WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.280 Well, we've been making our way through a series called 21st Century Disciple. 00:00:04.400 --> 00:00:10.339 And basically what it is, it's helping us think of a modern day follower of Jesus. 00:00:10.500 --> 00:00:12.060 Children, you are dismissed to your classes. 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.379 Go learn what it means to be a 21st Century Disciple. 00:00:22.879 --> 00:00:24.320 It all starts with Jesus. 00:00:24.320 --> 00:00:31.420 Jesus says, hey, if you would come after me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. 00:00:31.480 --> 00:00:32.659 It all starts there. 00:00:32.759 --> 00:00:33.780 All starts with him. 00:00:34.700 --> 00:00:37.100 And he calls us to walk according to his word. 00:00:37.200 --> 00:00:43.820 He calls us to walk praying to him in community together, walking by his spirit. 00:00:44.760 --> 00:00:52.719 And this morning what I want to draw your attention to is that a 21st Century Disciple of Jesus is generous. 00:00:54.320 --> 00:00:56.119 He's a faithful steward. 00:00:58.579 --> 00:01:02.539 And so we're going to look at a dimension of our discipleship called stewardship. 00:01:02.840 --> 00:01:09.620 Stewardship is the wise and generous managing of the resources God entrusts to you. 00:01:10.900 --> 00:01:13.439 And he entrusts us a variety of different resources. 00:01:13.680 --> 00:01:17.060 And so we are to be wise and generous with our time. 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:19.159 It's a resource God gives us. 00:01:19.659 --> 00:01:23.379 We're to be wise and generous with the talents that he has given us. 00:01:23.379 --> 00:01:31.560 And this morning I want to help you see what God's word has to say about being wise and generous with the treasure he has given you. 00:01:32.219 --> 00:01:33.599 Specifically with your income. 00:01:36.060 --> 00:01:37.579 Now, don't worry. 00:01:37.859 --> 00:01:39.939 At the end of the service we're not going to pass the plate again. 00:01:39.939 --> 00:01:42.560 So we're not going to have quote unquote immediate application that way. 00:01:44.439 --> 00:01:49.659 What I'm most interested in is letting God's word do its work in your heart. 00:01:49.659 --> 00:01:56.719 So today, next week, in the years to come, you are going to experience the joy of being generous. 00:01:57.019 --> 00:02:00.939 Because you've been motivated by the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:02:00.939 --> 00:02:08.840 If you would turn in your Bibles to 2 Corinthians chapter 8 and 9. 00:02:09.740 --> 00:02:11.639 We're going to be in these two chapters today. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:20.280 And obviously, we don't have the time for me to walk through and give this thoroughgoing exposition of all the nooks and crannies in these two chapters. 00:02:20.280 --> 00:02:32.120 But what I do want to do is draw out five motivational principles that are designed to be like butter that kind of melt into the nooks and crannies of your heart. 00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:34.159 And give you gospel flavor. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:37.240 That results in generosity. 00:02:41.120 --> 00:02:44.080 The gospel generates generosity. 00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:49.100 And those who Jesus calls his own. 00:02:50.920 --> 00:02:54.280 You're going to hear me repeat something throughout this morning's sermon. 00:02:54.600 --> 00:02:55.180 It's this. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:03:04.240 When you get what God has given, you will want to give from what you got. 00:03:04.240 --> 00:03:15.040 When you get what God has given Jesus, you will want to give from what you got. 00:03:16.320 --> 00:03:20.660 Let me give you a little background on 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. 00:03:22.180 --> 00:03:26.620 Paul is writing to a bunch of Gentile Christians in this town called Corinth. 00:03:26.920 --> 00:03:29.580 And it's within miles of Rome. 00:03:29.719 --> 00:03:31.280 So it's in this region called Achaia. 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:40.520 And at the same time that this letter was written, there's a bunch of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem in the region of Judea. 00:03:41.080 --> 00:03:43.319 And they are experiencing a hardship. 00:03:44.159 --> 00:03:49.520 The Jerusalem church had grown dramatically over the last 20 years upon the writing of this letter. 00:03:50.680 --> 00:03:55.240 And the church of Jerusalem had an unusual amount of people in abject poverty. 00:03:55.240 --> 00:04:03.340 And what happens at this time in history is that in Judea, there was this really intense famine that hit. 00:04:03.600 --> 00:04:11.520 And it had effect upon the Jerusalem church and its ability to care for all these members who were experiencing hardship. 00:04:12.960 --> 00:04:19.240 The apostle Paul was aware of the famine in Jerusalem and the unique situation that was putting that church in. 00:04:19.240 --> 00:04:25.120 The church had actually set up this daily distribution of help for people in need. 00:04:25.199 --> 00:04:26.620 You see it in Acts chapter 6. 00:04:29.259 --> 00:04:38.240 Well, Paul, who was aware of this Jerusalem church in need, he goes to all these Gentile churches that he had been a part in planting. 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:40.819 All around the northern rim of the Mediterranean Sea. 00:04:40.819 --> 00:04:45.219 And so he starts going to each of them, sending letters and having conversations. 00:04:45.459 --> 00:04:51.180 And he says to them, hey, you guys, would you rally in on top of your normal giving to the local churches? 00:04:51.279 --> 00:04:55.659 Would you give to the needs of the poor in Jerusalem? 00:04:57.180 --> 00:05:01.319 And so what we see happening, what's behind the scenes here, 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:07.319 is that the apostle Paul is motivating this particular Gentile church in Corinth 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:15.420 to follow through on their commitment to give financial help to the Christians in Jerusalem. 00:05:16.139 --> 00:05:19.039 And so for us, it's really helpful. 00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:24.620 Because we see how the apostle motivates Christians to be generous. 00:05:24.620 --> 00:05:31.620 And that has tremendous application for life today in our own seeking to be generous. 00:05:33.660 --> 00:05:36.600 The gospel generates generosity. 00:05:37.399 --> 00:05:42.699 And when you get what God has graciously given, you will want to give generously from what you got. 00:05:42.840 --> 00:05:53.360 So five principles from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 that are designed to motivate generosity in our giving. 00:05:53.360 --> 00:05:55.000 The first is this. 00:05:56.800 --> 00:05:59.379 Give yourself first to the Lord. 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:03.000 Give yourself first to the Lord. 00:06:03.520 --> 00:06:09.300 In chapter 8, verses 1 and 2, Paul starts to motivate the Corinthian Christians 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:12.420 by pointing to some Macedonian Christians. 00:06:13.639 --> 00:06:14.420 See that? 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:21.100 We want you to know, brothers in Corinth, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia. 00:06:21.100 --> 00:06:25.660 Macedonia was a region just north of Achaia where Corinth was. 00:06:26.140 --> 00:06:33.700 And that region contained churches like Berea, those Bereans, Acts 16, maybe 17. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:39.540 Somewhere in there, church of Philippi, the church of Thessalonica. 00:06:39.540 --> 00:06:44.600 And what we know about all of those churches is that the gospel was preached there 00:06:44.600 --> 00:06:48.800 and there was dramatic reorientation of people's lives to follow Jesus. 00:06:50.420 --> 00:06:54.560 And so Paul starts to motivate these Corinthians by saying, 00:06:54.680 --> 00:06:57.480 Hey, you know your brothers up north in Macedonia? 00:06:57.480 --> 00:07:03.759 They were suffering a severe test of affliction, verse 2. 00:07:03.840 --> 00:07:04.700 They were being persecuted. 00:07:05.660 --> 00:07:10.759 And in the midst of that severe persecution, we see in 8-2, they had an abundance of joy. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:15.840 So they were suffering for being followers of Jesus and yet they were still full of joy. 00:07:16.980 --> 00:07:17.819 You know what does that? 00:07:18.900 --> 00:07:20.400 The gospel does that. 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:23.219 And then we continue reading. 00:07:24.439 --> 00:07:25.399 We read this. 00:07:26.739 --> 00:07:32.779 And their extreme poverty, in their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 00:07:33.399 --> 00:07:38.439 So not only are they being persecuted, but they're also extremely poor. 00:07:39.239 --> 00:07:40.319 They don't have any money. 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:42.159 They don't have extra stuff to give. 00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:52.460 But because of what the gospel had been doing in them, they find a way to give an overwhelming amount of generosity. 00:07:55.020 --> 00:07:58.020 So we're learning a lot about these churches in Macedonia. 00:07:58.260 --> 00:07:59.300 Persecuted but joyful. 00:07:59.560 --> 00:08:00.440 Poor yet generous. 00:08:01.400 --> 00:08:03.379 They're giving according to their means, verse 3. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:05.280 And some are giving beyond their means. 00:08:05.840 --> 00:08:07.100 They're giving sacrificially. 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:15.900 And in verse 4 of chapter 8, we learn that these poor Christians in Macedonia are begging Paul. 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:17.700 Look at verse 4. 00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:20.040 Begging us earnestly. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:23.660 They're not begging for money. 00:08:24.740 --> 00:08:25.439 You know what they're begging? 00:08:27.060 --> 00:08:30.160 Paul, let us be a part of the relief effort in Jerusalem. 00:08:30.580 --> 00:08:31.500 Let us give. 00:08:31.640 --> 00:08:32.740 Let us be a part of this. 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:34.759 We want to help in any way we can. 00:08:35.100 --> 00:08:35.840 We'll write checks. 00:08:36.060 --> 00:08:36.879 We'll go ourselves. 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:39.519 We'll knit all sorts of whatever you need to be knit. 00:08:39.779 --> 00:08:42.019 We'll do any kind of things you need us to do. 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:42.840 We want in. 00:08:43.060 --> 00:08:44.420 Would you just let us be a part of it? 00:08:46.800 --> 00:08:48.379 They're begging to be a part of it. 00:08:50.200 --> 00:08:51.100 So let me ask you. 00:08:51.100 --> 00:08:56.899 What compels a bunch of Christians to do things like that? 00:08:58.659 --> 00:09:03.600 Now you start to know the reason why Paul is pointing to them for the Corinthians. 00:09:04.660 --> 00:09:06.040 Something's at work in them. 00:09:06.039 --> 00:09:07.379 Look at verse 5. 00:09:08.459 --> 00:09:10.459 And this, not as we expected. 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:14.059 That's the apostolic way of saying it floored us. 00:09:14.219 --> 00:09:16.099 We were really surprised to see all this stuff. 00:09:16.939 --> 00:09:21.279 We're shocked that these people who were being persecuted were joyful. 00:09:21.279 --> 00:09:26.240 We were amazed that they were in their poverty, giving so much, begging to be a part of this. 00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:30.919 And then he points to something very interesting in verse 5. 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:36.759 But they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:40.600 He's giving an explanation for what they're doing. 00:09:40.600 --> 00:09:43.000 Why they're doing what they're doing. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:49.659 They're being so generous and so sacrificial because they've given themselves fully to the Lord. 00:09:50.779 --> 00:09:57.659 This unique work has got something to do with their posture towards the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:57.659 --> 00:10:03.879 And Paul wants them to see that they're seeking to live for Jesus. 00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:13.840 These really interesting ways of being, of being so generous when you've got nothing. 00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:20.180 It reveals that they have given themselves fully and first to the Lord. 00:10:21.180 --> 00:10:22.620 What does that mean? 00:10:23.680 --> 00:10:28.340 They had decisively rejected living for themselves. 00:10:28.920 --> 00:10:32.980 And they were intentionally living for Jesus. 00:10:33.420 --> 00:10:34.259 That's what that means. 00:10:35.259 --> 00:10:36.240 Jesus first. 00:10:37.740 --> 00:10:38.560 Jesus fully. 00:10:40.560 --> 00:10:42.600 They gave themselves to the Lord. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:55.580 And by giving themselves to the Lord, God was then able to use them to fulfill his will of then giving to the apostle who would then give to this need in Jerusalem. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:57.480 So you know what all this means? 00:10:58.340 --> 00:11:00.139 When we talk about Christian stewardship. 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:02.360 When we talk about giving. 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:07.320 Before we give some of what we've got coming in. 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:11.700 We first need to give all of who we are to Jesus. 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:14.240 That's where giving starts. 00:11:15.060 --> 00:11:18.080 It starts with giving of ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:18.280 --> 00:11:20.080 And not just part of us. 00:11:20.280 --> 00:11:21.240 All of us. 00:11:21.560 --> 00:11:23.640 So when we talk about Christian generosity. 00:11:24.020 --> 00:11:26.480 We don't start by talking about budgets. 00:11:28.160 --> 00:11:33.400 We start by talking about how glorious and wonderful our Lord Jesus Christ is. 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:36.900 And so it's not a call to a financial class. 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:38.879 It's a call to a spiritual devotion. 00:11:39.819 --> 00:11:41.120 To live for Christ. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:44.360 Giving yourself to him. 00:11:46.579 --> 00:11:47.500 Financial giving. 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:49.620 Faithful, generous giving. 00:11:49.980 --> 00:11:51.860 Starts with Jesus. 00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:56.939 There's another question we've got to ask here. 00:11:56.940 --> 00:12:00.420 Why would anybody do that? 00:12:02.580 --> 00:12:06.100 Why would anybody give themselves first to the Lord? 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:13.340 Why would someone in 2018 give themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:12:14.480 --> 00:12:16.220 Why would you do anything like that? 00:12:17.900 --> 00:12:22.200 Well we're given the answer in verse 9 of chapter 8. 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:24.480 So here's where we've been so far. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:27.620 Principle number one to being a generous giver. 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:31.060 Is give yourself first to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:37.440 Principle number two is you give yourself to Jesus because he has given himself for you. 00:12:40.140 --> 00:12:41.640 We see that in verse 9. 00:12:43.320 --> 00:12:45.840 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:47.379 That though he was rich. 00:12:47.580 --> 00:12:48.820 Yet for your sake. 00:12:48.820 --> 00:12:50.680 He became poor. 00:12:51.080 --> 00:12:54.660 So that you by his poverty might become rich. 00:12:57.300 --> 00:12:58.600 All throughout this. 00:12:58.840 --> 00:12:59.640 These two chapters. 00:12:59.800 --> 00:13:05.060 The apostle Paul talks about giving as an act of grace. 00:13:05.640 --> 00:13:06.620 Look at verse 6. 00:13:07.140 --> 00:13:08.140 Accordingly we started. 00:13:08.640 --> 00:13:10.180 We urge Titus that as he started. 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:14.200 So he should complete among you this act of grace. 00:13:14.360 --> 00:13:15.400 Look at the end of verse 7. 00:13:15.399 --> 00:13:19.279 See that you excel in this act of grace. 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:21.220 Chapter 9 verse 19. 00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:22.179 No excuse me. 00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:23.179 8 verse 19. 00:13:24.319 --> 00:13:25.579 And not only that. 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:30.799 But he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace. 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:32.299 That is being ministered by us. 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:35.360 Giving is an act of grace. 00:13:36.819 --> 00:13:37.980 What is grace? 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:41.559 Grace is God's undeserved favor. 00:13:41.919 --> 00:13:44.799 Or unmerited kindness. 00:13:45.399 --> 00:13:47.879 It's who he is. 00:13:49.079 --> 00:13:52.240 In addition to being holy and just. 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:53.919 He is gracious. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.799 Kind and good. 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:58.340 He is a loving holy God. 00:13:59.379 --> 00:14:01.959 And he shows sinners kindness. 00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:05.699 Not because we sinners deserve it. 00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:06.879 Quite the contrary. 00:14:07.840 --> 00:14:10.079 He shows sinners his goodness. 00:14:10.079 --> 00:14:12.120 Because he's good. 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:14.220 Even to the undeserving. 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:14.320 Giving. 00:14:16.160 --> 00:14:19.580 So this act of grace that we're talking about here. 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:20.960 Of Christian giving. 00:14:21.080 --> 00:14:21.740 Of generosity. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:24.019 Is ultimately. 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:26.480 God's grace. 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:28.000 At work. 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:29.340 In God's people. 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:32.820 We give to others because. 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:34.740 God has given so richly. 00:14:34.740 --> 00:14:36.560 And his grace to us. 00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:37.819 God's grace. 00:14:37.819 --> 00:14:40.019 And the greatest of all. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:41.399 Of God's gifts. 00:14:42.939 --> 00:14:43.819 Is Jesus. 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:47.759 And in verse 9. 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:49.739 We have a gospel sighting. 00:14:51.199 --> 00:14:53.239 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:53.359 --> 00:14:54.299 That though he was rich. 00:14:54.359 --> 00:14:55.039 Yet for his. 00:14:55.199 --> 00:14:55.919 For your sake. 00:14:56.239 --> 00:14:57.039 He became poor. 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:58.919 So that you by his poverty. 00:14:59.079 --> 00:15:00.019 Might become rich. 00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:01.259 Oh there's so much. 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:03.299 Theological depth here. 00:15:05.779 --> 00:15:07.199 That though he was rich. 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:10.240 Before Jesus took on human flesh. 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:11.980 He lived in pre. 00:15:12.600 --> 00:15:13.759 Existent glory. 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:15.980 With the triune Godhead. 00:15:16.980 --> 00:15:19.059 He was being worshiped and praised. 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:20.079 For eternity past. 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:21.899 He was rich. 00:15:21.899 --> 00:15:24.819 And then he became poor. 00:15:25.459 --> 00:15:27.000 He took on human flesh. 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.139 The incarnation. 00:15:28.600 --> 00:15:29.360 Merry Christmas. 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:30.500 It's when Jesus. 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:31.759 Became poor. 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:33.240 And walked among us. 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.720 By taking on human flesh. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.379 And setting aside his glory. 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:42.240 And then for our sake. 00:15:44.439 --> 00:15:45.439 He became. 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:46.759 His poverty. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:48.460 Of giving himself. 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:50.120 Dying on the cross. 00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:51.659 It's through his poverty. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:53.319 That we are made rich. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:54.459 Not. 00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:55.879 Jingle rich. 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.079 Salvation rich. 00:15:59.439 --> 00:16:00.240 God has given us. 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:01.240 Everything we need. 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:02.939 He saved us. 00:16:02.939 --> 00:16:04.220 From our greatest problem. 00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:07.019 And so when we talk about here. 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:08.000 When Paul talks about. 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:09.139 In verse nine. 00:16:10.439 --> 00:16:11.579 He's very interesting. 00:16:12.279 --> 00:16:13.319 Way of talking about. 00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:14.059 Though he was rich. 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:15.259 For your sake. 00:16:15.299 --> 00:16:16.019 He became poor. 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:16.559 So that you. 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:17.299 By his poverty. 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:18.079 Might become rich. 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:19.240 It's just another way. 00:16:19.259 --> 00:16:20.460 Of talking about the gospel. 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:23.179 That Jesus Christ died. 00:16:23.179 --> 00:16:24.019 For our sins. 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:27.519 And so what we see. 00:16:27.579 --> 00:16:28.519 Paul doing here. 00:16:28.779 --> 00:16:29.179 Is using. 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:30.879 The gospel. 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:31.879 To motivate. 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:33.000 These Christians. 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:33.919 In Corinth. 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:35.299 And these Christians. 00:16:35.459 --> 00:16:36.199 In Kenosha. 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:40.360 To be generous. 00:16:41.459 --> 00:16:42.679 Because Jesus. 00:16:43.279 --> 00:16:44.019 Gave of himself. 00:16:44.220 --> 00:16:44.679 Generously. 00:16:44.679 --> 00:16:45.559 To us. 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:46.339 Who are in need. 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.799 We are to give generously. 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:48.679 To others. 00:16:48.899 --> 00:16:49.599 Who are in need. 00:16:51.239 --> 00:16:52.159 There's an acronym. 00:16:52.359 --> 00:16:52.899 For grace. 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:54.659 God's riches. 00:16:54.939 --> 00:16:56.199 At Christ's. 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:57.139 Expense. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.419 And the richest. 00:16:59.559 --> 00:17:00.059 Of all riches. 00:17:00.059 --> 00:17:00.919 Is our salvation. 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:04.019 The gospel. 00:17:04.440 --> 00:17:04.839 Generates. 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.200 Generosity. 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:07.759 Now. 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:08.799 If you're a Christian here. 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:10.619 And you came into this room. 00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:11.179 And you're like thinking. 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:11.559 Oh yeah. 00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:14.240 I get the gospel thing. 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:14.639 But man. 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:15.419 I always thought. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.059 That the gospel. 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:17.019 Is something you proclaim. 00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:17.879 To non-Christians. 00:17:19.399 --> 00:17:20.480 Well it is that. 00:17:20.599 --> 00:17:21.639 But it's more than that. 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:24.240 When you become a Christian. 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:25.879 You don't take the gospel. 00:17:26.099 --> 00:17:27.059 And put it on the shelf. 00:17:28.159 --> 00:17:29.639 It's not like the gospel. 00:17:29.639 --> 00:17:31.200 Is kind of like. 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:32.759 Christian training wheels. 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:33.799 That eventually. 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.819 You learn to outgrow. 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:36.099 And you put the gospel. 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:37.139 Training wheels away. 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:39.879 You never outgrow the gospel. 00:17:39.880 --> 00:17:41.820 In fact. 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:42.720 When you look. 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:43.920 Throughout the New Testament. 00:17:44.300 --> 00:17:44.940 The gospel. 00:17:45.260 --> 00:17:45.820 Is vital. 00:17:46.100 --> 00:17:46.760 It's essential. 00:17:47.060 --> 00:17:47.820 It's core. 00:17:47.980 --> 00:17:48.700 To living out. 00:17:48.840 --> 00:17:49.660 The Christian life. 00:17:50.020 --> 00:17:50.240 And so. 00:17:50.340 --> 00:17:51.460 Elsewhere in the New Testament. 00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:53.000 Paul appeals to the. 00:17:53.080 --> 00:17:53.800 The gospel. 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:54.980 To motivate Christians. 00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:55.800 To live lives. 00:17:55.840 --> 00:17:56.900 Of sexual purity. 00:17:57.620 --> 00:17:58.100 We see that. 00:17:58.140 --> 00:17:59.260 In 1 Corinthians 6. 00:18:00.220 --> 00:18:01.660 You were brought at a price. 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.440 You're not your own. 00:18:02.520 --> 00:18:03.320 So glorify God. 00:18:03.320 --> 00:18:03.880 With your body. 00:18:05.180 --> 00:18:05.620 Gospel. 00:18:06.260 --> 00:18:07.280 Paul uses the gospel. 00:18:07.280 --> 00:18:08.160 To motivate Christians. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:09.060 To forgive one another. 00:18:09.059 --> 00:18:10.079 In Ephesians chapter 4. 00:18:11.159 --> 00:18:11.599 As God. 00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:12.539 Forgive one another. 00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:13.819 As God has forgiven us. 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:15.460 In Christ Jesus. 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:16.460 Gospel. 00:18:18.639 --> 00:18:19.940 Paul uses the gospel. 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:20.899 To motivate Christians. 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:21.859 In Crete. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.419 To live self-controlled. 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:23.980 Upright. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.819 And holy lives. 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.079 In this present age. 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:27.740 In Galatians chapter 2. 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:29.220 We see Paul. 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:30.299 Record of it. 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:31.619 Rebuke Peter. 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:32.519 Because. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.779 He was living in a way. 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:35.159 That was out of step. 00:18:35.159 --> 00:18:36.359 With the truth of the gospel. 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:36.959 The gospel. 00:18:37.959 --> 00:18:39.699 The gospel compels us. 00:18:39.779 --> 00:18:40.759 To live a certain way. 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:43.039 It's essential. 00:18:43.459 --> 00:18:44.459 For Christians. 00:18:45.199 --> 00:18:46.519 So we never graduate. 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.939 From the essential gospel. 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.719 Message. 00:18:48.859 --> 00:18:49.279 In fact. 00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:50.599 It's foundational. 00:18:50.839 --> 00:18:51.279 It's vital. 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:51.959 It's motivational. 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:53.199 And that's why Paul. 00:18:53.199 --> 00:18:54.359 Is using it here. 00:18:54.439 --> 00:18:55.559 In 2 Corinthians 8. 00:18:55.719 --> 00:18:56.859 To motivate. 00:18:57.299 --> 00:18:57.819 Generosity. 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:02.759 He's calling us. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:04.940 God is calling us. 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:05.559 Through his word. 00:19:05.640 --> 00:19:06.180 To be generous. 00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:08.500 So. 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:09.660 Let me just step back. 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:10.319 So you make sure. 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:11.440 You see what's happening. 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.299 So before we give. 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:13.900 Financially. 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:14.680 Before we give. 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:15.539 Of some of what. 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:16.759 We've been entrusted. 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:17.440 We give. 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:18.559 All of ourselves. 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:19.839 To the Lord Jesus. 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:21.879 That's principle number one. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:22.819 Give yourself first. 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:23.240 To Jesus. 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:24.359 But there's a step. 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:25.180 Before that. 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:28.140 And the step before that. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:28.559 Is recognizing. 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:30.099 That Jesus. 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:31.559 Gave himself. 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.720 For us. 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.279 Gospel. 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.440 What essentially. 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:42.139 Happens here. 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:43.559 Is a chain reaction. 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.539 Of grace. 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.579 The gospel. 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:47.039 Is a catalyst. 00:19:47.579 --> 00:19:48.079 That when. 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:49.659 Received by faith. 00:19:50.099 --> 00:19:50.579 It is. 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.319 Starts. 00:19:51.399 --> 00:19:52.460 A chain reaction. 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:53.240 Of grace. 00:19:53.379 --> 00:19:54.139 By which God. 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:55.220 Starts to gradually. 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.579 Transform. 00:19:57.079 --> 00:19:57.720 Sinners. 00:19:57.859 --> 00:19:58.220 Into. 00:19:58.679 --> 00:19:59.200 More and more. 00:19:59.279 --> 00:19:59.899 The likeness. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:00.539 Of Jesus. 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:01.299 Himself. 00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:03.379 And one of the areas. 00:20:03.379 --> 00:20:04.119 That he is seeking. 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:04.879 To transform. 00:20:05.039 --> 00:20:05.559 Is our given. 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:06.519 Martin Luther. 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.399 Has said. 00:20:07.919 --> 00:20:08.839 About conversion. 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:09.339 First. 00:20:09.579 --> 00:20:10.079 A man's. 00:20:10.399 --> 00:20:11.200 Mind is converted. 00:20:11.399 --> 00:20:12.000 Then his heart. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:12.460 Is converted. 00:20:12.679 --> 00:20:13.319 Then his wallet. 00:20:13.419 --> 00:20:13.839 Is converted. 00:20:14.159 --> 00:20:14.720 That's Martin Luther. 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.059 For you. 00:20:20.500 --> 00:20:21.460 This is an act. 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:22.000 Of grace. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.899 A chain reaction. 00:20:23.899 --> 00:20:24.519 Of grace. 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:26.160 That was catalyzed. 00:20:26.160 --> 00:20:26.960 By the gospel. 00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:27.839 Of Jesus Christ. 00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:28.400 Itself. 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:33.799 Here's what this can look like. 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.720 I'm a little reluctant. 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.539 To share this example. 00:20:36.639 --> 00:20:37.279 But you'll get the point. 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.700 This year. 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:40.579 We got a refund. 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:42.059 For our taxes. 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:42.759 Woo. 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.279 And it dropped. 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:47.500 Into our checking account. 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:47.980 This week. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:50.940 And so this morning. 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:52.660 I wrote a check. 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.599 To Christ the King Church. 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:56.259 Giving. 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:58.039 As a portion. 00:20:58.440 --> 00:20:59.960 Of what we have received. 00:21:01.860 --> 00:21:02.400 And you know. 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:03.519 What was going on in my heart. 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:06.579 Writing this check. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:08.220 Oh Lord Jesus. 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.079 Thank you so much. 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:10.059 For what you've given me. 00:21:11.860 --> 00:21:12.180 Jesus. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:12.960 Thank you so much. 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:13.819 That you who are rich. 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:14.539 Became poor. 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:15.319 And in your poverty. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:15.960 It's through that. 00:21:16.019 --> 00:21:16.960 That I can become rich. 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:19.099 It is a joy. 00:21:19.159 --> 00:21:19.879 To write this check. 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:20.920 To Christ the King Church. 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:23.099 Do you know. 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:23.980 What the gospel does. 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:26.079 It transforms. 00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:26.579 Our giving. 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:27.240 Into worship. 00:21:28.440 --> 00:21:29.299 It transforms. 00:21:29.420 --> 00:21:30.259 Writing checks. 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:31.420 Into liturgy. 00:21:32.779 --> 00:21:34.059 It transforms us. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:34.980 From the inside. 00:21:35.399 --> 00:21:35.759 Out. 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:38.519 The result. 00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:39.599 Is cheerful giving. 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:41.339 When you get. 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:41.839 What God. 00:21:41.920 --> 00:21:42.859 Has graciously given. 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:43.879 You will joyfully. 00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:44.519 Generously. 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.680 Give from what you got. 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:48.039 Christians don't give. 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:48.940 Because we have to. 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:51.000 Christians give. 00:21:51.639 --> 00:21:52.879 Because we want to. 00:21:53.920 --> 00:21:55.819 The gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:58.819 Transforms us. 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:00.000 So that. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:02.019 We don't gather. 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:02.779 Our income. 00:22:02.920 --> 00:22:03.480 And possessions. 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.200 In yellow. 00:22:04.399 --> 00:22:05.279 Written mine. 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:08.039 We recognize. 00:22:08.359 --> 00:22:09.159 Our income. 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:09.819 And our possessions. 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:10.839 Are entrustings. 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.599 Of God. 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.460 And we say. 00:22:12.659 --> 00:22:13.159 Yours. 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:13.420 Yours. 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.800 Use it for your glory. 00:22:15.920 --> 00:22:16.140 God. 00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:17.300 Use it to bless. 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:17.900 Others. 00:22:19.540 --> 00:22:20.580 The gospel. 00:22:21.300 --> 00:22:21.820 Changes. 00:22:22.300 --> 00:22:23.400 The way we give. 00:22:24.840 --> 00:22:25.820 It generates. 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:26.580 Generosity. 00:22:26.579 --> 00:22:30.419 So. 00:22:30.419 --> 00:22:31.579 We've seen. 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:32.460 We must first. 00:22:32.460 --> 00:22:33.379 Give ourselves. 00:22:33.379 --> 00:22:34.000 To the Lord. 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:34.519 Second. 00:22:34.839 --> 00:22:35.639 We give. 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:36.779 Out of the gospel. 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:37.799 We give. 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:38.599 Ourselves. 00:22:38.599 --> 00:22:39.559 Because Christ. 00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:40.500 Has given himself. 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.220 For us. 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:42.939 Third. 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:44.759 We give generously. 00:22:45.839 --> 00:22:46.359 Paul. 00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:47.019 Helps us. 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:47.799 To see this. 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:48.699 In 2nd Corinthians. 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:49.059 9. 00:22:49.139 --> 00:22:49.480 6. 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:51.839 The point is this. 00:22:52.299 --> 00:22:53.740 Whoever sows sparingly. 00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:55.120 Will also reap sparingly. 00:22:55.180 --> 00:22:56.620 And whoever sows bountifully. 00:22:56.620 --> 00:22:58.299 Will also reap bountifully. 00:22:58.880 --> 00:23:00.620 Paul is likening. 00:23:00.620 --> 00:23:01.019 Likening. 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:01.579 Giving. 00:23:02.059 --> 00:23:03.079 To farming. 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:05.799 Sowing and reaping. 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.860 And this is a. 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:09.940 A common. 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:11.360 Metaphor. 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:12.900 Used throughout the Bible. 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:15.200 To describe a cause and effect relationship. 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.180 You do this. 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.160 This will happen. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:21.400 And so the metaphor here is. 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.880 We give. 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:24.740 And something happens. 00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:28.820 But what's interesting about the way that Paul uses this metaphor. 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:30.500 Is that not only is he using it. 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:33.560 A metaphor to explain a cause and effect relationship. 00:23:33.980 --> 00:23:35.620 He's using it as a comparison. 00:23:37.320 --> 00:23:38.880 Two kinds of sowing and reaping. 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:40.560 If you sow sparingly. 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:42.100 You will also reap sparingly. 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.060 In other words. 00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:44.039 If you give a little. 00:23:44.320 --> 00:23:45.039 You will reap a little. 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:47.160 And we're not told what the reaping is. 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:50.240 If you sow bountifully. 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:51.980 You will also reap bountifully. 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:53.380 If you give much. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.380 You will reap much. 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.860 But we're not told what the reaping is. 00:23:57.680 --> 00:23:58.200 Obviously. 00:23:58.400 --> 00:23:59.759 Paul is urging. 00:24:00.360 --> 00:24:02.120 One kind of sowing and reaping. 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:04.560 Over another kind of sowing and reaping. 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:07.279 He is encouraging generosity. 00:24:09.060 --> 00:24:10.380 Sow bountifully. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.080 Reap bountifully. 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:19.099 The sowing corresponds to our giving of our finances. 00:24:19.399 --> 00:24:21.599 But he doesn't tell us what the reaping is. 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.919 We'll see that in a little bit. 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:25.939 But here's the point. 00:24:26.639 --> 00:24:29.419 When you get what God has graciously given in Christ. 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:31.939 You will want to give generously of what you've got. 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:34.299 He wants us to sow generously. 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:36.259 And to reap abundantly. 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:38.660 So maybe you're sitting there asking yourself. 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:38.940 Well. 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:41.200 How do I decide to give how much? 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.039 How does that work? 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:42.839 What do we. 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:43.799 I want to be generous. 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.559 What do I do? 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.500 How do I give? 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:46.740 Can you help me out a little bit? 00:24:48.180 --> 00:24:49.319 Well in verse 7. 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.779 We read this of chapter 9. 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:55.599 Each one must give as he's decided in his own heart. 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:56.039 Now. 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:59.959 I hope you notice what's not there. 00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:03.139 There's not a percentage given. 00:25:05.639 --> 00:25:06.699 Paul said okay. 00:25:06.939 --> 00:25:07.959 Give 10%. 00:25:07.959 --> 00:25:08.599 Give 20%. 00:25:09.179 --> 00:25:14.219 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart. 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:19.500 Now though there are specific tithes outlined in the Old Testament. 00:25:19.719 --> 00:25:23.899 Such as giving 10% of the first fruits of your harvest. 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:26.620 There really is no mention of tithing in the New Testament. 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:29.060 It's really interesting how quiet the New Testament is. 00:25:29.259 --> 00:25:30.720 About tithing itself. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:34.460 Where the emphasis comes down on the New Testament. 00:25:34.840 --> 00:25:36.220 Is on generosity. 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:39.080 Moving away from a number. 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:40.680 And moving on to an attitude. 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.940 A posture of heart. 00:25:43.380 --> 00:25:44.420 Before the Lord. 00:25:44.620 --> 00:25:47.100 Each of us must decide what to give. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:49.320 Which is to be generous in it. 00:25:50.980 --> 00:25:52.100 Gospel generosity. 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:52.179 Gospel generosity. 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.259 So. 00:25:57.459 --> 00:26:00.079 That 10% figure is helpful as a benchmark. 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:02.480 But it's not a command for Christians today. 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:05.500 What we're called to do is to be generous. 00:26:07.099 --> 00:26:09.339 So let's apply what we're learning here. 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:12.779 I can imagine that some of you have come in here. 00:26:12.939 --> 00:26:15.259 And for whatever reason you have not been given regularly. 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:23.559 You need to receive this morning sermon as God's loving exhortation of you as a loving father. 00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:24.960 Something to start. 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:26.559 Faith in Jesus. 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:27.819 In light of what he has done. 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:31.059 And so the way to start is to start modest. 00:26:32.099 --> 00:26:32.960 Be consistent. 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.079 Be realistic. 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:38.099 If 10% is a helpful benchmark to aim at. 00:26:38.179 --> 00:26:38.919 That's great. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.720 But I just want to shoot straight with you. 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:42.399 Many of us in this room. 00:26:43.159 --> 00:26:45.179 When you hear the 10% mark. 00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:49.279 Instead of calling you to a generosity. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:51.199 It tempts you to fear and anxiety. 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:53.279 Because. 00:26:53.679 --> 00:26:54.819 Because you're on a fixed income. 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:57.359 You have like no wiggle room. 00:26:57.699 --> 00:26:58.279 And that's okay. 00:26:58.379 --> 00:26:59.139 That's just where you are. 00:26:59.140 --> 00:27:04.000 So let's say that you have $1,000 coming in every month. 00:27:04.280 --> 00:27:06.480 10% would be giving $100 of that. 00:27:06.840 --> 00:27:07.780 And if that's too much. 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:08.420 That's okay. 00:27:10.320 --> 00:27:11.060 Give $50. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:11.880 Give $20. 00:27:12.240 --> 00:27:12.700 Where you want. 00:27:12.780 --> 00:27:13.900 You just want to start. 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.980 Start modest. 00:27:15.340 --> 00:27:16.340 And be consistent. 00:27:18.020 --> 00:27:20.080 Decide in your own heart before the Lord. 00:27:20.600 --> 00:27:23.420 And give with a clear conscience. 00:27:23.420 --> 00:27:25.420 It's what you're able to do. 00:27:26.280 --> 00:27:28.940 It rings of 2 Corinthians 8.3. 00:27:29.480 --> 00:27:33.580 The Macedonians giving what they were able to give. 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:38.140 Now let's say that you've been given for decades. 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:42.340 And you're feeling pretty good about yourself when you're giving. 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:45.440 Well I just want to point you to 2 Corinthians 8.7. 00:27:46.520 --> 00:27:48.020 But as you excel in everything. 00:27:48.140 --> 00:27:48.480 In faith. 00:27:48.560 --> 00:27:48.940 In speech. 00:27:49.060 --> 00:27:50.080 In knowledge. 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:51.000 In all earnestness. 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.100 In our love for you. 00:27:52.380 --> 00:27:55.320 See that you excel in this act of grace also. 00:27:56.060 --> 00:27:57.820 Keep on keeping on brothers and sisters. 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:59.240 Keep on giving generously. 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:00.939 Keep on coming back to the cross. 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:02.939 Let that motivate you afresh. 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:04.139 Time and again. 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:05.019 To be generous. 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:07.079 With what God has entrusted to you. 00:28:08.419 --> 00:28:10.399 Now there's something else I'd like to talk to you about. 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:10.839 Because. 00:28:11.419 --> 00:28:13.220 It's a reality with where we live today. 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:16.099 Let me set it up by saying this. 00:28:16.159 --> 00:28:17.079 When I was in college. 00:28:17.079 --> 00:28:19.599 God grabbed my heart. 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:23.720 And I had racked up all sorts of credit card debt. 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:29.079 I was enslaved to those who had lent me this money. 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:33.439 And so what I realized early on was this. 00:28:34.139 --> 00:28:36.799 I need to be aggressive in paying down my debt. 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:40.720 In order that I can open up income to be giving more and more towards the Lord. 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:47.000 Now some of you in here are just underwater because of debt. 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:49.720 We're not going to go into why that is. 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:50.360 We don't need to. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:53.319 But we need to go into talking about how to move forward. 00:28:54.140 --> 00:28:57.259 And the way to move forward is take a long haul approach. 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:59.100 Start giving something. 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:00.440 However modest it is. 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:04.100 But then start aggressively paying down your debt. 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:06.919 So that you eventually open up more funds. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:09.799 Not to spend on things that are passing away. 00:29:09.919 --> 00:29:11.299 But to invest in eternity. 00:29:12.139 --> 00:29:13.339 To give unto the Lord. 00:29:15.859 --> 00:29:18.659 God does not forbid incurring debt. 00:29:19.199 --> 00:29:20.899 But he does warn against it. 00:29:21.679 --> 00:29:22.859 Proverbs 22.7 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:25.519 The borrower is the slave of the lender. 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:30.839 Wisdom says debt should be avoided if possible. 00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:40.339 Now once again I realize that some of you in this room may when it comes to finances feel very overwhelmed by it. 00:29:40.439 --> 00:29:41.759 You don't know where to start. 00:29:41.939 --> 00:29:43.179 You don't know who to talk to. 00:29:43.259 --> 00:29:44.099 You don't know what to do. 00:29:44.439 --> 00:29:45.939 We've got two deacons at the church. 00:29:46.079 --> 00:29:47.919 I'm going to call your attention to them. 00:29:48.379 --> 00:29:49.059 Randy Hudson. 00:29:49.199 --> 00:29:50.099 Randy would you stand up? 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:52.639 And then Billy Johnson over here. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.240 Billy Johnson. 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.519 I talked to these guys this week. 00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:56.259 Let them know where the sermon was going. 00:29:56.259 --> 00:30:00.079 And I asked them guys would you be available to meet with anybody that would want to meet. 00:30:00.079 --> 00:30:03.419 In order to help them be faithful stewards of their finances. 00:30:03.679 --> 00:30:05.220 And they're both all in. 00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:05.759 Thank you guys. 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:06.279 You can be seated. 00:30:07.179 --> 00:30:09.980 And so today if you find yourself saying man I need help. 00:30:10.039 --> 00:30:10.960 I don't know who to talk to. 00:30:11.079 --> 00:30:12.199 Now you know who to talk to. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:14.000 These are gifted men. 00:30:14.179 --> 00:30:15.539 They're serving the church. 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:17.899 And they will help you and help you well. 00:30:22.399 --> 00:30:23.859 We are to give generously. 00:30:23.859 --> 00:30:27.719 And give with what God. 00:30:27.919 --> 00:30:30.019 Give out of what God has given to us. 00:30:32.519 --> 00:30:33.479 Fourth principle. 00:30:34.659 --> 00:30:37.759 Give groundedly. 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:41.240 Here's what I mean by that. 00:30:42.699 --> 00:30:46.059 Give grounded from your identity in Christ. 00:30:46.059 --> 00:30:53.579 It's not unusual for people to be very self-conscious about themselves when you start talking about giving. 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:57.500 In fact when we pass the plates. 00:30:58.460 --> 00:31:03.359 That can be a moment of self-awareness and shame for many people in this room. 00:31:03.359 --> 00:31:08.359 That moment in our corporate gathering. 00:31:09.099 --> 00:31:12.279 Some people can be feeling like they're being pushed to the sides. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:16.359 Instead of being brought into our worship of God together. 00:31:17.359 --> 00:31:19.259 And then on the opposite side of the spectrum. 00:31:19.479 --> 00:31:21.979 Instead of those feeling isolated and ostracized. 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:25.039 It's those people who feel like they're awesome. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:29.959 That they are putting in a sizable check into the offering plate. 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:33.299 And they think that they are sizable in God's sight. 00:31:35.779 --> 00:31:37.039 But let me tell you this. 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:41.420 This is called gospel grounding. 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:51.620 Your worth in God's sight is not determined by the dollar amount by which you give. 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:54.680 Your worth is not determined by that. 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:59.960 Your worth in God's sight is because of what Jesus has done for you. 00:32:00.560 --> 00:32:02.820 He was rich and for your sake he became poor. 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:05.779 So that by his poverty you might become rich. 00:32:06.240 --> 00:32:09.120 You are rich in the salvation accomplished by Jesus. 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:10.920 And that is what God sees. 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:12.680 And that is what God delights in you. 00:32:12.779 --> 00:32:15.720 That's where you find your value and your worth. 00:32:15.860 --> 00:32:17.920 When we gather together as a church. 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:22.120 Your worth is not in the dollar amount you give. 00:32:22.119 --> 00:32:25.479 It's in the Christ who died and was raised for you. 00:32:26.659 --> 00:32:29.679 And so when we as a church gather and we pass the plates. 00:32:30.059 --> 00:32:31.659 Our worth is in Jesus. 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:35.339 And we give in light of what he's done for us. 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:40.079 So God is not so much concerned about the amount that you give. 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:42.339 He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. 00:32:42.679 --> 00:32:43.579 He doesn't need it. 00:32:43.699 --> 00:32:44.799 But he's going to use it. 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:48.839 But he's more concerned with the attitude of your heart with which you give it. 00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:51.339 He wants you to be cheerful. 00:32:52.139 --> 00:32:54.000 And so let's land on that. 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:55.859 The last point. 00:32:56.159 --> 00:32:59.179 The fifth principle is to give cheerfully. 00:32:59.399 --> 00:33:00.899 Give yourself to the Lord first. 00:33:01.459 --> 00:33:03.740 Give in light of Christ giving himself for you. 00:33:04.259 --> 00:33:04.959 Give generously. 00:33:05.359 --> 00:33:06.199 Give groundedly. 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:08.480 Give from a glad heart. 00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:10.240 Give cheerfully. 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:11.099 Give one. 00:33:13.099 --> 00:33:14.339 Chapter 9 verse 7. 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:17.519 Each one must give as he decided in his own heart. 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:19.740 Not reluctantly or under compulsion. 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:22.380 For God loves a cheerful giver. 00:33:23.799 --> 00:33:26.599 I love phrases like that in my Bible. 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:29.240 God loves a cheerful giver. 00:33:29.240 --> 00:33:37.319 God delights in those who delight in giving. 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.900 A joyful giver. 00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:51.140 In order to wrap this sermon up, let me just give you some reasons Paul gives for being cheerful in your giving. 00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:53.980 The first is this. 00:33:56.819 --> 00:33:58.559 It's a work of God's grace. 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:01.460 This act of grace. 00:34:02.940 --> 00:34:05.599 Giving is an outworking of what God has given. 00:34:06.799 --> 00:34:09.059 It's God's grace in us. 00:34:11.179 --> 00:34:15.079 When we give, we're reminded of what Jesus gave for us. 00:34:15.199 --> 00:34:18.800 He was rich, became poor, so those who are poor can become rich. 00:34:20.579 --> 00:34:27.820 Every time you give, it's an opportunity to remember of the richness with which Jesus brought for you. 00:34:27.820 --> 00:34:31.220 And that he's doing it among us. 00:34:31.539 --> 00:34:34.760 This act of grace is a corporate grace. 00:34:34.760 --> 00:34:38.740 God's grace poured out on us in Christ Jesus. 00:34:38.739 --> 00:34:41.819 Having its effect in each of us. 00:34:42.219 --> 00:34:47.159 Growing us in our generosity with each other and those beyond the walls of this church. 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:50.799 It's something to be joyful about. 00:34:51.759 --> 00:34:53.460 It's something to be glad-hearted about. 00:34:54.119 --> 00:34:55.399 But that's not the only reason. 00:34:56.659 --> 00:34:58.159 In verse 12, we read this. 00:34:58.420 --> 00:34:58.960 9-12. 00:34:58.960 --> 00:35:08.420 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but it's also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 00:35:09.260 --> 00:35:18.400 When we give, God uses our giving to make other people thankful to God. 00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:27.920 And so we can take joy that when we give, it's going to result in people's thanksgivings to the God of the Bible. 00:35:28.860 --> 00:35:31.880 So you write your check, you give your money, and you're like, 00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:39.200 Oh Lord, would you use that to bless other people that they would be thankful to you and grateful to you. 00:35:39.300 --> 00:35:42.380 And I can take great joy in that, and so can you. 00:35:42.380 --> 00:35:46.539 And there's another reason in verse 13. 00:35:48.900 --> 00:35:56.140 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ. 00:35:57.360 --> 00:36:01.780 Ultimately, our giving glorifies God. 00:36:02.420 --> 00:36:03.720 It exalts Him. 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:05.820 It makes much of Him. 00:36:06.880 --> 00:36:07.820 It's for our good. 00:36:07.820 --> 00:36:09.019 It blesses others. 00:36:09.019 --> 00:36:13.100 It honors and exalts the one true God. 00:36:13.460 --> 00:36:23.660 These are all different reasons for giving generously, giving cheerfully from a glad heart. 00:36:25.059 --> 00:36:32.580 A 21st century disciple of Jesus is someone who's intentionally living every area of their life for Christ, 00:36:33.720 --> 00:36:36.740 including the way that we steward our finances. 00:36:37.820 --> 00:36:40.760 This morning, we've looked at five principles. 00:36:41.420 --> 00:36:42.960 Give yourself first to the Lord. 00:36:43.320 --> 00:36:47.680 Second, you give yourself to the Lord because the Lord has given Himself for you. 00:36:48.340 --> 00:36:48.700 Gospel. 00:36:49.460 --> 00:36:53.700 Third, give generously, sow bountifully, and reap bountifully. 00:36:54.160 --> 00:36:57.240 That bountiful reaping, by the way, is the thanksgiving of other people. 00:36:59.640 --> 00:37:02.019 Give from gospel groundedness. 00:37:02.160 --> 00:37:03.460 It's not how much you give. 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:07.900 It's the heart by which you give it and give cheerfully. 00:37:09.260 --> 00:37:12.340 There's reasons to be glad hearted when we give. 00:37:13.920 --> 00:37:20.099 When you get what God has given, Jesus, you will give generously from what you got. 00:37:20.099 --> 00:37:21.360 Let's pray. 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:21.400 Let's pray. 00:37:24.860 --> 00:37:29.139 God in heaven, would you stir in us now? 00:37:29.480 --> 00:37:30.179 Use your word. 00:37:30.299 --> 00:37:33.460 Use the gospel to get done what you want to get done. 00:37:34.259 --> 00:37:38.940 Help us, Lord Jesus, to live in light of what you've done for us. 00:37:38.940 --> 00:37:46.179 And that translate, that be the catalyst to a chain reaction of grace with which we are generous with one another. 00:37:46.519 --> 00:37:50.220 And when we are generous for people all around the world. 00:37:51.039 --> 00:37:52.820 We ask this in the name of Jesus. 00:37:53.720 --> 00:37:54.039 Amen. 00:37:54.039 --> 00:37:54.159 Amen. 00:37:54.159 --> 00:37:54.200 Amen. 00:37:54.200 --> 00:37:54.240 Amen. 00:37:54.240 --> 00:37:54.260 Amen. 00:37:54.260 --> 00:37:54.280 Amen. 00:37:54.280 --> 00:37:56.159 Amen. 00:37:56.159 --> 00:37:56.240 Amen. 00:37:56.240 --> 00:37:56.300 Amen. 00:37:56.300 --> 00:37:56.340 Amen. 00:37:56.340 --> 00:37:58.240 Amen. 00:37:58.240 --> 00:37:58.300 Amen. 00:37:58.300 --> 00:37:58.340 Amen. 00:37:58.340 --> 00:37:58.400 Amen. 00:37:58.400 --> 00:38:00.340 Amen. 00:38:00.340 --> 00:38:00.400 Amen. 00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:02.400 Amen. 00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:04.400 Amen. 00:38:04.400 --> 00:38:05.400 Amen. 00:38:05.400 --> 00:38:06.400 Amen. 00:38:06.400 --> 00:38:06.460 Amen. 00:38:06.460 --> 00:38:06.480 Amen.