In this final sermon in a 2-part series on stewardship, Bro. Tom preaches a challenging message about giving faithfully to the Lord, even during difficulty times, to bring glory to God and help others.

Sermon Notes

You have heard the phrase before: “He is no fool who gives away that which he cannot keep in order to gain that which he cannot lose!” - Jim Elliott

What is it that you cannot keep? Material possessions
- Key Verse: Luke 12:16-21
- Prov. 11:4; Eccl. 2:18-22; 5:14-16; 1 Tim. 6:7; Matt. 6:19-21; Job 27:13-23)

What is it that you cannot lose? The blessings of God!
- Key Verse: Luke 12:22-34
- Phil. 4:10-19; Gen. 48:15; Prov. 3:9-10; 11:24-26; Mal. 3:8-10; 2 Cor. 9:8-11; 1 Tim. 6:17

Four Keys from the Macedonian Churches to help us excel in our giving (2 Cor. 8):

I. They Gave out of Their AFFLICTION (vv. 1-2)
A. A Great Trial of Affliction.
B. Deep Poverty.

II. They Gave out of Their ABUNDANCE (vv. 1-2)
A. They Abounded in Joy.
B. They Abounded in the Riches of Their Liberality.

They knew how rich they were! Do you? Here is how to tell - Add up all you have that money cannot buy and death can’t take away - that is the measure of true riches!

III. They Gave Beyond Their ABILITY (vv. 3-4)
A. The Free Willingness of their Giving
- Very important point: There was no pressure!
B. The Fellowship of their Giving

IV. They Gave Based on Their ALLEGIANCE (vv. 5-7)
A. LORDSHIP - FIRST, They Gave Themselves to Christ
B. LEADERSHIP - They Gave Themselves to other Christians
C. LIBERTY - They Understood the Principle of Grace Giving

Ponder these thoughts:
1. Get Your Heart Right - 2 Cor. 9:6-11
2. Remember God’s Gift to You - 2 Cor. 9:15
3. Don’t Steal from God - Mal. 3:8-10

To download the MP3 of this or any other sermon, please visit: www.tbcmacon.com/sermons