2. Message Series - Part 3: The Kind of Giving that God Responds To Matthew 2: 1-12

3. Mat 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

4. Questions to ponder: 1.Where are you going? 2. What are you looking for? 3. Are you asking the right questions? 4. What are you following?

5. Here is a thought: They did not worship the star, but following the star would lead them to what they would worship.

6. Principle #1: Don’t follow anything that does not lead you to worship. Worship should always be a part of your journey.

7. Mat 2:3 And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Mat 2:3 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified--and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. – The Msg

8. Here is a thought: He was troubled because he was illegitimate.

9. Principle #2: When you seek Jesus it will most often reveal the illegitimate.

10. Mat 2:5-6 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.

11. Here is a prophetic word: You have considered yourself the least, but out of you will be birth something great.

12. Mat 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him.

13. Three things to remember: 1. Wicked people often cloak their evil designs under the appearance of religion. 2. Wicked people often attempt to make use of the pious to advance their evil purposes. 3. Wicked people plans are often well laid.

14. Here is a thought: Some people want to kill what is revealed.

15. Principle #3: Always be alert to anyone who sends you but won’t go with you!

16. Mat 2:9-10 And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

17. Exodus 40:34-38 The Cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Glory of GOD filled The Dwelling. Moses couldn't enter the Tent of Meeting because the Cloud was upon it, and the Glory of GOD filled The Dwelling. Whenever the Cloud lifted from The Dwelling, the People of Israel set out on their travels, but if the Cloud did not lift, they wouldn't set out until it did lift. The Cloud of GOD was over The Dwelling during the day and the fire was in it at night, visible to all the Israelites in all their travels.

18. Here is a thought: The Israelites had the cloud, the wise men had the star, but we have the Spirit!

19. The Message: Mat 2:10 They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!

20. Principle #4: Keeping following the Lord until He stands over the place/thing He showed you.

21. Mat 2:11 And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him ; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

22. Here is an observation of the text: They first worshipped Him with themselves before they worshipped Him with their gifts.

23. Here is a thought: Giving is always a part of Worship.

24. Mat 2:11 And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

25. Principle #5: Every gift sown to God is connected to what you see Him doing in the future.