As churchpeople, we sometimes assume that we are immune to the temptations of power. We don't make much money. Society gives us so little power that we think ambition – the drive to succeed, achieve and have prestige and influence over others – is a problem only for people in business or politics, not for people like us. We thus sometimes fail to see how we get caught up, for the very noblest of reasons, in the same ambitions that motivate everybody. Eventually, the people climbing to the top of the body of Christ can look just like those scrambling to the top of General Motors. Often you can't tell much difference between our leaders and those of the gentiles.
Unknown Author

Gifts That Get The Job Done

Gifts That Get The Job Done GIFTS THAT GET THE JOB DONE B7-06-6A 2 Chr. 24:10 (2 Ki. 12)

PURPOSE: To encourage cheerful & abundant giving to God. INTRODUCTION: IV. THEIR OFFERINGS GOT THE JOB DONE A. During the reign of Joash A. The temple was repaired B. Athaliah’s sons had made a shambles of the temple B. The ministry was restored C. The people had fallen into idolatry C. God was pleased — ILLUS. — “Churches doesn’t die that way” D. The people were blessed and happy E. We have a beautiful example to follow I. THEY OFFERED IN TIMES OF NEED (v.7) F. Epitaph: “What I spent I had; A. To repair the temple and restore worship What I saved I lost; B. Moses had commanded that they give to the temple What I gave I have.” C. The work of God must be paid for D. Chest–gave “until they had made an end” (v.10) — ILLUS. — “Cow does not GIVE milk, you must take it away from her” (Knight, 241) E. They were not content to do half a job

II. THEY OFFERED IN ABUNDANCE (vv.11,14)

  1. When it was counted it was “much money” (v.11)
  2. Chest full, scribes emptied & took it back again
  3. People gave & they did this “day by day” (v.11)
  4. After all the repairs, they “offered continually”
  5. More than necessity, this was love

III. THEY OFFERED WITH REJOICING (v.10)

  1. “Princes & all the people rejoiced & brought”
  2. Giving is a form of worship
    1. “Bring an offering, and come into His courts” (Ps. 96:8)
    2. “Keep a feast… And none shall appear before me empty” (Ex. 23:14-15)
      • ILLUS. — “I’ll hide under the bench” (Knight,247)
  3. When, with David, the people “offered willingly,

    they & David “rejoiced with great joy” (1 Ch 29:9)

  4. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Co. 9:7)
  5. Third phase of giving (need, abundant, rejoice)