Francis Chan: Membership Series - Giving

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes that giving is not just about meeting a financial obligation, but rather it's an act of love and worship to God. The speaker highlights that even if we give everything we have, without love, it profits us nothing. True giving is motivated by a deep love for God and our neighbors, which leads to sacrificial acts of generosity.

Key Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 13:3 - This verse emphasizes the importance of love in giving. Paul says that even if we give everything we possess to the poor and surrender our bodies to flames, without love, it profits us nothing.
• Matthew 25:31-46 - In this passage, Jesus separates the people into two groups based on their actions towards the least of these. The speaker uses this passage to emphasize that true giving is not just about meeting a financial obligation, but rather it's an act of love and worship to God.
• Matthew 6:33 - This verse promises that if we seek God's kingdom first and his righteousness first, then all our needs will be met. The speaker uses this passage to emphasize the importance of seeking God's glory in our giving.
• 1 John 3:17-18 - These verses emphasize the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves. The speaker uses these passages to highlight that true giving is motivated by a deep love for others, not just a financial obligation.
• Proverbs 19:17 - This verse says that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord. The speaker uses this passage to emphasize that our giving is not just about meeting a financial need, but rather it's an act of worship and obedience to God.

Main Points

• Giving is not just about meeting a financial obligation, but rather it's an act of love and worship to God.
• True giving is motivated by a deep love for God and our neighbors, which leads to sacrificial acts of generosity.
• Without love, even the most generous actions are meaningless.
• We must seek God's glory in our giving, not just meeting a financial need.
• Our giving is an act of worship and obedience to God, not just a way to meet a financial obligation.

Application

This message challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of giving. Rather than viewing it as a financial obligation, we must see it as an act of love and worship to God. We must ask ourselves if our giving is motivated by a deep love for others, or just a desire to meet a financial need. As we seek to live out this message in our lives, we will be challenged to sacrificially give to those in need, not just with our finances, but also with our time and talents.

Practical Steps

• Reflect on your motivations for giving. Is it driven by a desire to meet a financial obligation or is it motivated by love for God and others?
• Seek to live out the message of Matthew 25 in your life, demonstrating love and kindness to those in need.
• Pray for a heart of generosity and compassion, seeking to sacrificially give to those in need.