11-11-18 // Giving Makes Us Grow

GIVING MAKES US GROW
Be The One
Scott Young ~ Pastor of Hope

* FAITH: 246 Times * HOPE: 185 Times
* LOVE: 733 Times * GIVING: 2,285 Times

2 Corinthians 8:7 - Since you excel in so many ways -- in your faith … your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love . . . -- I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

HOW GIVING BRINGS GROWTH

1. Giving Makes Me More Like The Lord
James 1:5 - God is generous to everyone and doesn't find fault with them.
1 Chronicles 29:14 - Everything we have has come from you, Lord, and we can only give you what is yours already!

2. Giving Draws Me Closer To God
Matthew 6:21 - Your heart will be wherever your treasure is.

3. Giving Breaks The Grip of Materialism
Matthews 6:24 - You cannot serve both God and money.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them ... to be generous and willing to share. In this way . . . they may take hold of the life that is truly Life.

4. Giving Strengthens My Faith
2 Corinthians 9:13 - It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ—the gospel you say you believe—and because you freely share with them and with all others.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 - Everyone must make up his own mind as to how much he should give . . . for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others.

5. Giving Is An Investment For Eternity
1 Timothy 6:18-19 - Use your money to do good . . . always being ready to share with others whatever God has given you. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven -- it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well."
Ecclesiastes 11:1 - Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later.

6. Giving Blesses Me In Return
Proverbs 22:9 - Generous people will be blessed . . .
Deuteronomy 15:10 - Give generously . . . and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.