A Life that Gives Back

  • Pastor Rick Millikin
  • Jan 18, 2009
  • Series: Finding Hope on the Edge

A Life That Gives Back
Finding Hope on the Edge - Part 3
January 18, 2009
1 Timothy 6: 17-18 (NIV)
Pastor Rick Millikin

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NIV)

1. Everything belongs to God.

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all who live in it." Ps 24:1 (NIV)

2. God entrusts some to me.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deut: 8: 17-18 (NIV)

3. God gives me the freedom to waste it or manage it well.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. 10 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 the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:8-11

Five Steps I Can Take Now

1.Commit everything I own to God.

2.Decide to give the full tithe to God.

3.Continue to give more where I see needs.

4.Develop a plan to get out of debt.

5.Save 3 to 6 months in living expenses.