1. CREATED
to be a GIVER
In Matthew 6, Jesus asks,
“Why would you store things
up here where they will eventually
fade away when you could store things
in heaven that will last for
eternity?”.
Jesus’ words revolutionize our work
perspective. When God made man, He made
him for more than chasing after the worldly
pursuits of money and possessions; He made
him to be both a provider and a giver...
like He, Himself, did in creation and
continues to do each day. God uses His
possessions to provide for and bless us.
Being made in His image, He intends for us
to do the same.
God’s word calls us to steward our resources
wisely, to be givers and to bless others.
- “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor... You shall
open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, what
ever it may be... You shall give to him because for this the Lord
your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you
undertake.” Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10 (ESV)
- “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we
must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He
Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.’”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)
- “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully,
each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly
or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
- “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all
your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your
vats will be bursting with wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
- “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and
ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good
foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which
is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (ESV)
- “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what
he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing
will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)
- “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break
in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV)
- “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives,
and especially for members of his household, he has
denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV)
- “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him
labor doing honest work with his own hands, so that
he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
Ephesians 1:28 (ESV)