#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sun. 20/8/2017
20/8/2017 LESSON 12
BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO GIVE TO THE NEEDY
Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE
Unit 3: Our Impacts (Lessons 10-12)
(STEWARDSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY MONTH)
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 208, 223
Devotional Reading: LK. 6:30-38
Topic For Adults
GOD THE FATHER, THE FIRST MODEL GIVER
Topic For Youths
GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER, NOT ‘SHOWFUL’ GIVER
Topic For Intermediates
YOUR LIFE IS A GIFT
Scripture Lesson
ACTS 20:35; MATT. 6:1-4; PS. 41:1-3
MEMORY VERSE
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matt 25:40 (NKJV)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 20/8/2017
The Most Acceptable Gift To God
2 Cor. 8:5; Rom. 12:1-2
This is one of the greatest statements made about members of the Macedonian church of Paul’s day, a church that should be a model for churches of the saints. Paul was commending the charity of the Macedonian church. They knew everything they were and owned belonged to God. With this knowledge, this they did, they first gave their own selves to the Lord (true salvation and commitment to walk with Jesus) and then to us. All we give for charitable uses or the gospel will not be accepted of God nor turn to any eternal advantage unless we first give ourselves to the Lord, offer ourselves first, as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: The first and most important gift you should give to the Lord is you-your spirit, soul and body.
PRAYER POINT: Lord, I give myself to You afresh again-spirit, soul and body, all I am and all that I have, belongs to You; use me for Your glory!
BACKGROUND
Giving is good but the motive behind this act is very important. This week’s lesson centres on the principles which Jesus spelt out in His teachings for our giving to be acceptable and rewarded.
NOTES ON THE TEXT
PART 1: IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE (ACTS 20:35)
This seems to be the most unbelieved beatitudes in the Bible. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35). You should note that the Bible didn’t say it is better, but more blessed to give than to receive; Amplified Bible says, it makes one happier and to be envied. The giver is more blessed and made happy than the getter? I’m happier when I collect a gift but the scriptures are not our feelings, intuitions and instincts. Why is it more blessed to give than to receive?
- You are obeying God’s command (e.g. 1 Cor. 1:2; Lk. 6:38, etc.) As you give (in love), a joy comes into your heart indeed if you follow Jesus and His Word.
- You are submitting to God’s Lordship. Our submission is really tested in the areas where our own nature and situation makes obedience more difficult. Sometimes people get born-again but their money is exempted-Jesus’ Lordship also means Lord over your money.
- You exhibit the heart of God (Jam. 1:17) God is the giver of every good and every perfect gift. As you give, you demonstrate His large and generous heart.
- You illustrate God’s salvation especially when you give sacrificially (Jn. 3:16)
- Giving demonstrates trust in God-the Provider-The biggest deterrent to giving is fear, fear that if I give too much, I won’t have enough for one need or the other. When we give sacrificially and beyond what is comfortable and easy (cheerfully), we are expressing our trust in God to provide for us and our family.
- God begins to fall in love with you the more (2 Cor. 2:7) because you bring smile to His face.
- Giving advances God’s kingdom. You are indirectly contributing to the salaries and welfare of ministers and missionaries; funding resources for outreaches, evangelism and discipleship. Above, we are investing in the spiritual and eternal welfare of people. Money is indirectly changing homes, structures, relationships, bringing more souls into the kingdom etc
- Sacrificial Giving promotes sanctification. Giving not only promotes God’s work through us, but also God’s work in us, our sanctification. Giving requires self-discipline, self-denial and crucified life when the money is labored for.
- Giving praises and thanks to God. Giving in the right spirit is a deep form of worship and devotion.
PART 2: BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR CHRISTIAN GIVING (MATT. 6:1-4)
- God expects and requires us to give (Matt. 6:2) “when you give” NOT “if you give”. It’s not optional, it is essential.
- The Lord Jesus wants us to give with the right motives and for the right reasons (Matt. 6:1). Are you giving for God’s praise or men’s?
- The Lord wants us to practise charitable or benevolent giving. When last did you willingly put your money into charity? When last did you put your money into your church welfare/charity box?
- Our giving is to the all-seeing father (Matt. 6:3-4). Are you conscious of the fact that your giving is to the Lord and is seen by the Lord.
- The Bible teaches that Christian giving is an act of worship (1 Cor. 16:2) e.g. Solomon. If you love God, you will worship Him with all you have, including your money.
- Christian giving should be done, seeing God the father and Jesus Christ as our example. (Jn. 3:16;2 Cor. 8:9). God the Father gave us His greatest unspeakable gift, His Only Divine Son Christ’s self-giving is now the standard for our giving, His inexpressible manner and extent of giving should inspire and instruct our giving. If He gave you His life, nothing should be too costly or too much to give to Him.
- Christian giving should be done in accordance with our means 2 Cor. 8:12; 1 Cor. 16:2 i.e. in proportion to the material blessings the Lord has given you. Christ didn’t say you should borrow to give God! (except in rare cases in which you must be sure it is God instructing you e.g. poor widow, the children of Israel and it is even for their blessing, not for God. God Himself said, “you shall not borrow, but lend unto nations”.
- Liberality of God’s blessings is connected to your giving (2 Cor. 9:6; Matt. 6:4; Lk. 6:38). Do you think you are doing God a favor when you give back to your maker and Savior little of what He has given to you and done for you?
- Christian giving must be free will giving (2 Cor. 9:7). Is your giving whole-heartedly, indifferently or grudgingly?
- Christian giving ought to be done cheerfully. The Lord takes specific delight in those who are lively, cheerful, energetic, merry givers. Is there joy in your heart when you give? Can you truly be characterized as a cheerful giver?
- God has the right to reject or accept your gift (Cain and Abel Gen. 4:4-5).
PART 3: BENEFITS OF GIVING TO THE NEEDY (PS. 41:1-3)
Apart from the benefits in parts 1 and 2 there are other numerous benefits of giving to the needy (with the right heart). They are:
- Assurance of God’s deliverance in trouble (Ps. 41)
- Preservation and longevity (Ps. 41:2)
- Blessings (seen and unseen)
- Strength through sickness and pains, restoration to full health and healing (Ps. 41:3); Dorcas (Acts 9:36-41)
- Provoking the hand of favor, uncommon blessings and miracles; a candidate for unusual divine visitation and open heavens. (Cornelius Acts 10:2-6;30-48)
- Deliverance from enemies; He will make your enemies your footstool
- Eternal life and rewards (Matt. 25:34-40).
- A fulfilled life; you are created, NOT just to receive blessings but to be a blessing.
- A friend of God (2 Cor. 9:7).
At the end of your life, how many lives would you have touched? What will people say about you in sincerity?
CONCLUSION
People have so many reasons not to be givers, but God’s standard and principles remain sure; cultivate the heart and act of giving today; you will rejoice evermore. This is the gospel truth.
QUESTIONS
- Why is it more blessed to give than to receive?
- Mention some Biblical principles for Christian giving.
- What are the benefits of giving to the needy?
- Explain this sentence ‘you are created, NOT just to receive blessings BUT to be a blessing.
- As a result of this lesson, what have you learnt and what do you intend to do with it?
