Be Generous | God Set The Example

Because God Set the Example

Time, talent and treasure… Yeah Carlton I know. You talk about it every week. Why is it so important? Growing up I wanted to be like my Dad. I still do in some respects. I was his shadow. I followed him around and wanted to be wherever he was. I tried to follow the examples that he showed me through his actions. My dad the comedian… My dad the friend… My dad, Mr. Fix-it… God is my Heavenly Father and I do the same thing with him. I am following the example that He set. Everybody knows this one, John 3:16.

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

God Gave

God has been giving to us. In Genesis 1 we talked about verse 27 but if we examine the rest of that passage down through verse 28 we see how God gives.

God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."…

Then God said, "I've given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth And every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food." And there it was.

Jesus Gave

Jesus followed the Father’s example as well and he gave His Life, His Spirit and His Authority to us. Matthew 28:18-20 reads

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

Holy Spirit Gave

The Holy Spirit has also done the same. In Acts 2:1-4 we see the Holy Spirit giving Power to the Disciples

When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.