A RELIGION OF GIVING

TEXT: John 3:16

INTRODUCTION:

A. OUR FAITH INVOLVES SACRIFICE ON THE PART OF ALL INVOLVED.

B. THE BASIS OF THAT SACRIFICE IS LOVE.

I. GOD GAVE.

A. GOD IS THE GIVER OF EVERY GOOD GIFT( James 1:17 ).

1. He is the giver of life & life's necessities( Acts 17:24-28; Mat. 6:31-33).

2. He is the giver of real joy( 1 Tim. 6:17-19 ).

B. BUT GOD'S GREATEST GIFT WAS HIS SON( John 3:16 ).

1. While we were enemies( Rom. 5:8, 10 ).

2. Not because we wanted the gift( 1 John 4:9-10 ).

II. JESUS GAVE.

A. GAVE HIMSELF UP( Gal. 2:20 ).

B. EMPTIED HIMSELF( Phil. 2:5-8; 2 Cor. 8:9 ).

C. SUFFERED IN OUR PLACE( 1 Pet. 2:24 ).

III. WE MUST GIVE( Rom. 12:1 ).

A. WE MUST GIVE OF OUR MEANS( 1 Cor. 16:2 ).

1. Periodic - first day of the week.

2. Personal - let each one of you.

3. Provident - lay by him in store - Commanded!

4. Proportionate - as he may prosper.

5. Preventative - that there be no collections when I come.

6. Purposeful - 2 Cor. 9:7.

7. Cheerfully - 2 Cor. 9:7.

8. Confident of our reward - 1 Tim. 6:19.

9. How much?

a. As we prosper( 1 Cor. 16:1-2 ).

b. Bountifully, not sparingly( 2 Cor. 9:6 }.

c. In consideration of the need( Acts 2:45 }.

B. HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHERS.

1. We obtain God's help( Psa. 41: 1-2 ).

2. ( Luke 6:35 )We are like God. God will reward( Luke 6:38 )

3. We have individual responsibility( Gal.6:10; 1 John 3:17-18; James 1:27 ).

C. BUT FIRST WE MUST GIVE OURSELVES.( 2 Cor. 8:5 ).

1. Reasonable( Rom. 12:1; Gal. 2:20).

3. His love constrains( 2 Cor. 5:14-15 ).

CONCLUSION:

A. GOD AND JESUS GAVE THEIR ALL. THEY CANNOT GIVE ANYMORE .

B. WHAT HAVE YOU GIVEN FOR THEM?