Kingdom Living and Giving: Luke 6:38
“38) Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”” Luke 6:38
This verse has been misused by many. It is not about trying to “buy off” God for personal wealth and self consumption.
In this sense, I totally disagree with the basic premise of the modern prosperity Gospel. It degenerates into hedonism and self glorification. It uses and exploits poor and ignorant people to build personal prosperity. It has done much damage to the gospel around the world. Under this system the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. It is abominable!
Rather this verse is about being totally devoted to God and the advancement of His kingdom. In that context, it is impossible to “out give God.”
The verse is reminiscent of Malachi 3:8-12. God calls Israel to stop robbing Him of tithes and offerings, but rather test Him with faithful giving. He actually challenges them to test Him as the Provider. He promises to “open the widows of heaven and pour out His blessing on faithful givers.”
Here is the biblical promise, God abundantly takes care of His faithful and sacrificial givers. Paul made the same point in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. God has a “Kingdom Accounting System.”
Did you see it? This verse is about giving and not selfishly receiving! This concept is exemplified by the heart of God in John 3:16; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
My goal in life is not to become rich. Rather, it is to radically give of my time, energy, financial resources, spiritual gifts and talents to help millions come to Jesus and enter into Spirit Filled Kingdom Living!
For us, that means debt free frugal living. It means used cars rather than new cars. Ministry trips to remote and difficult places rather than extravagant vacations. Equipping and training national believers to reach and care for their own people rather than promoting myself.
It means storing up more treasures in heaven than on earth. It means living, giving and investing in such a way that after I die the Kingdom continues growing and reaching many more people with the Gospel!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“38) Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”” Luke 6:38
This verse has been misused by many. It is not about trying to “buy off” God for personal wealth and self consumption.
In this sense, I totally disagree with the basic premise of the modern prosperity Gospel. It degenerates into hedonism and self glorification. It uses and exploits poor and ignorant people to build personal prosperity. It has done much damage to the gospel around the world. Under this system the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. It is abominable!
Rather this verse is about being totally devoted to God and the advancement of His kingdom. In that context, it is impossible to “out give God.”
The verse is reminiscent of Malachi 3:8-12. God calls Israel to stop robbing Him of tithes and offerings, but rather test Him with faithful giving. He actually challenges them to test Him as the Provider. He promises to “open the widows of heaven and pour out His blessing on faithful givers.”
Here is the biblical promise, God abundantly takes care of His faithful and sacrificial givers. Paul made the same point in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. God has a “Kingdom Accounting System.”
Did you see it? This verse is about giving and not selfishly receiving! This concept is exemplified by the heart of God in John 3:16; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
My goal in life is not to become rich. Rather, it is to radically give of my time, energy, financial resources, spiritual gifts and talents to help millions come to Jesus and enter into Spirit Filled Kingdom Living!
For us, that means debt free frugal living. It means used cars rather than new cars. Ministry trips to remote and difficult places rather than extravagant vacations. Equipping and training national believers to reach and care for their own people rather than promoting myself.
It means storing up more treasures in heaven than on earth. It means living, giving and investing in such a way that after I die the Kingdom continues growing and reaching many more people with the Gospel!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
