
Deep & Wide
Give
Todd Blansit
September 26, 2021
Genesis 26.5
5 because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions.”
Acts 20.32-35
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 3 5In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
The Tony Evans Bible Commentary tells us “Indeed, in God’s economy you will be more blessed if you’re a spiritual conduit rather than a spiritual cul-de-sac. God wants to work through you so that you will be a blessing to others. If you have the capacity to address a need (with your money, your time, or your encouragement), be used by God to give to and meet that need. God will return the favor.”
Biblical giving is all about stewardship of all our resources.
Matthew 23.23-24
23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
Dave Ramsey says
** Whatever you do, though, just keep tithing. Remember: When managing your money, always give first, save second, and spend third.**
2 Cor 9.6-9
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”
Sometimes we divide the world into sacred and secular, implying that only those who are in full-time Christian work or have the title of pastor or missionary are doing what is sacred.
But this is not a biblical view.
We are invited by God to have our whole lives involved in the Great Commission.
When your whole life is involved in the Great Commission, you are utilizing all that God has given you to help see people come to Christ, make disciples and make a difference wherever God has you.
For many giving in the offering is way easier than giving their time and influence.
Anything that God is off limits to is an idol in our life.
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