Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
This passage is taken from Luke's inspired account of the same sermon that Jesus preached in Matthew chapters 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount, although most likely on a different occasion.
It is important to notice that:
This is preached to his disciples, thus it is not an evangelistic sermon. Jesus is not giving the plan of salvation.
Jesus is "discipling" his disciples (see. verse 20a).
If we claim to be a disciple, then He is explaining that this is how we should be living. This is the attitudes and behavior that disciples should exhibit.
In verse 38 He touches on this matter of giving. Again, notice that He is not making a suggestion here, this is a clear directive or command. We are instructed throughout Scripture to give. It is clear, God expects His people to give and to give generously.
Soon after I was saved in May 1979, my father, Clyde Leatherman, taught me some Biblical principles of giving that he had followed for many years. Since then, I have been giving to the Lord. Though I faced a few challenges at times, I can sincerely say that I trusted God and it has proven to be a blessing in my life to give as the Bible teaches.
The Bible not only instructs God's people to give, but it also provides compelling reasons for doing so. Here are three strong reasons to adhere to God's guidance on giving to the Lord.
Giving Is Godly (God-like)!
I am a lot like God when I give. Consider the following passages: John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave the world His Son. Acts 17:25, "Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;" Life is a gift, given to us by God. 1 Corinthians 3:7, "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." It is God that gives a church or an individual believer spiritual growth. 1 Corinthians 3:7, "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." God is the one that gives us victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil as we trust Him and follow His leadership. 1 Timothy 6:17, "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;" It is God that has given to us our provisions and possessions. James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." God gives us wisdom when we ask in unwavering faith. James 4:6, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." God gives the grace needed in life to the humble believer. 1 Peter 4:11, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." It is God that gives us the abilities to do the things we need to do and to serve Him. So we can see that by giving, we are engaging in an action that God performs abundantly and generously. I heard a story about a man who complained to a preacher, saying all he ever preaches about is "Give! Give! Give!" The preacher responded with a smile, "Thank you! That's the best three-word description of a Christian I've ever heard!"
Giving Is Growing! Giving as the Lord directs me promotes spiritual growth and develops the strength of my faith. In John 6, we read about the Lord feeding 5,000 men, as well as women and children, using a young boy's lunch. I am certain that witnessing Jesus perform this miracle with his five barley loaves and two small fish greatly strengthened the boy's faith in Jesus Christ, as well as the faith of the disciples. Like many people, I've experienced financially "tight" periods in life, but I learned to give as God directs, regardless of my circumstances, and God has consistently proven Himself faithful in every situation.
Giving Is Gain!
As the children of God, believers cannot lose when we give. As it has often been said, "It is impossible to out give God!"
Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. I like the old song: "I Started Living When I Started Giving To Jesus
I Started Living When I Started Giving To God
Pressed Down, Shaken Together
Running Over God’s Blessing Me
I Started Living When I Started Giving To God." C.T. Studd, the great missionary to Africa, China, and India said, "“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”
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