WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.000 Now if you're here this morning and you do not have a worship guide, please uh raise your hand. 00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:08.560 We want to make sure you get a worship guide. 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:09.679 Anyone? 00:00:09.919 --> 00:00:12.240 And somebody's phone's going off? 00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:14.160 Or is that me? 00:00:15.039 --> 00:00:16.559 No, it's not me. 00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:20.800 I don't think it's me. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:24.800 Okay, all right, all right. 00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:30.399 Mine did go off outside, said I fell down again and called 911. 00:00:32.799 --> 00:00:37.920 But praise the Lord, I they didn't have a number on record because I did not fill that part out. 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:41.200 But anyway. 00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:46.799 I guess the Lord's not the Lord. 00:00:49.200 --> 00:00:50.159 But anyway. 00:00:53.359 --> 00:01:06.480 This past month has been a very refreshing month for me as we've gone back and I have and thought about all the things that God has done for us in the last six and a half years. 00:01:06.719 --> 00:01:08.239 It's phenomenal. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:17.439 And let me just say this: it is phenomenal for the way our people have given to this church this past year. 00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:27.760 Our budget, I think, almost hit, or it may have, with all the giving, almost$800,000. 00:01:28.799 --> 00:01:31.439 That's unheard of in a church this size. 00:01:31.760 --> 00:01:33.359 Can we give God the glory? 00:01:33.439 --> 00:01:35.040 Can we give him a clap offer? 00:01:39.680 --> 00:01:52.079 And one reason pastors usually shares the amounts of the money and stuff is not to brag on the amount of the money, to brag on the hearts of the people that give. 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:56.000 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 00:01:56.400 --> 00:02:04.400 And we've got a lot of people that their hearts are in this church because they know this church is a lighthouse to this community. 00:02:04.959 --> 00:02:09.840 It constantly is helping people, sharing the good news with people. 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:19.520 And you ain't seen anything yet when we have hundreds and hundreds of people coming on that property and being able to share the good news and the gospel with them every day. 00:02:19.680 --> 00:02:21.360 It's going to be awesome. 00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:31.439 And I said that to say this, and I left it for the last principle, because a healthy church is a financial free church. 00:02:32.479 --> 00:02:37.759 I don't know how many churches that get in bondage to debt. 00:02:38.479 --> 00:02:43.039 And then they're not able to minister to their community. 00:02:44.479 --> 00:02:50.479 Between the salaries and the debt, they can't do anything but survive. 00:02:50.800 --> 00:03:07.599 And when God laid on my heart, well, on David's heart and my heart to start this church, and David Wilson was a as high level as you could go in Dave Ramsey's structure of teaching financial principles. 00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:10.240 And we did that here once a year. 00:03:10.400 --> 00:03:13.840 He would take a, it's an in-depth, it's like 12 weeks. 00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:23.280 $100, you get a big notebook, and but he would do one and wouldn't take any no more than 10 people and take them through that every year. 00:03:23.520 --> 00:03:33.439 And uh I know Rick and Heather, when they first got here, God he took the, he said, if he says, one thing I want you to understand is financial freedom, so I want you to go through it with me. 00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:38.800 So now back when David and I went through it, it wasn't Dave Ramsey, it was Larry Burkett. 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:46.159 He and I went through that course together early in our church years at Open Door Baptist Church. 00:03:46.479 --> 00:03:51.280 And Open Door Baptist Church, all the years I was pastor, never borrowed a dime. 00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:56.080 Because when I assumed the church, we were$300,000 in debt. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:04:00.319 And so we, and that's back when interest rate was 20%. 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:01.280 Hello. 00:04:02.960 --> 00:04:04.879 And that was 35 people. 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:18.639 So it seems like every ministry I've been a part of, God left there, but God, when we left there, we had almost a million dollars in the bank and everything paid for when I went to Liberty University. 00:04:21.839 --> 00:04:24.560 Liberty University was in major debt. 00:04:25.839 --> 00:04:27.920 I left there and went to Tennessee Temple. 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:29.279 It was in major debt. 00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:33.279 So everywhere God has sent me, He's allowed me to be a builder. 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:36.000 In fact, Susan and I talked about this recently. 00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:48.000 There's no doubt my gifts, I've never really thought of it in that context, but everywhere I've been, God's allowed me to be part of a building team to build something for the glory of God. 00:04:49.680 --> 00:04:53.199 And one of the things I have learned not to do. 00:04:54.079 --> 00:04:55.439 Because I haven't done it. 00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:59.040 Because everywhere I've been, they were in big debt before I got there. 00:04:59.519 --> 00:05:05.199 But one thing your pastor's never done is taken a ministry into deep debt. 00:05:05.759 --> 00:05:07.519 Never done it, never will. 00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:12.079 Yeah, we're always coming out. 00:05:13.839 --> 00:05:26.480 And I made a promise, David and I did to each other when we started this church, that we would never put this church in a situation financially that we could not minister to the community and to people. 00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:28.879 And we've not. 00:05:29.199 --> 00:05:30.879 And we won't. 00:05:32.079 --> 00:05:43.439 So with that said, I laid that foundation to let you know the title of the message this morning, Biblical Principles for Financial Blessings, is so true. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:48.879 And most people, when they first hear a message title that way, you know what your first, oh, here he goes. 00:05:49.040 --> 00:05:51.360 He's gonna talk about money. 00:05:53.920 --> 00:05:57.279 When you buy something at Walmart, what do they ask you for? 00:05:58.160 --> 00:06:03.040 When you go to a gas station and you put gas in your car, what do they ask you for? 00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:06.480 When it's time to pay your rent, what do you pay? 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:13.360 Money is a necessity for everything we do. 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:16.160 And you can do it the right way. 00:06:16.319 --> 00:06:19.680 You can spend money the right way, or you can spend money the wrong way. 00:06:19.839 --> 00:06:21.040 Can I get an O me? 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:30.000 So, yes, this morning I'm gonna be talking about money. 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:45.120 But, and by the way, your pastor has no problem talking about tithing and giving because I will not stand before the Lord and he'll ask me, Pastor Danny, why did you cheat your people out of the blessings of giving? 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:50.800 And there's a right way to give and a wrong way to give. 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:52.639 And I've got news for you. 00:06:52.720 --> 00:07:07.839 If a church, I really believe this with all my heart, biblically leads the leadership of a church, biblically leads a church in biblical financial principles, they'll never have a money problem. 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:10.639 Never. 00:07:11.279 --> 00:07:14.000 And that's what I love about this church. 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:20.160 The last ministry was a$10 million a year budget, and we were in debt and buildings. 00:07:21.439 --> 00:07:25.839 I went to bed praying, God, if you don't come through, we're through. 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:28.720 And he came through. 00:07:29.120 --> 00:07:30.720 But about kill me. 00:07:31.839 --> 00:07:34.480 I was weighing about 225 pounds. 00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:42.879 See, when I get concerned, I didn't say worry, that's a sin. 00:07:43.040 --> 00:07:45.759 So I don't worry, I'm just concerned. 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:49.839 That's another way to say to justify your sin. 00:07:50.639 --> 00:07:51.279 Hello? 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:53.360 You okay out there? 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:54.720 You too. 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:57.680 Yeah, that's right. 00:07:58.319 --> 00:08:00.160 So I eat. 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:09.759 But with that said, I have learned what not to do financially. 00:08:11.040 --> 00:08:17.519 And so today, I'm gonna teach you how to be excited about giving. 00:08:17.839 --> 00:08:18.480 Amen? 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:19.519 Come on. 00:08:19.839 --> 00:08:23.519 In fact, the word cheerful giver, you know what the Greek word there means? 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:24.879 Hilariously. 00:08:25.839 --> 00:08:30.399 You ought to want to give hilariously to the Lord. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:33.919 And that is what we're gonna talk about today. 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:40.000 We're gonna talk about churches that love to hilariously give. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:40.799 You know why? 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:42.960 Here's what happens when you do that. 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:45.519 You become channels of blessings. 00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:48.720 You become conduits of blessings. 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:59.039 In fact, there's not there's no greater joy than to give and watch God use that to help people and do something for the glory of God. 00:08:59.200 --> 00:09:01.200 There's no greater joy. 00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:13.919 And that's what Nehemiah was talking about when he says, For the joy of the Lord is your strength, because of the way the king had given and people had given to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:17.919 The joy of the Lord is your strength. 00:09:18.159 --> 00:09:30.000 So with that said, today we're going to be looking at really the better, the better title, Biblical Principles for Financial Blessings. 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:49.759 And that's a great title, and that's what you've been looking at in Sunday school, and thank you for being in Sunday school this week, this month, as we looked at the the uh, and boy was it good, the marks of a healthy church vision, that the saints and the ants, and now biblical principles, principles for financial blessing. 00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:59.360 And I'm convinced every church that has a good group of people should not have a money problem. 00:10:00.320 --> 00:10:02.080 I really believe that with all my heart. 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:04.159 I've seen it so many times. 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:05.200 And here's why. 00:10:05.440 --> 00:10:12.799 The money's, if God lays on the leadership's heart what to do, the money will be there to do if the leadership's walking with the Lord. 00:10:12.960 --> 00:10:13.919 Can I get an amen? 00:10:14.240 --> 00:10:18.879 1 Corinthians 6.17, the leadership, he that's joined under the Lord's one spirit. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:26.240 If we're in one accord trying to do what he wants and not what we want, there's no problem with God financing what he wants done. 00:10:26.320 --> 00:10:27.600 Can I get an amen? 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:30.799 So, what's the key there? 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:33.600 The key is the motive for giving. 00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:35.279 Why do you give? 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:42.960 So, really, we could title and write it down on your sheet, uh, motives for giving. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:46.399 And we're going to look at five of them this morning. 00:10:46.720 --> 00:10:51.039 In 2 Corinthians chapter 8 and 2 Corinthians chapter 9. 00:10:53.039 --> 00:11:01.840 Because I really believe that giving ought to come out of the right motives. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:10.240 I hear preachers all the time try to use gimmicks and stories to raise money or they'll do it right before the offering. 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:16.159 You never heard me say any gimmicks, and I won't, because I believe if God's in it, God provides. 00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:17.360 Can I get an amen? 00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:21.600 My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory through Christ Jesus. 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:23.039 Philippians 4.19. 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:26.240 And we're going to look at some great principles. 00:11:26.399 --> 00:11:28.320 But I was reminded of a story. 00:11:28.480 --> 00:11:39.200 I remember hearing a story about a church that had a special meeting to raise money and funds to renovate its church building, which was in desperate need of repair. 00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:53.440 One of the wealthiest men in the church who really could have paid for the renovation by himself was the first one to raise his hand to make a donation to the renovation. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:57.360 He raised his hand and he said, five dollars. 00:11:58.559 --> 00:12:08.879 About that time, the building and the roof was in such sad shape, a big piece of plaster came down and hit him on the head. 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:14.000 And he shook his head and he said, Oh, fifty dollars. 00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:32.639 About that time, a little lady in the back said, Lord, hit him again! And I thought to myself, how true sometimes that is. 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:45.039 The Word of God gives us so many amazing reasons for giving to Him that we shouldn't have to use any tricks, gimmicks, or weepy stories to motivate people to give. 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:46.240 Now let's look at it. 00:12:46.480 --> 00:12:52.639 The first principle in biblical principles for financial blessings is number one. 00:12:53.679 --> 00:12:55.519 The motive of grace. 00:12:55.919 --> 00:12:57.120 The motive of grace. 00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:02.000 When we look at 2 Corinthians chapter 8, verse 1, look at what it says. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:10.000 Moreover, brethren, we do you to understand of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia. 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:18.879 Now he's talking about the greatest example of given in the New Testament far as churches are concerned, or one of the greatest, is the church at Macedonia. 00:13:19.039 --> 00:13:25.759 And he says, Oh, the bestowed, the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, that region. 00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:30.480 And then we see also verse 6, look at verse 6. 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:40.320 Insomuch that we desired Titus that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:42.000 Look at verse 7. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:48.720 Therefore, as ye abound, that word abounds, powerful word, in this whole context of given. 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:59.519 Abound in everything in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all diligence and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also. 00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:03.679 Look at verse 9. 00:14:04.399 --> 00:14:18.799 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that through though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye, hey, through his poverty might be rich. 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:19.759 Wow. 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:22.639 That's unbelievable. 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:27.360 And then jump over to 2 Corinthians 9, verse 8. 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:38.240 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work. 00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:40.480 Whoo! Wow. 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:49.759 So here it is amazing that in this central passage on giving in the New Testament, grace is the theme. 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:52.879 Grace is the theme. 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:58.799 This reminds us really of the connection between God's grace and our giving. 00:14:59.120 --> 00:15:03.120 In fact, I have a message called grace giving. 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:10.080 And that's really what motivates us, first of all, to give should be the grace of God. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:11.600 Can I get an amen? 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:15.279 Well, because it's by the grace of God that we're saved. 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:16.480 Can I get an amen? 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:19.200 For by grace are you saved through faith, not of yourself. 00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:22.480 It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:24.639 Ephesians 2, 8 and 9. 00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:28.799 But it's also by the grace of God that we have what we have. 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:35.840 We're not sufficient in ourselves, but our sufficiency is in the grace of God, 2 Corinthians 3, 5. 00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:39.679 So we see right here the importance. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:44.320 In fact, the connection between God's grace and our giving. 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:50.960 In the Old Testament, God said, Do this and I will bless you. 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:55.759 If you're willing and obedient, you should eat the good of the land. 00:15:56.080 --> 00:16:01.600 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:05.120 Isaiah 1, 19 and 20. 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:10.639 So he says, if you do this, I will bless you. 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:20.639 Now we come to the New Testament, the New Dispensation, and God says, I have already blessed you. 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:23.279 I have already given to you. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:28.480 I have imparted to you the person of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God in you. 00:16:28.720 --> 00:16:35.519 So because I have blessed you, you ought to, hey, give me thanksgiving. 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:38.799 And we see the difference. 00:16:38.960 --> 00:16:41.120 There's a tremendous difference. 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:45.279 But hey, do this, he says in the Old Testament, I will bless you. 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:49.759 But in the New Testament, he says, I have blessed you, so do this. 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:52.159 Because I blessed you, do this. 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:56.080 Not do this and I'll bless you, but I blessed you, so do this. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:57.759 Does that make sense? 00:16:58.159 --> 00:16:59.919 Man, that's a major difference. 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:05.359 In fact, the difference is in motivation between the Old and New Testament. 00:17:05.519 --> 00:17:15.599 Instead of doing things to merit God's favor, like they did in the Old Testament, we acknowledge God for the favor that has already been given to us. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:17.039 Can I get an amen? 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:19.119 Man, that's a major difference. 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.799 Major difference. 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:24.880 And so good and so biblical. 00:17:25.359 --> 00:17:29.279 The favor that we've already received by doing things for his glory. 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:33.119 I love what he says in Psalms 68, verse 19. 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:36.720 Bless the Lord, and I love that. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:43.200 He says, Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. 00:17:43.359 --> 00:17:45.039 Is that not awesome? 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:53.839 And then in Psalms 115, verse 12, he says, I will, hey, I will be mindful of God who blesses me. 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:55.680 Why? 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:58.079 Because of his favor toward us. 00:17:58.880 --> 00:18:01.119 Someone has said, Grace is this. 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:04.400 I was reading all about grace, and I want you to write this down. 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:06.000 I saw this nugget. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:08.000 Here's what grace really means. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:13.599 Now, the theological definition is unmerited favor. 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:16.559 If you're in a theology class, that's what they teach you. 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:19.119 In other words, God gives you something you don't deserve. 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:21.279 Would we not say amen to that? 00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:25.680 But if you want a practical definition, what's the definition of grace? 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:27.039 You'll hang on to this one. 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:29.279 Grace means God for you. 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:33.759 Grace means God is for you. 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:35.519 I like that. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:39.599 And everything God does, He does for you. 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:42.880 Amen? 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:45.119 Say this with me, church. 00:18:45.359 --> 00:18:46.559 God is for me. 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:48.319 God is for me. 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:52.079 That's really what grace is all about. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:53.440 And that is so true. 00:18:53.599 --> 00:19:03.119 The New Testament is filled with examples of how God is for us, not the least of which is the fact that He commended His love for our salvation. 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:07.200 And Romans 8.31 says, if God be for me, say it with me. 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:07.680 What? 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:08.880 Who can be against me? 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:13.039 Nay, in all things, we've been made more than conquerors through him that loves us. 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:14.799 Romans 8.37. 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:20.319 Grace is God for you, Jesus for you. 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:21.359 Man, that's good. 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:22.400 I like that. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:27.839 That is why grace giving should be our motivation. 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:30.799 We give because of the grace of God. 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:31.839 Amen. 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:34.640 Has God been good to you today? 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:40.400 There's not a person in here God hasn't been good and blessed. 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:46.400 And how do we show that favor that He's bestowed upon us? 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:48.079 By being a grace giver. 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:49.359 Number two. 00:19:51.839 --> 00:20:00.960 The motive that brings financial blessings is not just grace giving, but a motive of gratitude. 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:05.599 In 2 Corinthians chapter 9, look at verse 10. 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:18.240 Now he that ministers, hey, the seed to the sower both ministers bread for your food and multiplies your seed sown and increases the fruit of your righteousness. 00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:32.640 In other words, he says, everything that you have, you've worked for, God's blessed you with, you've sown seeds, he's given back you fruitfully, everything you are and have basically is from God. 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:34.720 That's what verse 10 really means. 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:40.960 And then look at verse 11, and it's such a powerful statement, 11 and 12. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:55.519 He says, after that, being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, oh, another big word, but a powerful word, which causes through us thanksgiving to God, gratitude. 00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:57.519 Because God has given us everything. 00:20:57.680 --> 00:20:59.440 We've been blessed with everything. 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:07.680 God's used us to get these things, or has blessed us as we've received these things, because we have given these things. 00:21:08.319 --> 00:21:11.039 In other words, we haven't hoarded these things. 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.880 We have become a conduit. 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:17.599 God gave to us and we gave to other churches, or we gave to people in need. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:19.279 Powerful, powerful. 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:21.119 And then look at verse 12. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:34.079 For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God. 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:36.400 Wow, do you see what he just said there? 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:38.079 Powerful, powerful. 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:54.799 He said, because of how God's blessed you and you have shown that blessingness that you've received from God by grace giving to others, God has just so blessed you richly. 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:57.279 And then look at verse 15. 00:21:57.599 --> 00:21:58.240 Wow. 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.680 That's why he says, Thanks. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:04.480 Be into God for his unspeakable gift. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:12.240 When we understand the grace of God and all he's done for us, our hearts will be filled with gratitude. 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:14.160 I believe that with all my heart. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:17.440 And our gratitude would overflow in giving to him. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:23.519 If we won't be, hey, hey, and it won't be a grudging gift, look at it, either. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:29.359 It will be a gift born out of joy and thanksgiving for what we ourselves have been given. 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:35.839 When God got my heart and I gave him all. 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:37.680 Romans 12, 1 and 2. 00:22:37.839 --> 00:22:45.599 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your body as a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 00:22:45.839 --> 00:22:53.599 Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is a good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:56.000 Once he got that, and I gave him everything. 00:22:56.160 --> 00:22:59.039 Not that I'm perfect and I still fall and have to get back up. 00:22:59.119 --> 00:23:00.480 We've talked about that. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:03.440 But God got my pocketbook. 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:06.799 When God got my heart, he got my pocketbook. 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:09.680 Because you know why I realize that pocketbook's not mine. 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.880 Can I get an amen? 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:14.160 When you realize that, you have no problems giving. 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:26.079 When you realize that it's God, the blesser, who blesses you with everything that you have, and that you're not the owner, you're the steward, you have no problem when God speaks to your heart about giving. 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:26.960 None. 00:23:28.559 --> 00:23:31.759 And that's what we see here in these churches. 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:33.440 It's powerful. 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:42.319 We will give him our thanksgiving, not out of a legal obligation, not out of grit giving or force giving, no, not at all. 00:23:42.480 --> 00:23:44.000 Or guilt giving. 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:46.240 Some preachers are good about that. 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:56.720 When we give out of gratitude, we won't, hey, be figuring out, by the way, how to keep the other 90% or any percent. 00:23:57.119 --> 00:24:13.519 We'll realize that all 100%'s God's, and one day you'll be held accountable at the beam of judgment seat of how well of a steward you were, not just in your money, but your time, your talents, your treasures, and your testimony. 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:16.079 All four of those. 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:19.279 Grace giving. 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:21.599 Oh, what a beautiful sight. 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:24.319 Toward the end of Paul's letter, I want you to see this. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:30.400 To the Philippians, he is wrapping up and he's concluding with various thoughts. 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:36.799 He thanks the Philippian Christians because they alone sent gifts to him when he was in need. 00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:44.160 In fact, do we have the Philippians passage there, Philippians 4.14, Jason? 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:48.400 But anyway, here's what he said in Philippians 4.14. 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:56.400 He says, I thank you, Macedonian Christians, church, for coming to my situation. 00:24:56.720 --> 00:24:58.799 In fact, the Greek word there is trouble. 00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:02.079 Thank you for coming to my trouble and giving to me. 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:04.880 Thank you for helping me through my trouble. 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:08.000 And then verse 18, here's what he says. 00:25:08.160 --> 00:25:09.119 Listen to this. 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:10.640 Oh, I love it. 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:18.960 He says, and he's writing to them from prison, indeed, I have all and abound. 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:23.359 In other words, because of you, I have all I need and I abound. 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:25.759 In other words, I even have more than I need. 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:32.240 And then he says, I'm full, having received from Ephroditus the thing sent from you. 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:39.519 Now watch, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:42.240 Woo! Wow. 00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:44.160 That's gonna be a powerful verse. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:47.920 Leave that verse right there, Jesus, because I want you to see three things there. 00:25:48.079 --> 00:25:49.279 You got to see this. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.000 Giving. 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:51.279 Look what giving does. 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:55.599 Giving brings blessings to those who receive the gift. 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:57.200 Write that down. 00:25:59.119 --> 00:26:07.680 Hey, giving, grace giving brings blessings to those that we give to. 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:11.680 Paul is being blessed, even though he's in prison. 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.960 He says, I'm full. 00:26:13.119 --> 00:26:14.400 I have everything I need. 00:26:14.559 --> 00:26:14.960 Why? 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:18.079 Because of your giving, your grace giving. 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:19.759 That's beautiful. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:20.720 Beautiful. 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:26.559 In his distress, he was relieved by their gifts. 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:28.720 Notice the second thing. 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:32.720 Giving brings blessings to those who receive the gift. 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:34.319 Yeah, but now look what else. 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:37.119 Giving gives blessings to God. 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.960 Look at verse 18 again. 00:26:39.119 --> 00:26:40.400 Look at what he says. 00:26:40.640 --> 00:26:51.519 Paul says that the Philippians' gifts were a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:55.680 God was blessed by the giving as well as Paul was blessed. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:27:00.319 Woo! Now, whoa, I'm not going to run over that one real quick. 00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:01.920 Do you understand? 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:06.079 When God gives to you, you are blessed. 00:27:06.160 --> 00:27:07.440 Would you not say amen? 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:12.400 But God even gets, hey, that's good. 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:14.400 You're blessed because God's given to you. 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:25.920 But when you give to others or to your church who gives to others and takes care of others in your family, then God gets blessed. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:31.839 That's through I'm not moving to you, say I understand that, preacher. 00:27:32.720 --> 00:27:33.200 Amen. 00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:34.160 You're with me. 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:39.440 We get blessed by God, and then how do we bless God back for blessing us? 00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:42.240 By giving, hey, to help others. 00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:45.039 Man, that's exciting to me. 00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:47.599 That's how God gets blessed. 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:49.200 Read it again if you don't believe it. 00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:50.720 Look at what he says. 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:55.519 Hey, a sweet smelling aroma in Philippians 4.18. 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:59.119 An acceptable sacrifice and pleasing to God. 00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:03.759 Not an ex an acceptable sacrifice to God. 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:04.559 Now watch. 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:07.599 Not only is God blessed, it pleases him. 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:10.480 Wow. 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:16.720 What's the greatest thing you want to do to somebody you love the most? 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:18.559 Don't you want to please them? 00:28:19.359 --> 00:28:19.839 Hello. 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:21.279 Don't you want to please them? 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.960 You want to please God? 00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:25.759 He wants you to please him. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:29.440 Be a grace giver. 00:28:30.160 --> 00:28:32.000 That's what he's asking. 00:28:32.319 --> 00:28:33.440 Don't hoard it. 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:34.400 Be a grace giver. 00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:36.160 Look at the third thing. 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:40.640 Giving brings blessings to the one who gives the gift. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:42.720 Ha ha! Oh yeah. 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.920 Oh yes. 00:28:44.160 --> 00:28:54.400 Finally, Paul tells the Philippians, look at verse 17, Jason and Philippians 4, that their gifts represented fruit that abounded to their account. 00:28:54.640 --> 00:29:02.480 The accounting language Paul used in verse 17 shows the Philippians that their gift represented an investment in eternity. 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:03.599 Look at this. 00:29:04.400 --> 00:29:09.039 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 00:29:09.599 --> 00:29:10.880 Is that not good? 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:13.680 Hey, now let me ask something. 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:16.160 I'm an investor. 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:21.119 And when I invest, I want to get back on my investment. 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:27.359 I don't think a real good investor would give and not want any investment back. 00:29:29.359 --> 00:29:30.240 Pardon? 00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:33.519 Yeah, everybody wants a return. 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:37.599 The reason I stop for her is because usually what she says is powerful. 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:40.799 Okay? 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:42.480 Now watch this. 00:29:43.119 --> 00:29:55.039 So when you are blessed by God, which that's enough to make you want to give, but when you understand the principle of you giving back pleases God. 00:29:55.599 --> 00:29:57.119 It is pleasing to him. 00:29:57.519 --> 00:29:59.200 He gets blessed. 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:08.319 But now not only are you pleasing God, you are sowing to your account in heaven. 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:14.559 You're building up an account in heaven. 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:17.279 Man, that's good. 00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:20.480 That's good, folks. 00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:23.279 And God doesn't forget. 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:26.160 By the way, you won't lose your investment. 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:30.160 You don't have to worry about Wall Street in heaven going bankrupt. 00:30:30.640 --> 00:30:31.039 Hello. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:33.039 Just a thought. 00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:35.920 You won't lose that investment. 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:38.160 Church, you won't lose it. 00:30:38.400 --> 00:30:39.759 It's secure. 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.839 It is secure. 00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:47.359