First, some understand it to be a specific instruction
from the Apostle Paul to the elders of the Ephesian Church. He illustrated his own selflessness in
providing his own support while ministering in Ephesus. He also supported his co-workers and those in
need. Paul wanted these elders to
understand that serving Christ and His flock is not about making a living but
that you really live when you give!
Second, some understand this as a
"boomerang" principle. You give to get, i.e., as you give you will
receive greater blessing. Verses such as Malachi 3:10: "Bring the whole
tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,"
says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates
of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for
it" and Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together
and running over, will be poured into your lap..." are seen as teaching
this. I prefer to see these verses not
as emphasizing that giving helps you get greater blessing from God, but rather
that you just can't out-give the Lord!
Third, some understand this as growing in Christ or
Christian maturity. For example, when I
was younger I couldn't wait for MY Christmas or birthday gifts but now I have
more joy in selecting and sharing gifts with others than in receiving my own.
True growth in Christ teaches us that the greater blessings in life are more
about giving than getting.
Finally, some understand this as a picture of the
Gospel. "For God so loved that he
gave..." John 3:16. The Apostle
Paul says the greatest gift is love - 1 Cor. 13:13. So, God GIVING us His Son is the epitome of
LOVE! Then, we who have believed the
Gospel and received Christ ought to seek the greater blessing of sharing the
good news with others. Paul demonstrates
this when he longs for his Jewish nation to be saved, even if it means his own
soul being lost. Romans 9:3-4(a) - "For I could wish myself cursed and cut
off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people
of Israel". WOW, talk about someone
who would rather give than get!! I still
have some serious growing to do in this area...how about you?
See you Sunday.
1. Can you find a Scripture reference
in the four Gospels where Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to
receive"?
2. Just how did Paul support himself
and others while doing ministry? Acts
18:3
3. Which one of the Ten Commandments
did Paul obey with his selfless approach to ministry? Exodus 20:17, Acts 20:33
4. When Paul speaks about clothing he
shows us that giving has to do with more than just money. Acts 20:33. Note two very different Bible examples about
clothing. One is about getting - Joshua
7:21-22, 25; and the other about giving - Acts 9:36-41. These are cases where giving is MUCH better
than getting!
5. We sometimes hear of the
Puritan/Protestant work ethic. Describe Paul's
work ethic in Acts 20:34-35
6. When Paul says we should support
the weak in Acts 20:35 what do you think he means?
7. Can you think of an experience
where you found the words of our Savior to impact your own life where you were
more blessed by giving than receiving?
