Text: Luke 12:13—34
Topic: What Jesus tells us about giving
Introduction:
Jesus used the issue of a family squabble over an inheritance to teach about the danger of greed.
Jesus speaks harshly to those who hoard their wealth.
In the parable of a rich man, God calls him a fool.
Illustration: Huffman reads a story where God expresses annoyance over someone who fails to honor him as they promised.
God has righteous indignation against those who have been given much and hold onto it.
Jesus challenges the faith of those who are anxious about money.
Illustration: Huffman describes the inflationary spiral where earnings don't keep up with inflation.
Illustration: Huffman tells about being scared to death of the cost of putting three daughters through college.
Jesus confronts our worries by establishing the uselessness of worry and God's promise to provide.
Jesus calls all of us to invest in what is permanent.
Illustration: No security system guarantees absolute protection.
Our real treasure must be in heaven.
God commands us to give to him first.
The tithe we should give is ten percent of the first fruits.
Malachi 3:8—10
Illustration: A man testifies that tithing his unemployment check was a real blessing.
Jesus says that if you aren't able to freely give back to him, sell something.
Our giving must be off the top, or we will never find it to be available.
Conclusion:
Illustration: Huffman tells how his church gears the budget to what God's people are willing to give.
Have you made an investment in eternity, in the things of Jesus Christ?
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