A Heart that Gives: Part 4

John 12:1-8 (NLT) Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus — the man He had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor.  Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with Him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair.  The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray Him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages.  It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor — he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. 7 Jesus replied, “Leave her alone.  She did this in preparation for My burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.”

Synonyms — “bighearted, unselfish, charitable, benevolent, kind, sympathetic, compassionate, hospitable, extravagant, good-hearted, and open-handed.” 

Antonyms — “selfish, cheap, petty, frugal, stingy, small-hearted, miserly, uncharitable, hoggish, begrudging, coveting, envious, resentful, and close-fisted.” 

Ephesians 2:4-6 (NLT) But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. 6 For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms…

Luke 19:1-9 (NLT) Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus.  He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 8 …Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” 9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today…” 

1.  Takers are never satisfied, but Givers are content

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ERV) Those who love money will never be satisfied with the money they have.  Those who love wealth will not be satisfied when they get more and more. 

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT) Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Proverbs 21:26 (NLT) Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!

2.  Takers eat their seed, but Givers sow it

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NLV) It is God Who gives seed to the man to plant.  He also gives the bread to eat.  Then we know He will give more seed to plant and make it grow so you will have more to give away. 11 God will give you enough so you can always give to others. 

2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) Remember this:  Whoever sows [gives] sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows [gives] generously will also reap generously.  

3.  Takers believe man is their provider, but Givers know God as their Source

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 (NIV) And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.

4.  Takers live in fear, but Givers live by faith

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) 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. 

5.  Takers act like owners, but Givers act like stewards

Acts 20:35 (NLT) “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV) But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?  Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.

6.  Takers act like the Devil, but Givers act like God

  1.  Generosity honors God (Prov. 14:31, 2 Cor. 9:13)

  2.  Generosity draws us closer to God (Prov. 14:23, Mt 6:21)

  3.  Generosity makes us more like Jesus (Prov. 21:26, Lk. 11:41)

  4.  Generosity is the cure for materialism (Mt. 6:24, 1 Tim. 6:17-19)

  5.  Generosity demonstrates our faith (2 Cor. 9:13, Philem. 1:6)

  6.  Generosity reveals our character (Lk. 16:11)

  7.  Generosity brings God’s blessing (Deut. 15:10, Prov. 22:9)

  8.  Generosity increases our happiness (Acts 20:35) 

  9.  Generosity expands our influence (Ps. 112:9, Prov. 11:24)

10.  Generosity multiplies our money (Prov. 11:25, 2 Cor. 9:11)

11.  Generosity brings God’s protection (Ps. 112:5-6)

12.  Generosity will be rewarded in heaven (Lk. 16:9, 1 Tim. 6:18-19)