Committed to Investing in the Gospel

TAPESTRY COVENANT

We profess that we are believers saved by grace through faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are committed to loving God and each other, learning and growing in the Word, and living out the reconciling and unifying gospel blessings in our lives by being witnesses to our neighbors wherever the Lord places us.

We commit to the assembling of the Saints in worship of the Triune God. We commit to engage in regular fellowship with our brothers and sisters by carrying one another's burdens and being diligent in encouraging and exhorting one another in the name of Christ.

We commit to supporting the vision and mission of Tapestry Church utilizing our time, talent and treasure. We commit to submitting to Christ through the faithful leadership of the elders and pastors as they seek to serve in obedience to the scriptures, equipping the saints for the work of ministry.

We hereby affirm these covenant vows by God’s grace.

SERMON TEXT

Acts 4:32–37 ESV

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

INTRODUCTION

When do I know that I have given enough?

Prayer

FIGHTING AGAINST THE INNER RESISTANCE

“Today, pastors often tell us that when people become Christians, the last thing in their life to be touched by God’s transforming grace is regularly their wallet. When directed to commit their time, talents, and treasure to the Lord, giving him financial control starts later, goes slower, and takes longer than does the forming of the other two habits, presumably because the inner resistance is stronger.”

- J.I. Packer

The Tale of Two Offerings (Acts 4-5)

Fight by recognizing the danger of self-motivated giving: Ananias and Sapphire’s gift reveals they are more interested in what they get from giving than what needs actually get met.

How we invest our time, talent, and treasure is a true test of our level of surrender to the Spirit.

Don’t give self-centeredly.

Don’t give conditionally.

Fight by pursuing the freedom of spirit-motivated giving: our surrender to the God who gives himself generously should free us to give ourselves generously.

2 Corinthians 9:6–11 ESV

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Freedom from compulsive giving. (7)

Freedom for reflecting God’s character. (Gospel connection see v. 33)

How can I repay the LORD for all his acts of kindness to me?… I will celebrate my deliverance, and call on the name of the LORD. (Ps. 116:12, 17, NET)

Logos Digital Hymnal When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Is my current level of investment in God’s kingdom indicative of distance between my heart and God’s heart?

INVESTING IN THE RIGHT FUTURE

How are we to be more like the early church in our generosity of time, talent, and treasure?

1 Timothy 6:17–19 ESV

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

The direction of your hope: on riches or on God? (17)

The uncertainty of investing in the present age. (17)

“Many, for love of staying alive, have died eternally.”

- Augustine

The certainty of the provision of God. (17)

Note God’s desire for your JOY.

The picture of real treasure: good works, generosity, and true life. (18-19)

The return on investment is eternal happiness.

A motto for gospel-driven investing: “So that they may take hold of that which is true life.”

CONCLUSION

Let’s not overcomplicate it: we have given enough when the needs are met. Until then, we cheerfully keep giving!

If the gospel is true—and Jesus has given us true life through his life—is anything less than all we have a legitimate response?

Logos Digital Hymnal Take My Life and Let It Be

1 Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2 Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee;

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3 Take my voice and let me sing

Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee.

4 Take my silver and my gold,

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect and use

Ev’ry pow’r as Thou shalt choose,

Ev’ry pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

5 Take my will, and make it Thine,

It shall be no longer mine;

Take my heart, it is Thine own,

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

6 Take my love—my Lord,

I pour At Thy feet its treasure store;

Take myself—and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for Thee.

Prayer