What do you have to give?

Introduction

Talk about Katie and Jordan

Talk about Mudd

Talk about Adam

Body

Read Acts 4:32-37

Acts 4:32–37 NKJV

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Talk about the difference between doing something for one’s self and the doing something for the whole.

The above Scripture is not achieved with anything less that singular focus on one goal and one purpose.

This Acts church understand their goal and their purpose and they acted on behalf of that understanding as they were led by the Holy Spirit.

This leading came from the teaching and preaching of the gospel by the apostles.

Talk about how the Apostles spoke with great power and witnessed with that power and anointing.

Talk about how they didn’t inspire and influence those in the Act’s church by guilt, conviction or obligation, rather they spoke of love and grace and taught relationship.

The Lord’s grace came upon them and blessed them in their endeavors and helped them in their weakness as they submitted to His leadership and His guidance.

Talk about the purpose of everyone’s possessions.

Talk about their attitude towards their own possessions

Talk about the difference between selling everything and making everything available.

Talk about the differences between needs and wants.

Talk about the example of Barnabas and what he gave.

Talk about what it meant to own land and the difficulties that could have transpired from such generosity

Finish with Matthew 6:3-4

Matthew 6:3–4 NKJV

But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Conclusion

We all have something to give

We all have someone we could give to

I challenge you all this year to think about what you can give and who “needs” what you can offer. I challenge you to spend time with the Lord and listen to what He is telling you so that you can develop an understanding of giving. It isn’t about us, it isn’t even about others; it is about God and His love for us that is poured out and overflows to those around us as we see others through His eyes.

Do not be troubled by what you cannot give or how much need exists in the world. Just start with what you can give and those around you that can benefit from those gifts and all else will work itself out.

Above all else, let us never forget that without God all this is meaningless and is destined to fail. Let us be in prayer and devotion relying on Him for all things. He will show us what we must do and what we can do to further His Kingdom rather than our own.