Giving: No Strings Attached

Introduction:

Growing up as a kid Spongebob Squarepants was a regular in our household. In one episode, they do a “documentary” to show how the Krusty Krab began. I want to show you a quick clip from that episode.

(Play 16 second video)

At a young age, Mr. Krab’s was developing a heart of giving that had strings attached to you. Tonight, my hope and prayer is to encourage you to not be like Mr. Krabs, but to have a heart that is willing to give, with no strings attached.

If you have your bible or bible app available, turn with me to John 6 as we look at the first 13 verses of the chapter.

John 6:1–13 NLT

After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

(Prayer)

Give What You Have To The Lord:

In the events we just read, the boy had five loaves of bread and two fish, and he was willing to give it all to the Lord.

It’s not the size of the gift that matters, it’s the sacrifice you are willing to take.

Luke 21:1–4 NLT

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Biblical Principle: “Jesus judges our work and ministry not by its size, influence, or success. Jesus judges our work in ministry by the amount of sincere dedication, sacrifice, faith, and love that is involved.” (Fire Bible Study Notes)

(Testimony: Ava sacrificing her paycheck to see someone go to convention.)

Give What You Have In Faith:

The young boy had more faith that Jesus would be able to feed the 5,000 then the disciples.

John 6:7 NLT

Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”

John 6:9 NLT

“There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”

Your measure of faith is shown by what you are willing to give to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 NLT

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

(Personal Testimony: Buying Someone's Dunkin Donuts)

Give To Bless Others:

John 6:10–11 NLT

“Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.

The boy could have easily kept what he had for himself.

Acts 20:35 NLT

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Hebrews 13:16 NLT

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Proverbs 19:17 NLT

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!

To not give back the gifts and talents Christ has given you is unloving and selfish.

(Personal Testimony: The homeless in Carlisle)

Giving Produces Abundance:

John 6:12–13 NLT

After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

There was plenty to go around after everyone got what they needed.

Proverbs 3:9–10 NLT

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Don’t just give to be blessed. Give so you can be a blessing.

Conclusion:

Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:22-70).

Jesus gave all who was and had to the Father.

Jesus gave it all in faith, believing He would fulfill the Father’s plan.

Jesus gave Himself so we could be blessed.

Jesus gave Himself so we could have an abundant life with Him.

If we are going to walk like Jesus, let us give it all to the Lord, give in faith, give to bless others, and what the God bless the giving abundantly.

(Pray)