- Joined
- Feb 9, 2004
- Messages
- 17,078
Charles Stanley
KEY PASSAGES:
Ephesians 4:25-28 | 1 Timothy 6:17-18 |
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 14:19-21 | Mark 5:5-15; 10:46-52; 16:15 | Luke 22:27 | John 3:3-6, 16; 8:10-11; 11:25-26, 43-45; 13:35; 14:1-3, 6, 18-20, 27
Romans 15:5, 7, 14 | 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | Galatians 6:6 | Ephesians 2:5-7; 4:2, 32 | 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Hebrews 10:24 | 1 Peter 4:8 | 2 Peter 1:1-4; 3:1-9 | 1 John 1:9; 3:2-3 | Revelation 1:7; 22:7, 12, 20
Should believers always be generous?
In tough economic times, our natural tendency is to be selfish with our resources. We focus on the needs of ourselves and our families, and often forget about those whose suffering is greater than our own. You and I sometimes excuse ourselves by saying that we can’t afford to give. Yet Jesus talked frequently about the importance of giving, even to His fellow countrymen who were made poor by Roman oppression. He stressed that caring for the needs of others was more important than storing wealth for our own use. As believers, we should not hoard what the Lord has given to us, but be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17-18). God blesses us so that we might bless others.
What is a blessing?
The word “bless” has lost much of its meaning over time. We say “God bless you” when someone sneezes, and we often use similar terminology when we feel unable or unwilling to be more specific in prayer (“God, please bless uncle John”). However, this word represents an important biblical concept. When you ask God to bless someone, you are saying to Him, “Lord, You know better than I what he lacks; please provide for him.” You are asking the Father to intervene in someone’s life and meet a need. Our most important blessing is salvation. Most Christians take for granted that salvation is primarily about going to heaven after death. But being redeemed has many other benefits. Here are a few other reasons why God saved us:
Our Savior came to earth with the purpose of serving mankind (Luke 22:27).
Each of us can be grateful for the people who have made our daily lives safer, healthier, and more convenient. Policemen, firemen, doctors, and nurses are vital for the protection and well-being of a community. Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, and many other inventors laid the groundwork for modern devices that add comfort to our daily lives. Servicemen such as plumbers are available to do difficult and dirty work around our homes. We should even thank God for hair stylists and other professionals who help us look our best. How should we serve others? The Lord has been generous with us, and we should be willing to reach out to those around us. Because He . . .
Are you a giver? Or are you best described as a taker? The happiest people I know generously give of themselves and their possessions. Cheerful givers can be assured of supernatural joy on earth and eternal rewards in heaven. I pray that you will freely share the blessings God has given you, trusting Him to provide all of your needs.
KEY PASSAGES:
Ephesians 4:25-28 | 1 Timothy 6:17-18 |
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 14:19-21 | Mark 5:5-15; 10:46-52; 16:15 | Luke 22:27 | John 3:3-6, 16; 8:10-11; 11:25-26, 43-45; 13:35; 14:1-3, 6, 18-20, 27
Romans 15:5, 7, 14 | 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | Galatians 6:6 | Ephesians 2:5-7; 4:2, 32 | 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Hebrews 10:24 | 1 Peter 4:8 | 2 Peter 1:1-4; 3:1-9 | 1 John 1:9; 3:2-3 | Revelation 1:7; 22:7, 12, 20
Should believers always be generous?
In tough economic times, our natural tendency is to be selfish with our resources. We focus on the needs of ourselves and our families, and often forget about those whose suffering is greater than our own. You and I sometimes excuse ourselves by saying that we can’t afford to give. Yet Jesus talked frequently about the importance of giving, even to His fellow countrymen who were made poor by Roman oppression. He stressed that caring for the needs of others was more important than storing wealth for our own use. As believers, we should not hoard what the Lord has given to us, but be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17-18). God blesses us so that we might bless others.
What is a blessing?
The word “bless” has lost much of its meaning over time. We say “God bless you” when someone sneezes, and we often use similar terminology when we feel unable or unwilling to be more specific in prayer (“God, please bless uncle John”). However, this word represents an important biblical concept. When you ask God to bless someone, you are saying to Him, “Lord, You know better than I what he lacks; please provide for him.” You are asking the Father to intervene in someone’s life and meet a need. Our most important blessing is salvation. Most Christians take for granted that salvation is primarily about going to heaven after death. But being redeemed has many other benefits. Here are a few other reasons why God saved us:
- To keep sin from destroying our lives. The Lord gives us the power of the Holy Spirit so that we don’t have to be devastated by the power and consequences of sin.
- To be conformed to the likeness of His Son . The Holy Spirit indwells us and slowly transforms our character to the character of Christ.
- To make us trophies of His grace . In eternity, we will be examples of the awesome power of His goodness and mercy (Eph. 2:5-7).
- To bring glory to God . As we live out changed lives, our salvation brings honor to Him.
- To do His work on earth . He accomplishes His will through obedient believers.
Our Savior came to earth with the purpose of serving mankind (Luke 22:27).
- He fed the multitudes . When He saw their hunger, He miraculously provided food for them (Matt. 14:19-21).
- He healed the sick . For example, He stopped to heal Bartimaeus, a poor beggar who was blind (Mark 10:46-52).
- He forgave sins . To the woman caught in adultery, He offered forgiveness and a fresh start, not condemnation (John 8:10-11).
- He raised the dead . Lazarus died prematurely and Jesus brought him back to life (John 11:43-45).
- He comforted His followers . In John 14:1-2, He said, “Do not let your heart be troubled . . . . In My Father’s house are many dwelling places.”
- He assured them when they were confused . Before He was crucified, He reassured them that they would see Him again (John 14:18-20).
- He saved those who were lost . For example, He restored a wild demoniac to a peaceful, normal life (Mark 5:5-15).
- He was patient with those who didn’t understand . Nicodemus couldn’t comprehend how he, a grown man, could be born again. Jesus patiently explained that the second birth is spiritual (John 3:3-6).
- He gave them peace when they were worried . John 14:27 says, “My peace I give to you . . . . Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
- He sacrificed Himself for the sins of humanity . He willingly saves anyone who asks for forgiveness (John 3:16)
Each of us can be grateful for the people who have made our daily lives safer, healthier, and more convenient. Policemen, firemen, doctors, and nurses are vital for the protection and well-being of a community. Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, and many other inventors laid the groundwork for modern devices that add comfort to our daily lives. Servicemen such as plumbers are available to do difficult and dirty work around our homes. We should even thank God for hair stylists and other professionals who help us look our best. How should we serve others? The Lord has been generous with us, and we should be willing to reach out to those around us. Because He . . .
- Saved us , we should “preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
- Loves us , we must “keep fervent in [our] love for one another” (1 Peter 4:8).
- Forgave our sins , you and I can forgive those who wrong us (Eph. 4:32).
- Provides for us , we should be generous with others (1 Tim. 6:18)
- Teaches us the truth , we should share our spiritual insights with others (Gal. 6:6).
- Comforts us , we can console others (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
- Encourages us (Rom. 15:5), we should lift up others.
- Accepts us , we can “accept one another” (Rom. 15:7).
- Admonishes us , we should encourage and caution those making unwise or sinful choices (Rom. 15:14).
- Is patient with us , you and I must be forbearing with others (Eph. 4:2).
- Is gracious to us , we can “be kind to one another” (Eph. 4:32).
- Challenges us to be obedient , we should encourage other believers “to love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24).
- Shares with us , we must contribute to the needs of others (Eph. 4:28).
Are you a giver? Or are you best described as a taker? The happiest people I know generously give of themselves and their possessions. Cheerful givers can be assured of supernatural joy on earth and eternal rewards in heaven. I pray that you will freely share the blessings God has given you, trusting Him to provide all of your needs.
- In what way(s) have you served someone this week? Did you do so in a cheerful, godly manner? Did you feel blessed having done so?
- Who do you know that could use a blessing this week? How can you intentionally show God’s love toward that person?
- Think of a time this week when you have been the recipient of a blessing. How can you pass on that blessing to someone else?
