GOD’S PROMISE TO THE GENEROUS
The Habits of Happiness (Philippians) – Part 9
Rick WarrenNov. 16-17, 2013
“I want you to know about (the church at Philippi’s) generosity...
Even while suffering in severe trials and extreme poverty, their lives
have overflowed with joy because of their amazing generosity.
I personally witnessed their giving not simply giving what they could
afford. But giving even beyond their human ability! No one told
them to do it. It was due to their own generous hearts. In fact they
begged and pleaded for the privilege of giving to serve God's
people. And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave
themselves to the Lord and then to us. That is what pleases God!”
2 Cor. 8:1-5
PHILIPPIANS 4:14-20
6 BENEFITS: EVERY TIME I’M GENEROUS...
1. You benefit yourself. Earning the gratitude of others by helping
them & sharing God's blessings.
“How grateful I am and how I praise the Lord that you are helping
me again…It was so good that you helped me when I needed it...
You Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help
when I brought you the Good News...No other church did this...
You sent me aid again and again when I was in need…So I am
generously supplied with the gifts you sent me.” Ph. 4:10,14-16,18
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to God...because you have
been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ...It is
right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very
special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of
God.” Ph. 1:3,5,7 (NLT)
Paul's thank you note to the poorest yet most generous church who helped him
while he awaited execution by the wicked ruler, Nero.
You earn a living by what you make.
You earn life by what you give.
You reap what you sow.
2. I maintain my priorities of being unselfish and doing God's pleasure.
“I want you to understand what really matters...” Ph. 1:10 (NLT)
“All the things I once thought were so very important, I now
consider worthless because of Christ.” Ph. 3:7
“We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.”
Ph. 3:20
Your giving always displays your priorities.
Break the grip of materialism by giving freely.
3. I become like Christ, my Lord. Giving is God's essence.
“Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only
Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.”
Ph. 1:11
“Don’t just look out for your own interests, but look also to the
interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of
Christ Jesus.” Ph. 2:4-5
He became poor so we may become rich!
There are 2 kinds of people: Givers & Takers.
Misers comes from the word "miserable", because that is the result of selfishness.
He who dies with the most toys... still dies!
The purpose of life is love and relationships... this is everlasting.
"Love" is based in giving whereas "Lust" is based on getting.
Narcissism is on the rise in our world... Following Jesus Christ as Christians is counter culture.
4. Exercise faith and trust in God.
“Do not worry about anything, instead pray and ask God for
everything you need, always giving thanks.” Ph. 4:6
Thanks + Giving = Thanksgiving.
The best way to express gratitude with giving & appreciation.
5. Invest in my eternal home by storing up treasures that will last.
“Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the
well-earned reward you will receive because of your generosity”
Phil. 4:17
“I want you to have the profit that accrues to your account.”
(NAB)
“I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving.”
(CEV)
“…Give happily to those in need, and always be ready to share
whatever God has given you. By doing this, you will be storing up
real treasure for yourselves in heaven – it is the only safe
investment for eternity!” 1 Tim. 6:18-19
Jesus spoke about this six times. So it must be emphasized!
Everything you accumulate here you will leave behind, you can't take it with you.
But you can invest in God's kingdom by what your generosity and kindnesses and leading others to the Way, Truth and Life through Jesus Christ.
6.It pleases God.
“Your gifts are like a fragrant offering to God, a sacrifice that God
accepts, and is pleasing to Him.” Ph. 4:18
Is God pleased with your giving and generosity?
Every time you give to the poor, you loan to God and he will repay you.
THE PROMISE
“THEN God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches
in Christ Jesus.” Ph. 4:19
You can't out give God!
“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need,
his generosity exceeding yours, in the glory that pours from Jesus.
Glory to God forever and ever!” Ph. 4:19 (M es)
2 WAYS TO BE GENEROUS
1. BY RATIONALE: Sharing your possessions, etc.
What can I afford? Counting the cost.
2. BY REVELATION: Dedicating your time, energy, money and possessions. God owns it all anyhow!
Ask: "God, what do you want to give through me?" Exercising your faith and trust in God. Stretch your faith and grow spiritually.
“Remember the words that Jesus himself said,
‘There’s more HAPPINESS in giving than in receiving!’” Acts 20:35
Christmas is Jesus' birthday. Wise men brought gifts. Now nobody brings him gifts. They only think of themselves. Give back to God on Christmas by doing something by your free and voluntary faith. Not by pressure or guilt.
Include children in the giving process. Teach them to become unselfish and kind and helpful.
Generosity develops not only a habit of happiness, but also:
integrity, reliability, productivity, maturity, cooperation, and contentment.
Maintain Thanksgiving traditions centered about giving Thanks to God and spending time with loved ones.
Society is pushing us towards retail shopping, materialism and self indulgences in attempts to thwart holidays /holy days that should be sacred and passed down to generations to strengthen our faith and families.
Decide now not to shop on Thanksgiving... keep it about family and God, not shopping and spending money.
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