Ready to give, Willing to share

Text: 1 Timothy 6
19 November 2006

A) The purpose of doing good works

1. Purpose determined – the use of the “Infinitive” in grammar

2. Purpose understood

a) Intrinsically good

“Do good…” 1 Timothy 6:18a

b) Extrinsically good

“That they be rich in good works…” 1 Timothy 6:18b

3. Purpose fulfilled

a) Consciously

b) Consistently

B) The spiritual principles to learn

“Ready to give, willing to share…” 1 Timothy 6:18

1. “Ready to give”

a) Giving that has good intrinsic values of faith in God

b) Giving that goes beyond the minimum

c) Giving that comes from a generous heart

2. “Willing to share…”

a) It cultivates fellowship

b) It is giving from the heart that has been touched by God

c) Involves love and regard for each other

C) The practical example of the Macedonian Church

1. Encouragement drawn

a) They gave out of their poverty

“That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” 2 Corinthians 8:2

b) They gave beyond their ability

“For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing…” 2 Corinthians 8:3

c) They gave out of a heart of love for the saints!

“Imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” 2 Corinthians 8:4

2. Challenge to also abound in this grace

“But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

a) We have also been blessed much

b) We have also abounded in everything

c) Our challenge to move onto another level of abounding in good works

Worship

Pre-worship

Song: Psalm 96

VIP 120 God’s great love

VIP 338 Lord, You’ve given me so much

VIP 319 Cups of cold water 

Closing

VIP 630 People to people