Friendly Generosity

Friends Pt 1

John 12:1-8

Bud Wrenn  1.30.11

 

John 12:1-8 (NLT…Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief ….”

So we need to bring into submission to God, our physical treasures, starting with re-assessing real value.

 

Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

How can I do this?

è Celebrate financial responsibility

è Create wealth.  

è Develop generosity

 

God's laws on money management:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God’s Principles of Generosity

 

Principle of Obedience.

John 12:2 (NLT) 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.

 

Principle of Proportionality.

John 12:3 (NLT) 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
2 Cor. 9:6     Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. (NLT)

 

The Minimum:  My Tithe.

Malachi 3:10    Bring to the storehouse a full tenth of what you earn so there will be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord All-Powerful. "I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out all the blessings you need.  (NCV)

 

The truth:  You can't afford NOT to be generous - because you can't afford to remove yourself from a position of being blessed by God.