GENEROUS GIVING TO A GENEROUS GOD Penge Baptist Church 16th January 2011

Matthew 22:15-22 “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

What is God’s? He gave us gifts of life, creation and relationships But we rejected them Jesus is the fourth and greatest gift who helps us get the other gifts back

A generous God “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16) “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Our selfish nature

Surrendering our lives “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25

Alpha course starts 6th February

Being godly stewards of our resources “You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

Generous and voluntary giving: “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) Regular and proportionate giving: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). 10% of income as a guideline for giving

Giving for God’s kingdom “I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Giving talents and time in service to others – in the church

The “call for volunteers” Creche: we would appreciate having some new volunteers for the rota We need more volunteers so we can restart the Youth Club Toddler group for additional assistance AV/sound so we can have a rota Musicians especially guitar, drums and bass

Giving talents and time in service to others – in the world Sharing the good news of Jesus A kind word A listening ear A prayer Help when family circumstances are difficult Practical service like helping with decorating or gardening Seeking justice for those who are oppressed

Three gifts we can give back Our lives – surrender. Our possessions – stewardship Our time and talents – service

Blessings of giving to God Surrender – “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16) Stewardship – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10-12) Service – “Shalom” deep inner peace and fulfilment

Giving back to a generous God