1 00:00:14,059 --> 00:00:17,359 Welcome to the Lansdale Life Church podcast. 2 00:00:18,399 --> 00:00:24,100 If you're seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, this podcast is for you. 3 00:00:25,100 --> 00:00:26,780 Thank you for joining us today. 4 00:00:35,500 --> 00:00:37,780 We are going into number seven. 5 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:39,719 I know John did numbers eight. 6 00:00:40,299 --> 00:00:42,219 The chapters kind of were going around. 7 00:00:43,060 --> 00:00:46,500 And so he had already gotten ready for chapter eight. 8 00:00:47,259 --> 00:00:49,039 So anyway, I'm doing chapter seven. 9 00:00:49,159 --> 00:00:49,520 It's out of order. 10 00:00:49,840 --> 00:00:53,359 It is the longest chapter in Numbers. 11 00:00:53,359 --> 00:00:54,899 We got almost 90 verses. 12 00:00:55,119 --> 00:00:55,960 I believe it's 89. 13 00:00:56,659 --> 00:01:00,299 So we're going to spend at least 89 minutes going through this. 14 00:01:01,079 --> 00:01:01,920 It's going to be quick. 15 00:01:02,140 --> 00:01:09,379 Honestly, I think around 75 of the verses are repeating the same thing in a chunk over 16 00:01:09,379 --> 00:01:14,040 and over again, which says some really cool things about God that we'll talk about in 17 00:01:14,040 --> 00:01:14,299 a moment. 18 00:01:15,599 --> 00:01:21,879 Anyway, so when this happens, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers is overlapping a lot. 19 00:01:21,879 --> 00:01:27,099 So you go through Exodus, and then you hit Leviticus, and it talks about things 20 00:01:27,099 --> 00:01:28,299 like the law and all. 21 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:31,420 And it's actually happening while some of the chapters in Exodus are happening. 22 00:01:31,819 --> 00:01:34,340 And then you hit Numbers, and it does more of the law. 23 00:01:34,739 --> 00:01:39,519 And that's overlapping from some of the chapters in Leviticus are happening. 24 00:01:39,799 --> 00:01:45,900 So this chapter about the people bringing their gifts to God is actually at the 25 00:01:45,900 --> 00:01:49,420 consecration and the beginning of the priestly ministry. 26 00:01:49,420 --> 00:01:54,500 So if you remember, like, chapters 8, 9, and 10 of Leviticus, this happens right then 27 00:01:54,500 --> 00:01:56,739 that the people give the gifts and the ministry begins. 28 00:01:57,599 --> 00:02:03,900 And chapter 10 in Leviticus is when, I believe, Nadab and Abihu get devoured by the 29 00:02:03,900 --> 00:02:04,659 fire of God. 30 00:02:04,780 --> 00:02:08,599 If you guys remember that chapter, it was crazy because they brought profane fire in 31 00:02:08,599 --> 00:02:11,740 on, like, Inauguration day of the temple. 32 00:02:12,280 --> 00:02:13,180 It was crazy. 33 00:02:13,520 --> 00:02:16,199 And, you know, a lot of scholars believe they were drunk. 34 00:02:16,199 --> 00:02:19,900 They made a fire that God didn't say to make. 35 00:02:20,199 --> 00:02:21,500 It was like their own little fire. 36 00:02:22,080 --> 00:02:24,819 And then they possibly even went into the holy of holies. 37 00:02:25,439 --> 00:02:27,699 Drunk, bringing their own fire however they wanted. 38 00:02:27,939 --> 00:02:33,439 So there's a lot there and a lot for why God judged so harshly and quickly 39 00:02:33,439 --> 00:02:39,719 because he wanted to protect his people from such an early desecration of what 40 00:02:39,719 --> 00:02:40,360 he was going to do. 41 00:02:40,659 --> 00:02:42,180 So there's some overlap there. 42 00:02:42,180 --> 00:02:45,319 So here the people are going to be giving gifts. 43 00:02:47,019 --> 00:02:49,159 So NIV says gifts. 44 00:02:50,240 --> 00:02:52,960 New King James, a lot of other versions says offerings. 45 00:02:53,939 --> 00:02:59,240 If you think about it, offerings are like a big umbrella and gifts are in there, 46 00:02:59,379 --> 00:02:59,520 right? 47 00:02:59,599 --> 00:03:00,900 It's something you bring to God. 48 00:03:02,340 --> 00:03:03,240 So, but it's special. 49 00:03:03,379 --> 00:03:04,120 It's like a free will. 50 00:03:04,280 --> 00:03:07,520 It's not like God saying bring this to me, like a sin offering because you 51 00:03:07,520 --> 00:03:07,919 sinned. 52 00:03:07,960 --> 00:03:11,379 It's like they are bringing all these articles because they love God and 53 00:03:11,379 --> 00:03:14,520 they're thankful and they want it to be used for him and the priestly 54 00:03:14,520 --> 00:03:14,759 ministry. 55 00:03:15,280 --> 00:03:19,740 So if anyone remembers like back in elementary school, like you know a square 56 00:03:20,379 --> 00:03:23,620 can be a rectangle but a rectangle can't be a square, right? 57 00:03:23,780 --> 00:03:27,199 Because a rectangle is four sides with 90 degree angles. 58 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:29,300 So you can make a rectangle a square. 59 00:03:30,219 --> 00:03:33,280 But whoa, now I'm getting confused guys. 60 00:03:33,539 --> 00:03:34,139 Yeah, you know what I mean. 61 00:03:34,680 --> 00:03:37,639 So a gift is an offering but not all offerings are gifts. 62 00:03:38,139 --> 00:03:40,379 I'm going to confuse you even more. 63 00:03:41,500 --> 00:03:43,180 But gifts matter, right? 64 00:03:43,560 --> 00:03:47,620 What you give, how you give it, all of that really matters. 65 00:03:47,840 --> 00:03:49,639 Like I've had some bad gifts in my life. 66 00:03:49,979 --> 00:03:50,699 Not from Maria. 67 00:03:50,900 --> 00:03:52,240 She's actually great at giving gifts. 68 00:03:52,460 --> 00:03:56,419 But if you had some wedding gifts that were obviously re-gifted, 69 00:03:56,719 --> 00:03:57,919 anybody have any of those? 70 00:03:58,060 --> 00:04:00,199 I had this one couple. 71 00:04:00,539 --> 00:04:05,580 They're both doctors and they re-gifted this little cheese tray thing 72 00:04:05,580 --> 00:04:07,560 and the box was like taped with Scotch tape. 73 00:04:07,560 --> 00:04:10,240 I'm like, you could have afforded a gift card. 74 00:04:10,659 --> 00:04:13,120 I mean, do I need a cheese, this weird cheese thing? 75 00:04:13,939 --> 00:04:18,439 Maria, I gave an embarrassing gift to Maria on her first birthday 76 00:04:18,439 --> 00:04:19,439 that we were married. 77 00:04:19,639 --> 00:04:20,459 Not her first birthday. 78 00:04:20,720 --> 00:04:22,199 The first birthday we were married. 79 00:04:23,100 --> 00:04:26,319 And I kind of like, I got not confused. 80 00:04:26,519 --> 00:04:28,899 I just got distracted, didn't buy stuff. 81 00:04:29,120 --> 00:04:30,339 It was like the day before. 82 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:31,759 I'm like, I got to get something for her. 83 00:04:31,779 --> 00:04:32,240 What am I thinking? 84 00:04:33,100 --> 00:04:35,379 And like I remember she liked this board game. 85 00:04:35,939 --> 00:04:39,199 I got her a board game for her birthday and then as a joke, 86 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:42,339 this was back in Fidget Spinners were funny. 87 00:04:42,600 --> 00:04:43,360 Like everyone had them. 88 00:04:43,420 --> 00:04:44,740 I bought her a Fidget Spinner as a joke. 89 00:04:45,220 --> 00:04:48,399 And I kid you not, like I gave her like a bunch of just random things 90 00:04:48,399 --> 00:04:49,319 I just bought on Amazon. 91 00:04:50,079 --> 00:04:51,759 And she like literally teared up. 92 00:04:51,819 --> 00:04:52,860 She's like, you just forgot. 93 00:04:53,100 --> 00:04:54,839 I'm like, I know, I'm so sorry. 94 00:04:55,139 --> 00:04:58,560 So like what you give, the effort that goes into it, it all matters. 95 00:04:59,639 --> 00:05:01,779 Another one, my friend. 96 00:05:08,379 --> 00:05:13,379 You can get a cheap gift for some, or an inexpensive gift to someone 97 00:05:13,379 --> 00:05:15,959 that's very valuable because it has a lot of thought behind it. 98 00:05:16,120 --> 00:05:18,319 So like, you know, I've written songs from Maria. 99 00:05:18,519 --> 00:05:21,199 That took me nothing other than time and effort. 100 00:05:22,160 --> 00:05:26,240 And the songs I have written may have been some of her favorite gifts for me. 101 00:05:27,220 --> 00:05:28,879 So I'm not spending money anymore. 102 00:05:29,139 --> 00:05:29,540 No, I'm kidding. 103 00:05:32,819 --> 00:05:33,779 But, yeah. 104 00:05:33,779 --> 00:05:36,120 I'm like, you like the free stuff, right? 105 00:05:37,300 --> 00:05:41,600 No, but so gifts matter to us, but they matter to God too. 106 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:46,839 And, you know, we know in 2 Corinthians, which we'll read momentarily, 107 00:05:47,120 --> 00:05:52,560 that God loves a joyful giver and also a gift that means something, right? 108 00:05:53,040 --> 00:05:57,160 Like Cain and Abel, Abel gave of the first fruits of the flock 109 00:05:57,160 --> 00:06:02,879 and it says Cain gave some of his, of the fruits and vegetables that he grew. 110 00:06:02,879 --> 00:06:07,060 It was just some of them, probably like the worst stuff he had 111 00:06:07,060 --> 00:06:08,680 because he wanted to keep the best for himself. 112 00:06:10,500 --> 00:06:14,699 And God said, like, why are you doing this? 113 00:06:14,759 --> 00:06:18,120 And he essentially says, like, if you do good, don't you know you'll be approved? 114 00:06:18,259 --> 00:06:21,439 So he knew Cain's heart wasn't to worship him. 115 00:06:21,660 --> 00:06:25,360 It was actually just to like get away with giving the least amount 116 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:28,459 and the worst thing possible so he could check it off his box. 117 00:06:28,639 --> 00:06:31,300 But Abel gave the best of what he had, right? 118 00:06:31,300 --> 00:06:35,199 So God cares about what we bring to him, right? 119 00:06:35,379 --> 00:06:39,899 Our time, our resources, money, energy, our skills, 120 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:42,759 the praise of our lips, right? 121 00:06:42,860 --> 00:06:46,459 Like actually worshipping him and ultimately a life lived for him 122 00:06:46,459 --> 00:06:50,600 and we can actually bless him with the gifts that we bring to him. 123 00:06:51,360 --> 00:06:57,240 So let's jump in and read Numbers 7, 1 through 11. 124 00:06:58,719 --> 00:07:02,480 Now it came to pass when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle 125 00:07:02,480 --> 00:07:07,120 that he anointed it and consecrated it in all its furnishings 126 00:07:07,120 --> 00:07:09,379 and the altar and all its utensils. 127 00:07:09,959 --> 00:07:11,959 So he anointed them and consecrated them. 128 00:07:12,220 --> 00:07:15,620 Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers' houses, 129 00:07:16,180 --> 00:07:19,939 who were the leaders of the tribes and over those who were numbered, 130 00:07:20,120 --> 00:07:20,920 made an offering. 131 00:07:22,300 --> 00:07:24,660 And they brought their offerings before the Lord. 132 00:07:24,660 --> 00:07:29,819 Six covered carts, 12 oxen, a cart for every two of the leaders 133 00:07:29,819 --> 00:07:35,519 and for each one an ox and they presented them before the tabernacle. 134 00:07:36,100 --> 00:07:37,860 Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, 135 00:07:38,079 --> 00:07:41,920 accept these from them that they may be used in doing the work 136 00:07:41,920 --> 00:07:45,420 of the tabernacle of meeting and you shall give them to the Levites, 137 00:07:45,600 --> 00:07:47,220 to every man according to his service. 138 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:50,399 So Moses took the carts and the oxen, gave them to the Levites, 139 00:07:50,399 --> 00:07:55,160 two carts, four oxen he gave to Gershon according to the service, 140 00:07:55,339 --> 00:07:57,899 four carts and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Morari 141 00:07:58,500 --> 00:08:01,959 according to their service and under the authority of Ithamar, 142 00:08:02,339 --> 00:08:03,459 the son of Aaron the priest. 143 00:08:04,079 --> 00:08:06,980 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none because theirs was the service 144 00:08:06,980 --> 00:08:09,800 of the holy things which they carried on their shoulders. 145 00:08:10,779 --> 00:08:14,879 Now the leaders offered the dedication offering for the altar 146 00:08:14,879 --> 00:08:16,019 when it was anointed. 147 00:08:16,180 --> 00:08:18,759 So the leaders offered their offering before the altar. 148 00:08:18,759 --> 00:08:22,060 For the Lord said to Moses, they shall offer their offering 149 00:08:22,060 --> 00:08:26,000 one leader each day for the dedication of the altar. 150 00:08:26,699 --> 00:08:32,120 So they bring these oxen and carts and then next you'll see each leader 151 00:08:32,120 --> 00:08:37,559 of the people of the twelve tribes will bring the identical offering 152 00:08:37,559 --> 00:08:40,799 over and over again which, let's read that too. 153 00:08:41,240 --> 00:08:44,220 So verse 13, his offering was one silver platter, 154 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:46,840 the weight of which was 130 shekels, 155 00:08:46,840 --> 00:08:51,299 one silver bowl of 70 shekels according to the shekel of the sanctuary, 156 00:08:51,779 --> 00:08:55,000 both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, 157 00:08:55,259 --> 00:08:57,820 one gold pan of 10 shekels full of incense, 158 00:08:58,080 --> 00:09:01,940 one young bull, ram, male lamb, burnt offering, 159 00:09:02,940 --> 00:09:06,179 kid of the goats, sin offering and sacrifice of the peace offering. 160 00:09:06,639 --> 00:09:07,779 So there's a lot of things here. 161 00:09:07,919 --> 00:09:10,480 There's gold, there's silver, there's animals, there's all this stuff. 162 00:09:11,480 --> 00:09:17,000 And it goes on for the next 80 verses saying the same exact thing 163 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:20,320 that was brought to God from each tribe. 164 00:09:21,519 --> 00:09:26,240 So there's something that is really important to gather from this. 165 00:09:26,840 --> 00:09:30,779 There's two offerings and the first is the carts and the oxen 166 00:09:30,779 --> 00:09:32,960 which is a joint giving, right? 167 00:09:33,379 --> 00:09:37,419 The two tribes give one cart with two oxen. 168 00:09:37,419 --> 00:09:43,059 So that right there shows this kind of you're doing this together, right? 169 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:46,299 It's not one person's trying to out give 170 00:09:46,299 --> 00:09:51,539 or one person wants to be recognized as I'm the person who gave it. 171 00:09:51,899 --> 00:09:55,159 You're giving it together and it's one thing, right? 172 00:09:55,320 --> 00:09:57,679 It's like each person gives an oxen and one cart. 173 00:09:57,879 --> 00:10:01,500 You're not saying, oh, like I gave the wheels, those are more valuable, 174 00:10:02,100 --> 00:10:05,740 like do you see that optional third row in the back, that upgrade cost me more? 175 00:10:05,740 --> 00:10:11,720 It's just a wagon which is very valuable back then, but they're doing it together. 176 00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:16,620 And so like that right there, nobody gets recognition. 177 00:10:17,120 --> 00:10:21,120 It's a joint venture to say I want to give to the ministry of God 178 00:10:21,120 --> 00:10:25,500 for this to be used to actually transport the tabernacle. 179 00:10:25,679 --> 00:10:28,559 These carts were used to take the tabernacle through the wilderness 180 00:10:28,559 --> 00:10:30,779 and set it up, the very presence of God. 181 00:10:30,779 --> 00:10:38,379 And then we see, like I said, the next 80 or 78 verses say the same exact thing. 182 00:10:38,879 --> 00:10:43,340 Now, wouldn't you think like God could just summarize this? 183 00:10:43,399 --> 00:10:46,860 So the 12 tribes brought these things, the end, right? 184 00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:48,600 But they go through every single one. 185 00:10:49,320 --> 00:10:53,159 And again, they gave the same thing and that's humble, right? 186 00:10:53,740 --> 00:10:59,759 I'm not trying to give more for recognition or to be more approved of by God. 187 00:10:59,759 --> 00:11:02,279 We all give the same thing. 188 00:11:02,519 --> 00:11:06,659 And in our lives, like we all give our life to Jesus when we come to Him, right? 189 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:10,500 We all are the same before the cross, right? 190 00:11:10,600 --> 00:11:12,399 We all desperately need a Savior. 191 00:11:13,059 --> 00:11:15,940 And yes, there are rewards and gifts and all these things that flow 192 00:11:15,940 --> 00:11:19,539 from a life that is more surrendered than less surrendered. 193 00:11:19,679 --> 00:11:25,320 But in the end, we are all giving, should be giving the same gift to God. 194 00:11:26,019 --> 00:11:28,299 And God sees it. God cares. 195 00:11:28,299 --> 00:11:33,299 First, He went through 80 verses on papyrus and ink, which is expensive, 196 00:11:33,659 --> 00:11:37,679 but to show that each person's name that gave mattered, right? 197 00:11:38,139 --> 00:11:41,360 God sees what you give. God cares about what you give. 198 00:11:41,899 --> 00:11:47,320 And He knows and appreciates and is blessed by the things that you give to God. 199 00:11:47,820 --> 00:11:52,840 And that's why I believe He showed every tribe and every name giving 200 00:11:52,840 --> 00:11:55,159 instead of just summing it all up. 201 00:11:55,159 --> 00:11:58,000 And think about it, like we would want our name in there, right? 202 00:11:58,940 --> 00:12:04,519 Like when you go to a graduation, I think I went to graduation with like 500 people. 203 00:12:04,779 --> 00:12:07,259 We're there for hours and you're just waiting and you're like, 204 00:12:07,860 --> 00:12:10,460 they say each person's name graduating with this, right? 205 00:12:10,620 --> 00:12:14,659 But God is the same way, like He wants you to know that He sees you 206 00:12:14,659 --> 00:12:18,580 and He sees what you're giving to Him and He is blessed by it. 207 00:12:18,679 --> 00:12:22,759 And I believe that's why He shared all these names and tribes. 208 00:12:23,679 --> 00:12:26,500 And all of this is for a common purpose, right? 209 00:12:26,919 --> 00:12:28,639 To be used for the ministry. 210 00:12:28,980 --> 00:12:33,159 The carts, the gold pans, the silver, the, you know, 211 00:12:33,240 --> 00:12:36,279 all this stuff is to be used for the ministry. 212 00:12:37,559 --> 00:12:40,200 And, you know, that's exactly what we're called to do. 213 00:12:40,320 --> 00:12:44,379 Like we're called to give our money, our time, our resources. 214 00:12:44,820 --> 00:12:48,960 Like we are called to give it to God for a common goal and a common purpose, 215 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:53,039 which is the Kingdom of God and to see His Kingdom come on earth, right? 216 00:12:53,259 --> 00:12:56,620 Like this church wouldn't be here if people didn't give, right? 217 00:12:57,019 --> 00:12:58,980 There would be no service on Sunday 218 00:12:58,980 --> 00:13:01,279 unless people followed what the Lord was saying 219 00:13:01,279 --> 00:13:03,840 and gave of their time to study the Word, 220 00:13:04,159 --> 00:13:05,620 gave of their time to sing, 221 00:13:05,840 --> 00:13:11,259 and even just coming to give an offering of your time because God's worth it, right? 222 00:13:11,720 --> 00:13:12,879 Like you don't have to be doing something, 223 00:13:12,940 --> 00:13:15,659 but just to be here on a Sunday is, 224 00:13:15,659 --> 00:13:19,320 it does so much for you, but it also blesses God, right? 225 00:13:19,539 --> 00:13:20,960 And it sends a message to people. 226 00:13:21,379 --> 00:13:23,840 Like, when I'm at church every Sunday, 227 00:13:23,899 --> 00:13:25,399 unless for some reason I'm out of town, 228 00:13:25,860 --> 00:13:28,039 like I never just feel too tired to go to church 229 00:13:28,039 --> 00:13:29,740 because I love God. 230 00:13:29,940 --> 00:13:32,039 I want Him to know that I love Him 231 00:13:32,039 --> 00:13:35,039 and He is worth my time and my morning to be here. 232 00:13:35,399 --> 00:13:37,340 And also it sends a message to my kids. 233 00:13:37,799 --> 00:13:41,200 Like going to church is not just a flipping thing. 234 00:13:41,379 --> 00:13:44,519 Like God isn't just something that's not a big deal. 235 00:13:44,519 --> 00:13:45,320 Like He's everything. 236 00:13:45,700 --> 00:13:48,019 So being at church is important, 237 00:13:48,259 --> 00:13:49,919 even if you're not serving, you know? 238 00:13:51,419 --> 00:13:55,100 And so I think about how this is actually blessing God, 239 00:13:55,240 --> 00:13:57,379 that they are bringing it for a common purpose, 240 00:13:58,139 --> 00:13:59,899 they are bringing it in humility, 241 00:14:00,500 --> 00:14:02,240 and they are bringing it together. 242 00:14:02,580 --> 00:14:05,059 The whole nation is bringing these gifts to Him, 243 00:14:05,100 --> 00:14:06,720 and I believe it blesses Him greatly. 244 00:14:07,679 --> 00:14:08,799 But I was thinking, you know, 245 00:14:08,940 --> 00:14:10,379 where did these gifts even come from? 246 00:14:10,480 --> 00:14:13,019 Because they were slaves, they were poor, 247 00:14:13,019 --> 00:14:14,639 and they were in the wilderness, right? 248 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:16,799 So where did they get all this gold, 249 00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:18,039 all these animals? 250 00:14:18,480 --> 00:14:20,340 Where did they get, you know, all this? 251 00:14:20,759 --> 00:14:23,759 And in Exodus we see, I actually don't have it up, 252 00:14:24,739 --> 00:14:27,980 but it was, so on their way out, 253 00:14:28,259 --> 00:14:29,759 and this is something God said was going to happen, 254 00:14:30,039 --> 00:14:32,019 but on their way out, Egypt said, 255 00:14:32,639 --> 00:14:33,960 please just get out of here. 256 00:14:34,259 --> 00:14:34,980 Take all this. 257 00:14:35,100 --> 00:14:36,940 They gave them like treasures piled up. 258 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:40,360 So the actual gifts they were giving God 259 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:44,139 was from His deliverance and provision and favor 260 00:14:44,139 --> 00:14:45,879 that they even received it. 261 00:14:46,200 --> 00:14:47,460 They came out of slavery. 262 00:14:47,879 --> 00:14:50,440 We're going to a promised land that He prepared for them, 263 00:14:50,580 --> 00:14:52,419 and on the way out they got rich 264 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:54,779 because God's favor was on them 265 00:14:54,779 --> 00:14:57,139 that He put in the minds of the Egyptians. 266 00:14:57,500 --> 00:14:59,399 Give this away to get them out, right? 267 00:14:59,779 --> 00:15:01,460 Even though they were on their way out anyway, 268 00:15:01,620 --> 00:15:03,100 it was God's favor and blessing 269 00:15:03,100 --> 00:15:06,379 that they even had all of this to begin with. 270 00:15:07,420 --> 00:15:10,419 And, you know, it's just a cycle with giving, right? 271 00:15:10,519 --> 00:15:11,539 He gives us everything. 272 00:15:11,899 --> 00:15:14,779 Like everything we have is from Him, right? 273 00:15:14,879 --> 00:15:16,419 Like our very breath, right? 274 00:15:16,539 --> 00:15:19,899 We see how in the Garden of Eden, 275 00:15:20,320 --> 00:15:24,360 breath was breathed into the lungs of Adam, 276 00:15:24,720 --> 00:15:28,320 and now this life that God has put in mankind has continued. 277 00:15:28,600 --> 00:15:31,080 Like our very life belongs to Him, 278 00:15:31,320 --> 00:15:33,779 and everything that we have, I mean, health. 279 00:15:34,299 --> 00:15:36,000 Everything with my dad going on right now, 280 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:38,340 you know, it just makes me think about 281 00:15:38,340 --> 00:15:41,399 how even being healthy and being alive 282 00:15:41,399 --> 00:15:44,080 is such a gift from God. 283 00:15:44,480 --> 00:15:45,919 And as He gives us things, 284 00:15:46,679 --> 00:15:48,019 like we see in this chapter, 285 00:15:48,460 --> 00:15:50,659 like He desires us to give back to Him. 286 00:15:50,779 --> 00:15:52,059 We can never outgive Him. 287 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:53,919 We can never give too much 288 00:15:53,919 --> 00:15:55,580 because He's already given everything. 289 00:15:56,659 --> 00:16:00,159 And this giving back isn't just in the Old Testament, right? 290 00:16:00,299 --> 00:16:03,779 We see tons of examples constantly in the Bible. 291 00:16:03,779 --> 00:16:06,179 We see the church of Acts. 292 00:16:06,559 --> 00:16:08,259 Everybody is giving to God, 293 00:16:08,639 --> 00:16:11,539 selling land, property, homes, all this stuff, 294 00:16:11,860 --> 00:16:13,899 and giving to the church and the body of Christ. 295 00:16:14,279 --> 00:16:14,879 And why? 296 00:16:15,200 --> 00:16:18,740 Because they are part of a body now, a family of God. 297 00:16:19,159 --> 00:16:21,600 So their heart and what they want to do 298 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:24,360 is to give to Him and see the body blessed. 299 00:16:24,700 --> 00:16:26,820 It's because God gave them salvation, 300 00:16:26,820 --> 00:16:30,379 and now they are giving of what they have back to God. 301 00:16:31,180 --> 00:16:35,759 The woman, when she anoints Jesus' feet with oil, right? 302 00:16:36,220 --> 00:16:37,480 He says in Luke 7, 303 00:16:38,139 --> 00:16:38,860 therefore I tell you, 304 00:16:39,019 --> 00:16:40,539 her many sins have been forgiven 305 00:16:40,539 --> 00:16:42,779 as her great love has shown. 306 00:16:43,240 --> 00:16:45,159 She gave expensive oil, 307 00:16:45,779 --> 00:16:47,919 and she made herself, you know, 308 00:16:48,539 --> 00:16:49,639 embarrassed, and she didn't care 309 00:16:49,639 --> 00:16:51,259 by crying on His feet, 310 00:16:51,559 --> 00:16:54,279 even though she was a woman of great sin, it says. 311 00:16:54,700 --> 00:16:56,519 And she didn't care about what people thought. 312 00:16:56,759 --> 00:16:58,159 She praised Him, she worshiped Him, 313 00:16:58,159 --> 00:17:00,360 and she gave something so valuable to Him 314 00:17:00,360 --> 00:17:03,519 because her many sins were forgiven. 315 00:17:04,079 --> 00:17:05,640 Jesus gave forgiveness. 316 00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:08,980 And then Abraham, you know, we see Melchizedek, 317 00:17:09,400 --> 00:17:12,279 he gives a tenth of everything he has to Melchizedek. 318 00:17:12,539 --> 00:17:12,960 Why? 319 00:17:13,339 --> 00:17:17,359 Because God just gave him a victory over all these kings, right? 320 00:17:18,180 --> 00:17:22,900 It was in Genesis, I don't have the reference up, 321 00:17:23,380 --> 00:17:25,920 but Lot was captured by all these kings, 322 00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:28,819 and Sodom had lost all of its wealth, 323 00:17:29,180 --> 00:17:31,079 and then it was a supernatural victory 324 00:17:31,079 --> 00:17:33,220 that somehow Abraham pulled it off 325 00:17:33,220 --> 00:17:34,480 with his few people he had. 326 00:17:34,579 --> 00:17:36,099 He killed, like, four whole nations 327 00:17:36,099 --> 00:17:37,900 and brought Lot back, 328 00:17:38,220 --> 00:17:41,619 and then he gives back to a tenth of everything, 329 00:17:41,799 --> 00:17:42,559 to Melchizedek, 330 00:17:42,900 --> 00:17:44,279 and then gives all of the wealth 331 00:17:44,279 --> 00:17:46,619 that he acquired back to Sodom 332 00:17:46,619 --> 00:17:49,420 because he didn't want them to say 333 00:17:49,420 --> 00:17:50,539 that they made him rich. 334 00:17:50,920 --> 00:17:51,900 God is making him rich. 335 00:17:51,900 --> 00:17:55,720 So we see God always initially gives, 336 00:17:56,099 --> 00:17:57,539 and we give back to Him, right? 337 00:17:59,759 --> 00:18:02,299 And so as we give, we're not just giving 338 00:18:02,299 --> 00:18:05,240 to keep the lights on in the church 339 00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:07,119 or to keep a service running 340 00:18:07,119 --> 00:18:09,559 or make sure everyone's comfortable, 341 00:18:09,759 --> 00:18:11,420 even though that's a great thing. 342 00:18:12,500 --> 00:18:14,680 Like, we want to have a nice church. 343 00:18:14,799 --> 00:18:16,000 We want to be able to do things, 344 00:18:16,039 --> 00:18:18,019 but really it's an act of worship 345 00:18:18,019 --> 00:18:20,960 and love to give back to God 346 00:18:20,960 --> 00:18:22,720 who's already given us so much 347 00:18:24,440 --> 00:18:26,619 because we know that, like, 348 00:18:26,720 --> 00:18:28,420 we have nothing apart from Him, right? 349 00:18:28,759 --> 00:18:31,220 We aren't entitled to be blessed by God. 350 00:18:31,500 --> 00:18:32,640 We don't deserve it. 351 00:18:33,079 --> 00:18:35,220 We were actually enemies of God, 352 00:18:35,319 --> 00:18:37,079 and He died for us, 353 00:18:37,140 --> 00:18:38,279 and in Romans 8 we see, 354 00:18:38,519 --> 00:18:40,079 He did not spare His own Son, 355 00:18:40,180 --> 00:18:41,980 but He gave Him up for us all. 356 00:18:42,519 --> 00:18:44,259 How will He not also, along with Him, 357 00:18:44,480 --> 00:18:46,680 graciously give us all things? 358 00:18:47,779 --> 00:18:49,000 He's given us everything. 359 00:18:49,940 --> 00:18:52,920 So we have things tangibly 360 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:54,059 that we can give Him, right? 361 00:18:54,779 --> 00:18:55,980 And I don't know. 362 00:18:56,119 --> 00:18:57,680 It's just, it's a blessing to Him, 363 00:18:57,759 --> 00:18:59,140 but it's also a blessing to us 364 00:18:59,140 --> 00:19:01,059 to be able to give to God. 365 00:19:02,279 --> 00:19:04,299 And I see even before the gift, 366 00:19:04,400 --> 00:19:05,200 like we talked about, 367 00:19:05,380 --> 00:19:07,220 of life in the Garden of Eden, 368 00:19:08,220 --> 00:19:10,059 we see in Revelation that there's 369 00:19:10,059 --> 00:19:12,420 a far greater gift that took place 370 00:19:12,420 --> 00:19:15,220 even before the world was created, 371 00:19:15,220 --> 00:19:17,720 and in Revelation 13 it says, 372 00:19:18,460 --> 00:19:20,240 it talks about the book of life of the Lamb 373 00:19:20,240 --> 00:19:23,079 who was slain from the foundation of the world. 374 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:26,099 So before the world was even created, 375 00:19:27,079 --> 00:19:30,039 God already had the plan of redemption for you. 376 00:19:30,519 --> 00:19:33,140 He was not actually physically slain yet 377 00:19:33,140 --> 00:19:35,779 because Jesus was only slain once. 378 00:19:35,960 --> 00:19:37,240 The Bible makes that super clear. 379 00:19:37,819 --> 00:19:40,559 He only tasted death once for us. 380 00:19:41,099 --> 00:19:43,480 But we see that even before we were created, 381 00:19:44,039 --> 00:19:46,200 He knew everything we were going to do, 382 00:19:46,779 --> 00:19:49,660 and He knew that we were going to walk away from Him, 383 00:19:49,819 --> 00:19:52,920 and He decided before He created mankind 384 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:54,200 that He was going to die for them. 385 00:19:54,640 --> 00:19:56,299 That is incredible. 386 00:19:57,099 --> 00:19:58,839 Like, the cross was not a backup plan 387 00:19:58,839 --> 00:20:02,059 or something that He realized, 388 00:20:02,240 --> 00:20:03,839 begrudgingly, now He has to do. 389 00:20:04,220 --> 00:20:05,680 Before He even made you, He knew. 390 00:20:06,119 --> 00:20:08,500 The moment we say, let there be light, 391 00:20:08,619 --> 00:20:10,259 and the moment we get this thing rolling, 392 00:20:10,359 --> 00:20:11,400 that means I have to die. 393 00:20:11,400 --> 00:20:13,740 And I believe the Trinity was there, 394 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:15,539 and they said, let's do it. 395 00:20:15,759 --> 00:20:18,660 That is sacrificial, incredible love 396 00:20:18,660 --> 00:20:21,980 that He would go through with that. 397 00:20:23,039 --> 00:20:24,660 But that's the love of Christ, 398 00:20:24,839 --> 00:20:25,559 that's the love of Jesus, 399 00:20:25,900 --> 00:20:28,240 who gave Himself for us, 400 00:20:28,339 --> 00:20:29,480 the judge of the world, 401 00:20:29,859 --> 00:20:31,720 taking the sentence that we deserve. 402 00:20:33,680 --> 00:20:36,740 So God gives us things that are just 403 00:20:36,740 --> 00:20:38,319 so simple and insignificant. 404 00:20:39,220 --> 00:20:40,519 When you think about it, right? 405 00:20:40,519 --> 00:20:45,599 Like, skills, talents, time, money, 406 00:20:46,420 --> 00:20:48,039 like assets, our car, our house, 407 00:20:48,619 --> 00:20:50,599 these things that can feel like 408 00:20:50,599 --> 00:20:53,099 such a big deal when we're in this life, 409 00:20:53,339 --> 00:20:54,519 and then when we go to heaven, 410 00:20:54,619 --> 00:20:55,660 we don't have any of them. 411 00:20:56,019 --> 00:20:57,039 We don't even need them. 412 00:20:57,579 --> 00:20:58,960 And all He's saying is, 413 00:20:59,220 --> 00:21:00,319 hey, just trust me 414 00:21:00,319 --> 00:21:03,079 and worship me with the stuff you have, right? 415 00:21:03,700 --> 00:21:06,460 Like, that is what He's calling us to do. 416 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,259 So even, you know, our assets, 417 00:21:09,259 --> 00:21:11,480 like, I love life groups. 418 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:14,259 People open up their homes to have gatherings 419 00:21:14,799 --> 00:21:16,640 to talk about and to worship Jesus. 420 00:21:17,279 --> 00:21:21,019 And we see how people are using their cars 421 00:21:21,019 --> 00:21:22,940 to go pick up people and bring them to church. 422 00:21:23,359 --> 00:21:24,940 People are tithing, giving money 423 00:21:24,940 --> 00:21:28,019 so that ministry can take place in Lansdale. 424 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:31,140 And talent skills, so you have, you know, 425 00:21:31,440 --> 00:21:34,119 so many people serving in so many amazing areas 426 00:21:34,119 --> 00:21:36,200 in front of and behind the scenes, 427 00:21:36,200 --> 00:21:39,460 because God has given them skills and gifts, 428 00:21:39,599 --> 00:21:42,180 even if you don't feel super passionate about it, right? 429 00:21:42,619 --> 00:21:44,480 That is still a skill and a gift 430 00:21:44,480 --> 00:21:46,920 and a need that pleases God, 431 00:21:47,220 --> 00:21:49,619 whether, you know, you're on a computer 432 00:21:49,619 --> 00:21:51,339 or you're parking cards 433 00:21:51,339 --> 00:21:55,279 or you're singing a song or teaching the Word, 434 00:21:55,400 --> 00:21:57,099 whatever it is, it blesses Him. 435 00:21:57,339 --> 00:21:59,619 Like, the stuff we read about that they gave, 436 00:21:59,799 --> 00:22:00,960 like, it's just a little bowl. 437 00:22:01,180 --> 00:22:03,119 It's a silver bowl and a little plate. 438 00:22:03,599 --> 00:22:05,279 But it's such a blessing to God 439 00:22:05,279 --> 00:22:09,519 and is used for ministry to bring people to salvation. 440 00:22:13,300 --> 00:22:16,640 So I also think about another simple gift 441 00:22:16,640 --> 00:22:18,640 was the feeding of the 5,000, 442 00:22:18,980 --> 00:22:22,279 that little boy giving a little bit of bread and fish, 443 00:22:23,279 --> 00:22:25,579 and it fed 5,000 people with, I believe, 444 00:22:25,660 --> 00:22:27,220 it was 12 baskets left over 445 00:22:27,220 --> 00:22:29,700 and is now an infamous story that's told 446 00:22:29,700 --> 00:22:33,259 around the world every single week forever 447 00:22:33,259 --> 00:22:34,859 until Jesus comes back. 448 00:22:34,859 --> 00:22:37,460 And we'll still probably be asking Jesus about it in heaven. 449 00:22:37,660 --> 00:22:38,900 How did that work, you know? 450 00:22:39,200 --> 00:22:42,059 And it was just a little boy with some bread and fish 451 00:22:42,059 --> 00:22:43,440 saying, yeah, here you go. 452 00:22:43,920 --> 00:22:44,619 Here's my lunch. 453 00:22:45,200 --> 00:22:47,559 And it fed, like, 5,000 people 454 00:22:47,559 --> 00:22:51,059 and is still talked about, you know? 455 00:22:51,380 --> 00:22:54,000 And so the insignificant things that we have 456 00:22:54,000 --> 00:22:57,220 can do immeasurable, significant, 457 00:22:57,500 --> 00:22:59,400 and profound things for the Kingdom of God. 458 00:23:00,079 --> 00:23:02,559 I mean, you think about when you hand out water 459 00:23:02,559 --> 00:23:06,200 or sandwiches and food for homeless ministry stuff 460 00:23:06,200 --> 00:23:08,339 or you take a moment to pray with someone 461 00:23:08,339 --> 00:23:13,220 or even this past year I went to First Friday 462 00:23:13,220 --> 00:23:15,400 and just walked around and talked with people. 463 00:23:16,279 --> 00:23:19,960 And now there's a couple that our members of our church 464 00:23:20,559 --> 00:23:22,599 have been baptized, are in life groups, 465 00:23:22,640 --> 00:23:24,359 are growing so much in their faith 466 00:23:24,359 --> 00:23:28,619 just because people were there and sharing and talking 467 00:23:28,619 --> 00:23:30,440 and just telling them about Jesus 468 00:23:30,440 --> 00:23:32,460 and showing them the love of God. 469 00:23:33,079 --> 00:23:34,039 And what does that do? 470 00:23:34,640 --> 00:23:36,980 People are walking with Jesus now. 471 00:23:37,559 --> 00:23:38,460 That's amazing. 472 00:23:38,799 --> 00:23:42,460 It's insignificant to give up 45 minutes on a Friday night 473 00:23:42,460 --> 00:23:47,480 and yet now people are walking into heaven for eternity, right? 474 00:23:48,480 --> 00:23:53,779 So your life significantly matters more than you'd ever know. 475 00:23:54,160 --> 00:23:57,079 And that is the ultimate offering we can bring God. 476 00:23:57,079 --> 00:24:00,000 The ultimate gift is our life. 477 00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:01,259 In Romans 12-1 it says, 478 00:24:01,680 --> 00:24:04,400 therefore I urge you brothers and sisters 479 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:07,099 in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies 480 00:24:07,099 --> 00:24:10,700 as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. 481 00:24:11,079 --> 00:24:13,779 This is your true and proper worship. 482 00:24:14,420 --> 00:24:16,539 The true worship is to live for Him. 483 00:24:16,819 --> 00:24:19,180 That everything we have is ultimately His 484 00:24:19,180 --> 00:24:22,279 and we can pray God, just use it for your glory. 485 00:24:22,740 --> 00:24:23,960 Use it for your ministry. 486 00:24:24,539 --> 00:24:26,559 And I love that it says proper worship. 487 00:24:26,559 --> 00:24:28,559 It's like almost understood. 488 00:24:29,539 --> 00:24:34,079 Yeah, if God died for you, raised you up in Christ 489 00:24:34,079 --> 00:24:35,839 and filled you with His Holy Spirit 490 00:24:35,839 --> 00:24:40,980 and you have 80 years, 60 years, 20 years, five years left, 491 00:24:41,299 --> 00:24:44,200 why wouldn't you just live it entirely for Him? 492 00:24:44,500 --> 00:24:47,099 Like we have eternity to look forward to 493 00:24:47,099 --> 00:24:52,180 and He's given us breath in our lungs and resources and time 494 00:24:52,180 --> 00:24:55,480 to bring people into the Kingdom and to bless Him. 495 00:24:58,939 --> 00:25:08,519 And I find that giving to God is actually very freeing, right? 496 00:25:09,200 --> 00:25:15,279 Like to give of money frees you from the control of money over you. 497 00:25:15,720 --> 00:25:19,079 To give of your time frees you from the need 498 00:25:19,079 --> 00:25:22,180 to have to control all the time slots in your day 499 00:25:22,180 --> 00:25:24,200 and thinking that your day is running you. 500 00:25:24,200 --> 00:25:26,380 Now you're actually in control of your day. 501 00:25:27,079 --> 00:25:30,799 When you think about your assets, like the things you have, 502 00:25:31,559 --> 00:25:33,660 it's easy to become very meticulous and controlling. 503 00:25:33,880 --> 00:25:35,059 Like, oh, my house has to be perfect. 504 00:25:35,200 --> 00:25:36,359 My car can't get dirty. 505 00:25:36,559 --> 00:25:38,279 You know, these little things. 506 00:25:38,619 --> 00:25:41,259 And then you let people drive in there with you. 507 00:25:41,359 --> 00:25:44,700 Then maybe get it messy or all these people come over 508 00:25:44,700 --> 00:25:46,539 and a bunch of kids trash your house 509 00:25:46,539 --> 00:25:48,680 while you're trying to like talk about the Bible. 510 00:25:48,940 --> 00:25:50,720 But you don't care anymore. 511 00:25:51,160 --> 00:25:53,339 Like obviously you care a little bit, right? 512 00:25:53,339 --> 00:25:56,220 But you realize that this is a tool 513 00:25:56,220 --> 00:25:58,140 and an asset for the Kingdom 514 00:25:58,140 --> 00:26:00,319 and it's not controlling you anymore. 515 00:26:00,480 --> 00:26:03,200 It's actually being used by you for God. 516 00:26:07,299 --> 00:26:09,279 There's one other thing I wanted to say. 517 00:26:11,799 --> 00:26:12,299 Oh, yeah. 518 00:26:12,980 --> 00:26:15,240 And I think a perfect example of this 519 00:26:15,240 --> 00:26:17,880 is the parable of the sower. 520 00:26:19,140 --> 00:26:19,779 Let's turn there. 521 00:26:19,779 --> 00:26:20,859 I love this. 522 00:26:24,900 --> 00:26:29,779 Luke 8 verse 11 when Jesus explains the parable. 523 00:26:37,399 --> 00:26:38,859 What was it? 524 00:26:42,420 --> 00:26:43,380 Oh, yeah. 525 00:26:44,519 --> 00:26:45,119 No, you're good. 526 00:26:45,740 --> 00:26:47,099 Yeah, we can pray right now. 527 00:26:47,959 --> 00:26:50,220 I have like five minutes left, 528 00:26:50,359 --> 00:26:52,039 so I hope the last five minutes are good. 529 00:26:53,079 --> 00:26:54,740 Yeah, Lord, we just pray in Jesus' name 530 00:26:54,740 --> 00:26:57,400 that you would bless these last few minutes. 531 00:26:57,539 --> 00:26:59,920 I pray that everything that we've said so far, 532 00:27:00,319 --> 00:27:03,279 that you said, Lord, and we receive God, 533 00:27:03,440 --> 00:27:05,240 I pray it would bless us, Lord, 534 00:27:05,799 --> 00:27:07,700 and I pray that your voice and your word 535 00:27:07,700 --> 00:27:09,539 would be spoken, Lord, in Jesus' name, amen. 536 00:27:13,480 --> 00:27:15,559 Verse 8, I mean 11. 537 00:27:16,180 --> 00:27:18,299 Now the parable is this. 538 00:27:18,480 --> 00:27:20,500 The seed is the word of God. 539 00:27:21,539 --> 00:27:23,539 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear, 540 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:25,539 then the devil comes and takes away 541 00:27:25,539 --> 00:27:26,559 the word out of their hearts, 542 00:27:27,140 --> 00:27:29,099 lest they should believe and be saved. 543 00:27:29,859 --> 00:27:31,440 But the ones on the rock are those 544 00:27:31,440 --> 00:27:34,279 who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, 545 00:27:34,839 --> 00:27:36,380 and these have no root, 546 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:38,200 who believe for a while 547 00:27:38,200 --> 00:27:40,299 and in time of temptation fall away. 548 00:27:40,900 --> 00:27:43,440 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those 549 00:27:43,440 --> 00:27:45,859 when they have heard, go out and are choked 550 00:27:45,859 --> 00:27:48,299 with cares, riches, pleasures of life 551 00:27:48,299 --> 00:27:50,460 and bring no fruit to maturity. 552 00:27:51,059 --> 00:27:53,039 But the ones that fell on the good ground 553 00:27:53,039 --> 00:27:55,059 are those who, having heard the word 554 00:27:55,059 --> 00:27:56,319 with a noble and good heart, 555 00:27:56,599 --> 00:27:58,920 keep it and bear fruit with patience. 556 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:04,619 We see the power of the cares of this life. 557 00:28:05,299 --> 00:28:07,519 The riches and the pleasures of life 558 00:28:07,519 --> 00:28:09,700 can actually choke out the gospel 559 00:28:09,700 --> 00:28:11,039 in a person's heart. 560 00:28:13,440 --> 00:28:17,220 And that's why giving is so powerful. 561 00:28:17,539 --> 00:28:20,279 Because even as Christians, we want to bear more fruit. 562 00:28:21,140 --> 00:28:24,180 I'm not afraid of my salvation going away 563 00:28:24,180 --> 00:28:25,420 or me losing it. 564 00:28:25,539 --> 00:28:29,079 I'm not afraid of my salvation being choked out. 565 00:28:29,599 --> 00:28:32,579 But there are many things God wants to do through us. 566 00:28:33,259 --> 00:28:35,539 There are so many works that He has planned 567 00:28:35,539 --> 00:28:38,859 for us to walk into that can be choked out. 568 00:28:39,619 --> 00:28:41,960 The works that God has planned for you 569 00:28:41,960 --> 00:28:44,640 aren't a given that they're going to happen through you. 570 00:28:45,579 --> 00:28:45,619 Right? 571 00:28:45,900 --> 00:28:47,859 And there's things that can choke it out. 572 00:28:48,240 --> 00:28:50,380 And that's why I believe there's so much 573 00:28:50,380 --> 00:28:51,460 that God wants to do, 574 00:28:51,740 --> 00:28:53,960 and the cares of this life can choke it out. 575 00:28:54,259 --> 00:28:56,119 But as we give, as we realize 576 00:28:56,119 --> 00:28:58,519 our life's not about ourself, it's about Him. 577 00:28:58,960 --> 00:29:01,059 And we think of others and bless people 578 00:29:01,059 --> 00:29:02,819 with whatever we have, 579 00:29:03,279 --> 00:29:05,680 we actually are set free from those cares, 580 00:29:05,839 --> 00:29:07,319 like the thicket it talks about, 581 00:29:07,599 --> 00:29:09,759 that chokes out the fruit 582 00:29:09,759 --> 00:29:11,440 that is going to grow in our hearts. 583 00:29:12,160 --> 00:29:13,960 And God knows all this, 584 00:29:14,119 --> 00:29:15,880 and that's why He calls us 585 00:29:15,880 --> 00:29:18,240 to give and to be sacrificial 586 00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:21,099 and to live a life as a living sacrifice. 587 00:29:21,640 --> 00:29:25,160 So the thicket and thorns can be chopped down by God 588 00:29:25,160 --> 00:29:28,039 and the fruit and everything in us 589 00:29:28,039 --> 00:29:29,920 can be watered and grow to maturity. 590 00:29:32,780 --> 00:29:34,539 So this is so funny. 591 00:29:34,740 --> 00:29:37,579 I was looking for a bookmark 592 00:29:37,579 --> 00:29:39,079 for this next verse, 593 00:29:39,940 --> 00:29:40,839 and this was right at my foot. 594 00:29:42,160 --> 00:29:44,839 This is a section about money and giving, 595 00:29:45,240 --> 00:29:45,980 which is so funny. 596 00:29:46,640 --> 00:29:48,660 I think this is the only physical bill 597 00:29:48,660 --> 00:29:50,680 I have in my house that's on the ground. 598 00:29:52,079 --> 00:29:53,619 So if we're talking about giving, 599 00:29:53,779 --> 00:29:57,039 we really can't skip over this passage. 600 00:29:58,440 --> 00:29:59,819 2 Corinthians 9-6. 601 00:30:00,420 --> 00:30:01,700 And this is about money, 602 00:30:01,799 --> 00:30:04,079 but it also says a lot about God's heart 603 00:30:04,599 --> 00:30:06,119 and how giving works. 604 00:30:06,119 --> 00:30:07,980 So 2 Corinthians 9, 605 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:12,420 starting in verse 6. 606 00:30:16,279 --> 00:30:17,259 But this I say, 607 00:30:17,759 --> 00:30:21,519 He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. 608 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:24,900 He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 609 00:30:26,980 --> 00:30:29,039 That's a verse right there, right? 610 00:30:29,839 --> 00:30:31,480 That has some weight to it. 611 00:30:32,180 --> 00:30:34,859 He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. 612 00:30:34,859 --> 00:30:37,539 He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 613 00:30:38,799 --> 00:30:41,420 Lord, we want to sow bountifully, God. 614 00:30:43,019 --> 00:30:46,740 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, 615 00:30:46,980 --> 00:30:49,779 not grudging or out of necessity, 616 00:30:50,359 --> 00:30:52,000 for God loves. 617 00:30:52,460 --> 00:30:54,400 He loves a cheerful giver. 618 00:30:55,559 --> 00:30:58,559 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, 619 00:30:58,619 --> 00:31:03,440 that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, 620 00:31:03,440 --> 00:31:05,880 not just resources, not just money, 621 00:31:06,500 --> 00:31:08,400 but in all things having sufficiency. 622 00:31:09,240 --> 00:31:12,140 That is a soul and a heart that is filled by God. 623 00:31:13,799 --> 00:31:15,920 Always having all sufficiency in all things 624 00:31:15,920 --> 00:31:19,019 may have an abundance for every good work. 625 00:31:19,819 --> 00:31:20,619 As it is written, 626 00:31:20,859 --> 00:31:21,960 he has dispersed abroad, 627 00:31:22,180 --> 00:31:23,200 he has given to the poor, 628 00:31:23,519 --> 00:31:25,500 his righteousness endures forever. 629 00:31:26,940 --> 00:31:29,619 Now may he who supplies seed to the sower 630 00:31:29,619 --> 00:31:30,839 and bread for food, 631 00:31:30,839 --> 00:31:32,900 we see he gives us things to give away, 632 00:31:32,900 --> 00:31:35,160 but he also knows we need things to live. 633 00:31:35,799 --> 00:31:37,839 He is not saying give every single thing away 634 00:31:37,839 --> 00:31:41,339 and your family is going to be destitute and struggling. 635 00:31:41,700 --> 00:31:45,599 He is saying he is actually given a specific seed to sow 636 00:31:45,599 --> 00:31:47,920 and specific bread for food. 637 00:31:49,079 --> 00:31:51,839 He is going to supply and multiply the seed you have sown 638 00:31:51,839 --> 00:31:54,099 and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 639 00:31:55,440 --> 00:31:58,579 While you are enriched in everything for all liberality, 640 00:31:59,119 --> 00:32:01,980 which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 641 00:32:01,980 --> 00:32:06,619 So this giving of whatever it is causes thanksgiving to God. 642 00:32:07,559 --> 00:32:09,119 For the administration of the service 643 00:32:09,119 --> 00:32:11,480 not only supplies the needs of the saints, 644 00:32:11,640 --> 00:32:14,980 but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God. 645 00:32:15,519 --> 00:32:17,059 Again, it supplies needs physically, 646 00:32:17,519 --> 00:32:20,980 but spiritually it causes many people to thank God. 647 00:32:21,839 --> 00:32:23,599 And while through the proof of the ministry, 648 00:32:23,779 --> 00:32:26,099 they glorify God for the obedience of your confession 649 00:32:26,099 --> 00:32:27,279 to the gospel of Christ 650 00:32:27,279 --> 00:32:30,240 and for your liberal sharing with them and all men. 651 00:32:30,240 --> 00:32:33,559 And by their prayer for you who long for you 652 00:32:33,559 --> 00:32:36,079 because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 653 00:32:36,339 --> 00:32:39,180 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 654 00:32:40,240 --> 00:32:43,920 It ends there with thanks be to him for his indescribable gift. 655 00:32:44,779 --> 00:32:50,440 The whole thing is built on his gift of salvation, 656 00:32:51,220 --> 00:32:52,480 of the indwelling Holy Spirit, 657 00:32:52,880 --> 00:32:56,160 of salvation, of his kingdom come and his will be done. 658 00:32:57,160 --> 00:32:58,180 That is the gift. 659 00:32:58,180 --> 00:32:59,180 Whenever it talks about the gift, 660 00:32:59,339 --> 00:33:01,880 it is the Holy Spirit living inside of you 661 00:33:01,880 --> 00:33:03,119 and everything that flows from there. 662 00:33:03,480 --> 00:33:06,700 So there's so much in there. 663 00:33:06,799 --> 00:33:10,019 I would honestly read over that in your own time 664 00:33:10,019 --> 00:33:11,019 and just pray about it. 665 00:33:11,359 --> 00:33:12,759 I know I want to more 666 00:33:13,400 --> 00:33:16,480 because it says so much about God's heart with giving. 667 00:33:17,579 --> 00:33:19,980 Like don't be begrudging with him. 668 00:33:20,079 --> 00:33:23,059 Don't be stingy with God. 669 00:33:23,319 --> 00:33:26,279 He actually says like if you give generously, 670 00:33:26,539 --> 00:33:27,180 I'm going to give generously. 671 00:33:27,400 --> 00:33:31,039 If you're so sparingly, you're going to read sparingly. 672 00:33:31,140 --> 00:33:31,779 He says that. 673 00:33:32,279 --> 00:33:34,880 And he's going to give you everything you need 674 00:33:34,880 --> 00:33:38,119 and he's going to help you abound in every good work 675 00:33:38,119 --> 00:33:40,259 by the power of the Holy Spirit 676 00:33:40,259 --> 00:33:44,539 because he is the one who truly gave the indescribable gift. 677 00:33:46,240 --> 00:33:49,519 So I have some questions for the small group time. 678 00:33:50,839 --> 00:33:52,539 It is which we have up there. 679 00:33:53,519 --> 00:33:58,119 So real simple, share a time that God has been generous with you. 680 00:33:59,119 --> 00:34:01,160 Then how are you using 681 00:34:01,160 --> 00:34:04,279 or want to use your God-given talents, 682 00:34:04,660 --> 00:34:06,460 skills, gifts or resources for him? 683 00:34:07,299 --> 00:34:09,840 And what needs around you is God calling you to meet. 684 00:34:15,300 --> 00:34:18,179 Thanks for joining us at Lansdale Life Church 685 00:34:18,179 --> 00:34:20,679 as we praise God and discuss his word. 686 00:34:20,679 --> 00:34:24,440 Don't forget to join us for Worship Live Sunday mornings 687 00:34:24,440 --> 00:34:26,840 at 10 a.m. Eastern on YouTube. 688 00:34:27,840 --> 00:34:29,940 Be blessed and have a great day!