“Worship By Giving”
Series: Unexpected Keys to Powerful Worship
Luke 9:10-17
10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing. 12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”13 He replied, “You give them something to eat”
They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of
About fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Worship by Giving is Motivated by
1. COMMITMENT TO THE MESSAGE (vs. 11)
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” – Rom. 10:14-15
2. COMPASSION AND MERCY (vs. 12)
14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick Matthew 14:14
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? - Romans 2:4
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. - James 5:11
3. CALL TO MINISTRY (vs. 13-15)
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. - 2 Cor. 9:11
4. CONFIRMS A MIRACLE
(vs. 16-17)
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. - Luke 6:38
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Prov. 11:25
