CONTRIBUTE

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

COMFORT, CONTROL, POWER, APPROVAL

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

What am I unwilling to surrender?

Do I give?

What does the way I handle money reveal about? Who/what I trust?

What does love require?

Grace should not make us less generous than the law.

Is there a CROSS in your budget?

God does not only see what you gave. God sees what giving it cost you.

Is there a cross in my budget?

1. Giving loosen money’s grip on my heart.

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

“You are my servant, not my master.”

2. Giving Strengthens my trust in God.

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

We don’t give to get. We give for glory.

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

You can’t “out-generous” God.

3. Giving allows you to invest temporary resources in eternal things.

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Giving turn temporary resources into eternal impact.

Love creates obligations that love is happy to carry.

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

Am I giving ?
Is my giving intentional?
Is my giving sacrificial?

2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.