41:52.820 reflect that. 00:41:54.619 --> 00:41:55.639 We pray for those 00:41:55.639 --> 00:41:56.320 that are here today 00:41:56.320 --> 00:41:57.420 that do not know Jesus 00:41:57.420 --> 00:41:58.199 that as we give 00:41:58.199 --> 00:41:58.900 this invitation, 00:41:59.440 --> 00:42:00.559 your Spirit would draw them 00:42:00.559 --> 00:42:01.739 to see the hopelessness 00:42:01.739 --> 00:42:02.380 of their state 00:42:02.380 --> 00:42:03.960 and that they would cry out 00:42:03.960 --> 00:42:04.539 for Jesus 00:42:04.539 --> 00:42:05.320 as their Savior. 00:42:06.440 --> 00:42:07.900 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:42:08.599 --> 00:42:08.820 Amen.