#blessed - broke vs. blessed
May 09, 2021 | Matt Ware
We all want to be BLESSED. And Jesus gave us insight into what it takes to be BLESSED. He said in Acts 20:35 “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In this #BLESSED sermon series, Pastor Matt dives into what it means to live a life of generosity, break free from a scarcity mindset, and discover what it means to be BLESSED in the Kingdom of God.
Broke vs. Blessed
#Blessed
Acts 20:35 (ESV) It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Broke Cycle
2 Corinthians 9:7-9 (NLT) You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. THEN you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NLT) For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
Blessed Cycle
1. Tithing puts God first
Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB) The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.
2. Tithing produces faith
Romans 5:8 (ESV) while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
Malachi 3:10 (NIV) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open 7 the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
3. Tithing provides for the church
Malachi 3:10a (NIV) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
John 3:16 (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.