Giving to Receive

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Sermon 2: The Principle - Giving to Receive

Title: "The Overflowing Cup: The Principle of Generosity"

Scripture: Luke 6:38 (NASB) - "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."

Introduction:

Explanation of Luke 6:38 (NASB)

In Luke 6:38 (NASB), Jesus teaches, "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." This verse conveys a powerful principle of generosity and reciprocity in the kingdom of God.

"Give, and it will be given to you":

Jesus encourages a lifestyle of giving, not just of material resources but also of kindness, love, and forgiveness. The promise attached to this command is that those who give will also receive. This reciprocal relationship suggests that the act of giving opens the door for blessings to flow back to the giver.

"They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over":

This imagery is drawn from the marketplace, where grain or other goods were measured out. A "good measure" refers to a full amount, but Jesus goes further, describing it as "pressed down, shaken together, and running over." This means that the measure is so abundant that it has been packed down, with no gaps or empty spaces, shaken to allow even more to fit, and overflowing. It symbolizes an overwhelming abundance, far beyond what was initially given.

"For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return":

This part of the verse emphasizes that the way we give to others will determine how we receive in return. If we give generously, we will receive generously; if we give sparingly, we can expect to receive in the same measure. Jesus is teaching that our generosity should be bountiful.

Most of us have always heard that this verse was all about money BUT, is that really the truth?
Ready verse 37:
- Notice that this is the context of verse 38
- Notice that this is actually part of the discourse of a famous sermon of our Lord Jesus Christ – We know it as the Beatitudes.
  - The Beatitudes start with the “Blessed are you if’s…” (verses 20-23)
  - Then Jesus pronounces the woes (verses 24-26)
  - Then Jesus instructs us to and how to Love Your Enemies (verses 27-36)
  - Then Jesus instructs on Judging others (verses 37-42)
  - Then verses 43-45 talk about the tree and our fruit.
  - And then Jesus ends by talking about building your “House” on “The Rock”

Recap the importance of understanding receiving (last week's message) and today we will see that giving is the pathway to truly receiving.

The Biblical Principle of Generosity

Old Testament Examples:

In Genesis 18, Abraham's remarkable act of generosity towards three strangers sets the stage for a divine encounter that changes his life. As Abraham sat by his tent in the heat of the day, he noticed three men standing nearby. Recognizing the importance of offering hospitality, Abraham hurried to greet them, bowing low and inviting them to rest under the shade of a tree. He quickly instructed Sarah to prepare bread and selected a tender calf from his herd to provide a lavish meal for his guests. Abraham personally served the meal, showing deep humility and respect, despite his wealth and status. His hospitality went beyond mere duty; it was an expression of his generous heart, even to those he did not know.

This act of generosity led to an extraordinary blessing. One of the visitors, who was the Lord Himself, revealed a profound promise to Abraham: within a year, Sarah would bear a son. This promise was nothing short of miraculous, as both Abraham and Sarah were advanced in age, and Sarah had been barren her entire life. Yet, true to God’s word, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the son through whom God’s covenant promises would be fulfilled. Abraham’s generosity towards strangers opened the door to this divine promise, illustrating that acts of kindness and hospitality can lead to blessings far beyond our expectations. This story teaches us that generosity, especially when extended to others selflessly, can invite God's abundant favor into our lives.

The widow of Zarephath providing for Elijah (1 Kings 17:8-16) and receiving a miracle.

New Testament Teachings:

In Acts 2:44-45, we see a vivid portrayal of the early church's practice of radical generosity and communal living. The passage describes how "all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." This practice emerged as a natural response to the powerful sense of community and unity that the early Christians experienced after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The believers were deeply committed to one another, and their shared faith translated into a lifestyle where no one claimed private ownership of their possessions, but instead, they ensured that everyone’s needs were met. This selfless sharing was a tangible expression of their love for one another and their understanding of what it meant to follow Jesus.

The early church’s generosity went beyond mere charity; it was a revolutionary way of living that challenged the social norms of the time. By pooling their resources and distributing them according to need, the early Christians demonstrated a profound trust in God’s provision and a commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. This generosity not only addressed the immediate physical needs within the community but also served as a powerful witness to the surrounding society. The early church’s practice of generosity became a hallmark of Christian life, setting a standard for future generations of believers to prioritize caring for one another and living in a way that reflects the sacrificial love of Christ.

The Cycle of Blessing

God's Economy:

Proverbs 11:25 (NASB) states, "The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered." This verse encapsulates God's principle of giving and receiving, where generosity leads to blessing. The principle is rooted in the idea that when we give freely and generously, we create a cycle of blessing that not only benefits others but also returns to us in unexpected ways. This doesn't mean giving for the sake of receiving, but rather that a generous spirit naturally invites abundance. The metaphor of "watering" suggests that those who refresh and support others will themselves be refreshed and supported, illustrating the interconnectedness of giving and receiving in God’s economy.

God's principle of giving and receiving challenges the worldly perspective that equates giving with loss. Instead, it teaches that generosity brings about a spiritual and often material flourishing. When we give with a sincere heart, we align ourselves with God’s character, who is the ultimate giver. As we open our hands to bless others, we find that God opens His hand to bless us in return. This principle encourages believers to trust in God’s provision, knowing that as they pour out to others, God will ensure their needs are met, often in ways that exceed what they gave.

Personal Testimonies:

Real-Life Testimony: The Generosity of R.G. LeTourneau

R.G. LeTourneau, an influential Christian businessman and inventor, is a powerful example of how generosity can lead to unexpected blessings. LeTourneau, who became known as "God's businessman," revolutionized the heavy equipment industry with his inventions and eventually founded LeTourneau University. However, his story of generosity is what truly sets him apart.

LeTourneau was a firm believer in the principle of giving back to God. Early in his career, he made a commitment to give 90% of his income to Christian causes and live on the remaining 10%. Despite the financial challenges and risks involved in his business ventures, LeTourneau remained faithful to this commitment. Many advised him against such radical generosity, especially during times when his business was struggling, but LeTourneau trusted that God would provide.

Remarkably, as LeTourneau continued to give generously, his business began to thrive beyond expectation. His company became a global leader in earthmoving equipment, and he amassed significant wealth. However, LeTourneau never lost sight of his commitment to generosity. He used his success to fund numerous Christian missions, educational institutions, and humanitarian projects around the world. LeTourneau's testimony illustrates how radical generosity, even when it seems counterintuitive, can lead to extraordinary blessings. His life serves as a powerful reminder that when we prioritize giving, God often blesses us in ways we could never imagine, both spiritually and materially.

Who would share a personal testimony about how your generosity led to unexpected blessings?

Practical Steps to Generosity

Heart of Giving:

In 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB), the Apostle Paul writes, "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This verse highlights the importance of giving with the right heart and attitude. Paul emphasizes that giving should not be done reluctantly or out of a sense of obligation, but rather as a joyful expression of one's faith and love for God. The attitude with which we give is just as important as the act of giving itself. When we give cheerfully, we reflect a heart that is aligned with God’s character, demonstrating trust in His provision and a genuine desire to bless others.

Giving with the right attitude also ensures that our generosity is authentic and pleasing to God. When we give grudgingly or under compulsion, our giving loses its spiritual value and becomes a mere transaction. On the other hand, giving with a cheerful heart brings joy not only to the recipient but also to the giver. It creates a cycle of blessing, where the act of giving becomes an opportunity to experience God's grace and joy more deeply. By giving with the right heart, we honor God and participate in His work of blessing others, knowing that our generosity is a reflection of His abundant love and grace toward us..

Ways to Give:

Provide practical examples: tithing and financial donations, offering time/services, talents/skills, acts of kindness/helping those in need, donating goods, hospitality, support/encouragement, random acts of kindness/love, sharing of your story/knowledge.
Encourage involvement in church ministries and community service.

Conclusion: