Supplied to Serve—by Justin Renton
November 14, 2022
Sermon summary:
Corinthians 9:6–11 Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly; he who sows generously, reaps generously.
Four principles of Godly giving:
1. Sowing and Reaping v6
Job 4:8 The way you live
Matthew 7:2 The way you judge others
Luke 6:38 The way you give.
2. Be a cheerful giver v7b
Our hearts need to be behind our giving. When we do, we imitate God's heart
3. Bless you abundantly v8
Will I fall short if I give to others? God is able to bless you abundantly. Remember who is your supplier—I'll have what I need.
4. Supplied to Serve. v10–11
Benevolence (Gal 6:4).
Deuteronomy 15:10–11 Give generously without grudging, but with compassion, heart, collaboration.
Watch the full sermon here (starts at 36mins)
The Holy Spirit gives guidance and direction in our missionary work. Are we doing the work the Spirit has set aside for each one of us to do? He knows the time, place and person to reach out to. Are we listening and obeying when he nudges us? The Holy Spirit forms Christ in all of us and it's a lifetime journey. Seek to be filled. Listen to his voice. Step out boldly.
Giving is an act of trust. It is also not an obligation but an act of worship. Give from the heart, not as a duty, but as a way to express gratitude. Giving is about unity in the church, it is motivated by grace, not guilt, and a spiritual act of joyful worship. Jesus demonstrated sacrificial giving through his actions, leaving us an example to follow.
To embrace Jesus's mission, I must first clothe myself with Jesus and have his character formed in me. He must become greater, I must become less. Then I"ll be able to do as Jesus did.
God's grace is with me. We need each other. Grace is a gift.