SO MUCH MORE: Being Faithful
January 26, 2020
Key Verse: Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
The Struggle to be Faithful
1. GREED – We all know people who are greedy, we just THINK WE DON’T STRUGGLE OURSELVES
Vs 17a Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable.
2. DOUBT – Can God really TAKE CARE OF ALL OF MY NEEDS?
Vs 17b Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
3. COMFORT– We think WE’VE DONE ENOUGH OR FOCUS ON SELF
Vs 18-19 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Our RESPONSIBILITYto be Faithful
1 Corinthians 4:2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful
1. It all BELONGS TO GOD
Psalm 89:11The heavens are yours; and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours – you created it all.
James 1:17-18 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession
a. WE belong to God
b. OUR STUFF belongs to God
c. OUR HOPE comes from God
2. Our response to God
2 Corinthians 9:7-9 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
a. Give ABUNDANTLY
1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
b. Give REGULARLY
2 Cor. 9:7a You must each decide in your heart how much to give.
c. Give JOYFULLY
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2 Corinthians 9:7-9 NLT
Cor. 9:7b …For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.
Our ACCOUNTABILITYin being Faithful
Romans 14:12 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God
1. We are accountable to OURSELVES
2. We are accountable for OURPOSSESSIONS
3. We are accountable for OUR TIME
4. We are accountable for OUR GIFTS