Message: “The Blessing of Giving” from Rev. Ken Green

A review of the teaching of Jesus could almost be summarized in one word: give. There is a blessing in giving. In Luke 6:38 Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Or take Jesus’ statement in Luke 14:13-14, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Today we zero-in on Acts 20 where Paul echoes this seminal teaching of Jesus. As this great Christian leader sets out expectations for the Christian leaders who will serve after him, Paul’s farewell message to the Ephesian pastors neatly breaks into three parts: shepherd the church (v. 28); guard the flock against various dangers facing the church (vv. 29-31); and finally to follow his own example in not being greedy for personal gain, but to experience the blessing of giving (vv. 32-35). Acts 20:35 closes with Paul’s echoing Jesus’ own words; upon these instructions Paul had based his entire life: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” What fears or attitudes sometimes stand in the way of people living generously? What makes you uncomfortable about this topic? How has Jesus’ act of giving everything—His very life—brought (or bought) blessing for all of God’s creatures? What might happen if you—or Christ’s church—“gave it all away” in Jesus’ name?

Scripture References: Acts 20:32-38

More Messages from Ken Green

From Series: "Generous Living"

Each summer we at Prince of Peace go “back to basics” as we take a fresh look at our relationship with our loving God and how that shapes our lives in this world. This summer as we go back to basics we consider the topic, “Generous Living.” God our Father has given great and wonderful gifts to His children. He is the most generous Giver, giving even His Son, Jesus Christ for us. All blessings ultimately come to us through Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and man. As God’s people, we learn that God’s design is that we neither hide nor hoard any of the gifts we have freely received from Him. Rather, God invites and calls us to share His gifts with those around us. Our willingness to share what God has given us with others becomes an expression of our gratitude, all flowing from grateful hearts shaped by God’s grace.