GIVING ... A GOOD INVESTMENT
December 10, 2000 PM
Sermon Outline
Phil 4:17
INTRO: Paul is still writing of the generosity of the church in Philippi ... still thanking the people there for their continuing to be interested in and concerned about him and his needs. In this particular verse - which we will only consider briefly - there are two things about the gift on which Id like to concentrate for a little while. Well call our lesson tonight Giving ... A Good Investment.
I. THE FRUIT OF GIVING
A. On what is Paul most emphatic?
1. not on the gift ... nor any future gift
2. the real importance he attaches to the gift is on the benefit to the givers ... Acts 20:35 so, what fruit?
B. The fruit of a tender heart, spirit
1. experience of giving to another tends to joy, delight
2. effect of gift upon receiver will affect the giver with feelings, too ... he will be ever more sensitive as he continues his giving (Prov 11:24a)
C. The fruit of a healthy mind
1. each has his sorrows, dilemmas, problems - we can drown in these
2. giving to others has a tendency to move our thinking away from our troubles to an appreciation of blessings as we serve, minister to others ... as we see their needs
D. The fruit of true fellowship
1. an actual sharing - personally -in anothers difficulty
2. Acts 2:45,46 the giving here was very personal, very pointed and constituted real fellowship (Acts 2:42)
E. The fruit of likeness to God
1. I cannot picture God other than as a giving God
2. Mal 3:10 does not God daily pour out those blessings?
3. and as we learn to give openly, generously, not hoping for any special gain, we must become more like God (Lk 6:35a)
F. The fruit of an enlarged life, view, purpose
1. the world is essentially a very selfish place at special seasons, times a sentimentality may prevail
2. giving people - rare as they may be - are the truly worthwhile people ... people whose look is outward, otherward
II. GIVING AS AN INVESTMENT
A. Abound to your account
1. we must reckon with Mt 6:19-21
2. principle is that of investing ... investing in durable, lasting, safe securities
B. We do that wen we are giving to needs of others
1. the return comes in our spiritual growth, our development as people of true character
2. the return comes in blessings from others (Lk 6:38)
3. but we must not overlook the idea that what we give now follows us into eternity! or, precedes us
4. what we do for others is credited by God to our account! it is recognized by God as th offering of a cheerful, loving heart
CLOSE: The happiest people on earth are giving, sharing people. Their net worth for a financial statement may be little ... but their net worth to humanity and in Gods view is great.
Cecil A. Hutson
10 December 2000