Clenched Fist, Open Hand

Reading: Luke 6:37-40
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)

I.   The trouble with Holding on

     A.  Controlled by the Fear of loss

           1.  One thing that keeps us from giving is, our fear that someday we won’t have enough.

                 a.  We are afraid that we’ll end up needy.

           2.  This fear can control us to the point were we are incapable of giving.

                 a.  We are afraid of our emptiness.

           3.  This fear can control us to the point were we fail to see the poverty of our lives.

                 a.  We have things, but no joy. We have money but no life.

                 b.  We have gained enough to run our own little worlds, but we have lost our soul.

     B.  Unable to Pick Up something new

           1.  Our hands are full we won’t let go to pick up something new!

                 a.  Our finger muscles atrophy closed around our little things, so we become less and less able to grasp big things.

           2.  We don’t believe “Give, and it will be given you.” as much as “A bird in the hand. . .”

                 a.  What we have isn’t much, but it’s something.

           3.  We are blinded by our obsession with accumulating.

                 a.  One day in Texas: “How much I have!”

     C.  Closed to the Joy of giving

           1.  Those who clutch their things like toddlers, are closed to one of life’s greatest joys.

                 a.  Our tightfistedness itself keeps us from one of life’s great joys.

           2.  “Give and it will be given. . .” means 1st that giving is it’s own reward.

                 a.  It is a joy to give. It is fulfilling to really and truly help someone.

                 b.  It is a joy to give in such a way that God’s kingdom moves forward.

           3.  Some accuse the Church of preaching a self-serving message in giving.

                 a.  I sometimes wish I didn’t have to preach on giving because of this!

                 b.  But, if I didn’t, you would be the losers!

II.  God’s Challenge to give

     A.  God’s challenge is not based on Need

           1.  Jesus says Give. . . but he doesn’t say “because there are needy people here.”

                 a.  Jesus doesn’t hold up some poster-child for hunger.

                 b.  Though there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of such an opportunity.

           2.  Jesus doesn’t say “Give, because if you don’t the church will fold.”

                 a.  Jesus isn’t waving a budget or a message of practical responsibility.

                 b.  Though there’s nothing wrong with budgets or taking up responsibility.

           3.  God is against guilt-induced or obligatory giving:
2Cor.9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

                 a.  God doesn’t want us to give as a way to relieve guilt!

     B.  God offers us an opportunity to Share

           1.  Share the blessings we get with others!

                 a.  What God gives to us we hold in trust.

                 b.  We may enjoy his gifts, but we may also share them with others!

           2.  Share in God’s joy in blessing others through us!

                 a.  Sometimes we have the joy of being used by God to bless someone!

           3.  Not so much a challenge as an invitation!

                 a.  What if you could make a contribution that would have eternal impact?!

     C.  Giving is an expression of Love

           1.  Giving gifts is one of the oldest an most universal expressions of love.

           2.  When we see a brother or sister in need, our love creates a desire to help.

                 a.  As James puts it, How can you see a brother in need and not help, if God’s love is in you?

           3.  Give and it will be given to you/ means 2nd that giving builds a place were love grows

                 a.  Our love for others and theirs for us.

                 b.  Both the love we give and the love we receive are two of life’s greatest gifts.

III. God’s Promise to provide

     A.  . . .and it Will be given to you!

           1.  There’s not only joy in giving, there’s reward beyond that joy itself!

           2.  With the measure you use. . .

                 a.  God guarantees a return on your investment!

                 b.  Paul on giving:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2Cor.9:6

     B.  Test me in this. . . (Malachi 3:10)

           1.  Take him up on it!

           2.  God challenges us to put him to the test in tithing (giving 10% of our income).

                 a.  But be careful that tithing does not become giving under compulsion!

                 b.  Tithing is a method of disciplined giving that we know pleases God.

           3.  Give and you will receive means 3rd that God will provide for our needs.

                 a.  So giving is an act of faith.

     C.  The Blessing of giving

           1.  Jesus said It is more blessed to give than to receive.

                 a.  National pastors robbed of giving by missionaries who just did it all.

           2.  Giving is a part of our spiritual life just like everything else.

                 a.  Healthy giving, like prayer and Bible reading builds our relationship with God.

           3.  Open your hands and God will bless!

The Bottom Line:

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