The Foundation - Understanding "Receive" - Part 1

Sermon 1: The Foundation - Understanding "Receive"

Title: "The Gift of Receiving: An Origin Story"

Scripture: Matthew 10:8 (NASB) - "Freely you received, freely give."

Introduction:

• Illustration: Meet Dr. Ben Carson, renowned neurosurgeon and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Born into poverty in Detroit, Carson faced significant financial barriers that threatened to derail his dreams of becoming a doctor. Raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to support the family, Carson struggled academically in his early years. However, his mother's unwavering belief in the power of education and hard work drove him to excel. Despite his remarkable turnaround and academic excellence, the steep tuition fees for college and medical school seemed insurmountable.

One day, Carson received an unexpected letter informing him that he had been awarded a full scholarship to Yale University. This scholarship, covering his tuition and other expenses, was a transformative gift that enabled him to pursue higher education without the burden of financial stress. Carson went on to attend Yale and later the University of Michigan Medical School, becoming one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons. His story has become a beacon of hope, inspiring countless young people to dream big and persevere despite their circumstances. Carson’s gratitude for the opportunities he received has motivated him to give back, particularly through his Carson Scholars Fund, which awards scholarships to young students to promote academic excellence and humanitarian qualities. His journey from poverty to prominence, made possible by the generosity of others, serves as a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from giving and receiving.

• Emphasize the importance of understanding the concept of receiving to appreciate the fullness of God’s grace.

1. Defining 'Receive'

• Etymology and Origin:
• Explore the Latin root "recipere, (pronounced re-si-prey)" meaning "to take back" or "to regain."

• The concept of receiving has undergone significant transformation through the ages, reflecting shifts in human needs, societal structures, and spiritual perspectives.

• Ancient and Medieval Perspectives:

In early societies, receiving was primarily a practical matter tied to survival. Individuals and communities engaged in bartering and exchanging goods and services to meet basic needs. Receiving was seen as a crucial component of sustenance and security, often tied to agricultural cycles and trade networks. In medieval times, receiving also began to be associated with social status, where the ability to accumulate resources and wealth indicated power and influence.

• Early Modern to Industrial Age:

With the rise of industrialization and capitalism, receiving became more closely linked to economic success and material wealth. The focus shifted towards the accumulation of goods and the impact of receiving on social status and economic advancement. The idea of receiving was increasingly tied to personal achievement and financial prosperity, with a growing emphasis on meritocracy and individual success.

• Modern Era:

In contemporary society, the understanding of receiving has expanded beyond material wealth to encompass emotional and psychological dimensions. Receiving now includes intangible benefits such as love, support, and opportunities. This shift reflects a more holistic view of human needs, recognizing that emotional and relational aspects are as crucial as material possessions.

• Spiritual and Theological Perspectives:

The spiritual dimension adds a profound layer to the understanding of receiving. Many religious traditions teach that receiving is a form of divine grace or blessing. In Christianity, for example, receiving is often linked to the concept of grace and God’s provision. This perspective emphasizes that receiving should lead to gratitude and a sense of responsibility to give back. It challenges the purely transactional view of receiving and underscores the transformative power of grace and generosity.

• Contemporary Reflections:

Today, the concept of receiving is understood as a dynamic interplay between material needs, emotional well-being, and spiritual fulfillment. The modern view acknowledges that receiving can lead to a cycle of giving, where the act of receiving graciously is intertwined with the responsibility to contribute to the well-being of others. This broader perspective integrates practical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, highlighting that true fulfillment comes not just from receiving but also from sharing and giving.

• In essence, the understanding of receiving has evolved from a focus on survival and material success to a multifaceted concept that includes emotional and spiritual growth. This evolution reflects our increasing recognition of the interconnectedness of our needs and the importance of generosity and gratitude in enhancing the quality of life.

• Biblical Context:
• One example from both Old and New Testaments, such as God providing manna to the Israelites (Exodus 16) and Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14).

1. The Spiritual Act of Receiving

• Receiving from God:
• Discuss receiving God’s grace and salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB), is a profound and transformative experience. The Apostle Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." This passage highlights that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith and not earned by human effort or good deeds. Grace here refers to God’s unmerited favor and love, which brings us into a relationship with Him despite our flaws. Embracing this grace through faith transforms our lives, relieving us from the burden of earning righteousness on our own. It underscores the essential Christian belief that salvation is solely a divine gift, promoting humility, gratitude, due to a deep sense of God’s unconditional love and acceptance.

• Illustrate with the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), emphasizing the father’s unconditional love and acceptance.

• In the well-known parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-32, we see a powerful illustration of unconditional love and acceptance. The story begins with a younger son who demands his inheritance from his father and leaves home to squander his wealth in reckless living. After a period of living extravagantly, he finds himself destitute and working in a pigsty, longing to eat the food he is feeding the pigs.

In his desperate state, the son decides to return to his father, not expecting to be welcomed back as a son but hoping to be treated as one of his father’s hired servants. However, the father’s response is astonishingly generous. While the son is still a long way off, the father sees him and runs to him with open arms. He embraces him, orders the best robe to be put on him, and throws a feast to celebrate his return. The father’s love is not contingent upon the son’s actions or repentance but is an overflow of his deep and unconditional affection.

This story illustrates the nature of God’s love and acceptance. Just as the father forgives and welcomes his wayward son back into the family without reservation, so does God embrace us with His boundless grace and forgiveness. The father’s actions in the parable underscore that no matter how far we have strayed or how we may feel unworthy, God’s love remains steadfast and unconditional. This parable powerfully demonstrates that God’s grace is not based on our merit but on His infinite love, offering a profound picture of the acceptance and restoration available to all who return to Him.

• Receiving from Others:
• Highlight the humility and openness required, using the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17).

• In John 13:1-17 (NASB), Jesus provides a profound example of humility and openness through the act of washing His disciples' feet. As the Passover feast approached, Jesus, fully aware of His divine authority and the fact that His time on earth was nearing its end, took on the role of a servant. He began by removing His outer garments, taking a towel, and pouring water into a basin. One by one, He washed the disciples’ feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest of servants.

When Peter initially protested, saying, "You shall never wash my feet!" (John 13:8 NASB), Jesus replied, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me" (John 13:8 NASB). Through this humble act, Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is marked by service and selflessness. After finishing, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:12-14 NASB).

This act of washing the disciples' feet highlights the humility and openness required in relationships and leadership. Jesus, despite His status as Lord, chose to serve His disciples in a way that exemplifies true humility. He calls His followers to adopt this same attitude of service and openness in their interactions with others, demonstrating that greatness in His kingdom is defined by one's willingness to humble oneself and serve others selflessly.

1. Freely Received, Freely Given

• Jesus’ Teaching:

• Expound In Matthew 10:8 (NASB), Jesus instructs His disciples, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give." This directive highlights a profound principle of generosity and grace. Jesus' command comes as He sends the twelve disciples to minister, emphasizing that the miraculous gifts and powers they have received—such as healing, raising the dead, and casting out demons—are unearned and given by God’s grace. This underscores that these divine gifts are not to be used for personal gain but should be shared freely with others.

The phrase "freely you received" acknowledges that the disciples did not earn these gifts but received them purely out of God’s generosity. This sets the stage for the principle of "freely give," which calls the disciples to offer their blessings and help to others without expecting anything in return. By embodying this principle, the disciples are to reflect the same spirit of generosity with which they have been blessed. Jesus’ instruction challenges His followers to approach their ministry and relationships with a selfless spirit, demonstrating that the grace and gifts we receive from God should motivate us to serve others in kind. This reciprocal generosity mirrors the abundant grace we have experienced and advances God’s kingdom through acts of kindness and service.

• Practical Application:
• Encourage reflection on received blessings and ways to give in return.
• Suggest practical acts of kindness and service, such as volunteering at a local food bank or helping a neighbor in need.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the origin and definition of "receive."
• Introduce the idea that receiving is inherently linked to giving.
• Prayer: Ask God to help the congregation understand the true meaning of receiving and inspire them to give freely.