Part 9: The Problem of Materialism
MODERN PROBLEMS ANCIENT SOLUTIONS
PART 9
Luke 11:37-42
1. WHAT IS THE KEY EXTERNAL GUIDELINE FOR CHRISTIAN GENEROSITY?
“But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. Luke 11:38-41 (NIV)
“One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to Him as holy.” Leviticus 27:30 (NLT)
The tithe went to two basic things:
Connecting people to God.
Connecting people to need.
Are you a Biblically generous person?
2. WHAT IS THE KEY INTERNAL GUIDELINE FOR CHRISTIAN GENEROSITY?
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” Luke 11:42 (ESV)
“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.’” Luke 11:39 (NIV)
Three tests:
The tithe doesn’t seem like too much.
You give with an attitude of joy.
You have a personal involvement in giving.
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. ‘Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.’” Luke 11:43-44 (NIV)
3. WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION FOR GENEROSITY?
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
Do you truly realize what Jesus Christ has done for you?
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
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This Week’s Reading Plan and Podcast:
YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
“The Pull of Materialism and Pride” (6 Days)Podcast: “Life Change: Generosity ”