GOODWILL For All
Introduction
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
—Luke 2:14 (NKJV)44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. —Acts 2:44-47 (NLT)
7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. —Isaiah 58:7 (NLT)
Four Truths About Goodwill:
1. Goodwill Is Not About
1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. —Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT)
4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” —Acts 5:4 (NLT)
2. Goodwill Is Never Unto
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. —Ephesians 6:5-7 (NKJV)
3. Goodwill Is Shown To
32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. —Luke 6:32-36 (NLT)21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. —Proverbs 25:21 (NLT)
4. Goodwill Is Accomplished By
1 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” —Luke 21:1-4 (NLT)2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. —2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NLT)
10 “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared.” —Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
5. Goodwill Is A
Of
11 The Lord gives the word, and a great army brings the good news.
12 Enemy kings and their armies flee, while the women of Israel divide the plunder. —Psalm 68:11-12 (NLT)22 But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, “They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder we recovered. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone.”
23 But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us. 24 Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.” —1 Samuel 30:22-24 (NLT)7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” —2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)
Conclusion
17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you! —Proverbs 19:17 (NLT)
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. —Proverbs 28:27 (NLT)
My Next Step
- Make Seat Reservations NOW!
- Don’t close your eyes to poverty – be a sender, support our Missions.
- Send funny and creative family home videos and photos today only.
- Mend a broken relationship this week.
- Share a Christmas Meal with a Family
Join Us For Next Year’s Message: Who Drank My Wine
If this message has been a blessing to you, please email comments to Pastor Mario.