Berean Bible Church

The Blessing of Giving

Stewardship Lesson IV

August 3, 2008

Introduction

I. Acts 20:35 “…it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

1. John 21:25 These are unrecorded words of Jesus

Inspired words, spoken by inspired Paul 1 Corinthians 14:37

2 The text reveals Christ in his otherworldly and unselfish character.

3 1 Corinthians 4:7 we must receive before we can give.

The verse does not mean it is not blessed to receive, “for God gives and gives

He is always giving. He delights in mercy”( Maclaran) - Micah 7:18

4. There is for us, a rich blessing in giving.

Proverbs 14:21 “…mercy on the poor, happy is he”

Proverbs 14:31 God honoureth one who has mercy on the poor

Proverbs 28:27 give to the poor not lack

Psalm 41:1 blessing promised

Matthew 5:7 blessed are the merciful

Luke 6: 38 give and it shall be given

Luke 14:13-14 mercy on the poor...shall be blessed

1 Timothy 6:17-19 ready to communicate- lay hold on what is really life

II Some illustrations of the blessings of the true living and giving

1 Genesis 39:7-9 Joseph would rather die than sin against God

Genesis 41:56-17 God gave him life and made him a channel of blessing

2 1 Kings 17:10-16 the Widow, was willing to give a cake first to Elijah

God kept meal in her barrel and oil in her cruse

3 Esther 4:16 the Queen was willing to give her life. If I perish, I perish

God gave her favour and made her a channel of blessing

4 John 6:9 a boy was willing to give his lunch

God gave him lunch and made him a blessing

5. John 12:24 except a corn of wheat dies, it abides alone

Giving makes us fruitful

6 John 12:3-7 Mary gave her best, Judas called it ‘waste’

But what she did pleased Christ

7. 1 Kings 10:10 The Queen of Sheba gave to Solomon

He took them but didn’t need them

8. Luke 21:1-4 a poor widow gave her two mites

III Conclusion : If Jesus was looking on as they gave then, is He not doing so now?