The Abundance in Giving

Acts 4:32–37 NLT

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Introduction: Comment on Reel - He wants to make more disciples to make more money. Church is always asking for money.

Giving is a matter of Faith and our relationship with God.

8 - God Owns Everything.

The word Luke used for common in verse 32 also means “ordinary, shared by all, belonging to generality.” All possessions were shared. People were generous with what they owned and earned. They didn’t consider material things theirs but as belonging to everyone.

The Story of the scientists - We know now God how to make life. We do not need you anymore. God says, "Oh, you can can you, if you can make life, go ahead and I will not bother you again." Ok, "No problem, I can just take a little dirt, some water, some of these elements that create life, some electricity." God, shakes his finger, "Ah, ah, aaah, you need to get your own dirt and water, and elements and source of electricity."

Deuteronomy 8:18 LEB

But you must remember Yahweh your God, for he is the one giving you strength to acquire wealth in order to confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors as it is today.

The resources you have are not yours to begin with, but are empowered to use for His Glory. - Provide for family, contribute to the common good, and contribute to God’s Kingdom.

-Not Communism (Not forced see annaniah and Saphira, but Spirit empowered sharing.)

God is not stingy

9 - God Gives Abundantly.

1. Story of Abundance through Creation - Eat from any tree - All needs met.

2. Sin - brings on scarcity.

3. God's Vision - Torah - No one needy among you.

4. Power of the Resurrection

5. The New Believers take up this vision and implement it in the Church - No one had need.

6. The New Heaven and New Earth - All needs met.

Why Give

10 - Giving is a foretaste of the Kingdom.

11 - Unity

“This describes a kind of radical availability as the normal status of each person’s possessions. That is, the resources—material, political, social, or practical—of any member of the community were put at the constant disposal of the Christian community, even while individual members continued to oversee their particular resources. Rather than systematically prescribing the distribution of wealth in such a way as to ensure flat equality, the earliest church accepted the reality of economic disequilibrium, but practiced a radical generosity whereby goods properly existed for the benefit of the whole, not the individual. This form of generosity is, in many ways, more challenging than a rigid system of rules. It calls for ongoing responsiveness, mutual involvement in the lives of community members, and a continual willingness to hold possessions loosely, valuing the relationships within the community more than the (false) security of possessions” (“The Economics of Radical Generosity (Acts 2:45; 4:34–35),” Theology of Work, accessed August 12, 2023,

Believers consider their resources as assets to be shared—whether the resources are skills, tools, or items we have that someone else might need to borrow, or money to give, or knowledge to teach. - To Glorify God, and Build Up Others.

12 - Mission

The word for the apostles "giving" was the means to "pay back, or Repay." So, they are paying with the testimony of the Gospel.

The connection here is that the Apostle’s were compensated for their work like the Priests in the temple.

Likely kicked out of the temple at this point, so setting up a new temple.

- Mission includes the mission of the Church not just the staff, the staff empowers the vision and the mission, but also to enable our congregation to do its mission. - Missionaries, etc....

No one in Need???

13 - Needs

4 Nevertheless, there shall not be among you a poor person, because Yahweh will certainly bless you in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as an inheritance, to take possession of it. 5 If only you listen well to the voice of Yahweh your God ⌊by observing diligently⌋ all of these commandments that I am commanding you ⌊today⌋. 6 When Yahweh your God has blessed you, just as he ⌊promised⌋ to you, then you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow from them, and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. 7 If there is a poor person among you from among one of your brothers in one of your ⌊towns⌋ that Yahweh your God is giving to you, you shall not harden your heart, and you shall not shut your hand toward ⌊your brother who is poor⌋.

The above is after Deuteronomy 14:22-29 on Tithe and that it was for the Levite, alien, orphan, and the widow in their towns.

Illustration of taking vs. giving with coins.

What is the result of generosity?

14 - Seeing the Blessings Flow.

Proverbs 11:24–25 NIV

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Using our resources to bless and refresh others is reciprocal, not because it is magical but because it strengthens relationships.

17 - The Story of Coaching Israel

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Conclusion: