The Seed, The Owner, & The Harvest

The Blessed Life: The Seed, The Owner, & The Harvest

May 26th, 2024/Casey Middle School

Intro: Memorial Day is a day where we remember and honor the brave men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice for our freedom. We honor them today, for without them we would not be able to live free and enjoy all the benefits of that freedom.

Transition: Grass & Gardening, it’s that time of the year

Sermon Intro: We talk about money here at Pinewood because we believe it is an important conversation as it relates to discipleship and our personal obedience to God. We talk about money, because the bible has a lot to say about it. We talk about money, because Jesus has a lot to say about it.

By one common count (Howard Dayton), 16 of Jesus’ 38 parables deal with money and possessions.

By the same count, over 2,000 verses speak to money and possessions. More than prayer and faith combined.

Money can fill your life, but it’s never meant to fulfill your life. Jesus talks so much about money not because He’s after it, but because He cares deeply about your heart. And He alone can fulfill your deepest longings.

Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 CSB

6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 9 As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. 10 Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Pray:

Background:

Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to fulfill their previous commitment to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. This collection was not only intended to provide financial support but also to strengthen the unity among the early Christian communities by showing mutual care among Gentile and Jewish Christians.

“I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love.” - 2 Corinth 8:8. In other words, show me the love that you’ve experienced and expressed by being generous with the collection.

Title: The Seed, The Owner, The Harvest

Big Idea:

“When God’s people give joyfully and generously to God’s mission, they are positioned to enjoy God’s favor and blessing.”

“God honors and multiplies the selfless and secret giving of His people.”

“A generous person will be blessed…” Proverbs 22:9

The blessing and favor of God are gifts, never earned. They may be spiritual, material, or relational, but ultimately none of the blessings should be our motivating factors to give.

Biblical generosity is rooted in our love for God, expressed in our obedience to God, and growing in our trust in God.

Main Points:

1. The Seed = Money

   1. 6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.
   2. I’m going to give you a biblical overview from the Law in the OT, to the specific ways we are called to give in the NT. Let’s do a quick review to help define some language, then we’ll bring it all together in the end.

   3. Old Testament: The Old Testament outlines several principles of generosity that are deeply embedded in the law and the prophets, emphasizing both the act of giving and the attitude behind it. Here are some of the key principles along with their scriptural references:

      1. Tithe: Reference: Leviticus 27:30 - "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord."

         1. The principle of tithing teaches that a tenth of one’s earnings or produce should be given to the Lord, symbolizing the acknowledgment of His sovereignty over all resources. 2. Firstfruits: Proverbs 3:9 - "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;"

         2. Giving the firstfruits involves offering the first portion of your harvest to God as a sign of trust and priority, indicating that God is first in one’s life. 3. Offerings for the Tabernacle/Temple: Exodus 35:5 4. Gleaning Laws: Leviticus 19:9-10 5. Sabbath and Jubilee Years: Leviticus 25:4 6. Alms for the Poor: Deuteronomy 15:11 7. Sacrificial Offerings: Leviticus 1:2 8. Provision for the Levites: Numbers 18:21

            4. New Testament: The New Testament offers several principles of generosity, emphasizing a spirit-led approach to giving. Here are some of the key principles along with their scriptural references:

      2. Give Willingly and Cheerfully: 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

      3. Give Generously and Abundantly: 2 Corinthians 9:6 - "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
      4. Give Secretly: Matthew 6:3-4
      5. Give as an Act of Worship: Philippians 4:18
      6. Give Sacrificially: Mark 12:43-44
      7. Give as You Are Able: Acts 11:29
      8. Give to Provide for Needs in the Community: Acts 4:34-35
      9. Give and Trust in God’s Provision: Matthew 6:33
         5. Comparative Insights:
      10. Continuity: Both the Old and New Testaments encourage faithful generosity to God as a fundamental aspect of faith, underscoring the belief that everything we have is a blessing from God and is to be used to honor Him by giving through the church and meeting the needs of others.

      11. Primary Focus: The transition from the Old to the New Testament reflects a shift from a more prescribed practice to a more Spirit led approach. The Law is not negated in the New Testament, quite the opposite, in other passages it’s actually encouraged to continue. But we see the NT emphasize the motivation and measure of how we are to give.

          1. We are no longer under the Law, but we give out of our thanks to God!

          2. It is no longer the tenth, but abundantly generous! 3. Spiritual Impact: The New Testament often deepens Old Testament understandings, emphasizing that the attitude and motivation of the giver is as important as the act of giving itself. This is seen in how Jesus elevates the understanding of His commands like those against murder and adultery to include internal sins like anger and lust.

          3. Do not murder (Exodus 20:13):

             1. New Testament: Jesus expands this command in Matthew 5:21-22, equating anger with murder and calling for reconciliation. 2. Do not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14):

             2. New Testament: Jesus intensifies this command in Matthew 5:27-28 by stating that even looking at someone with lustful intent is committing adultery in the heart. 3. For Jesus, the standard is higher, not lower. In the Old Testament it was a tenth and the first fruits, why then in the age of grace would we assume it is now 8% and/or if we happen to have it leftover? Or 3% on occasion, when it’s feasible? Wouldn’t a person with a spirit of generosity read the Old Testament accounts and say “I want to honor God above and beyond what has been required.”

2. The Owner = God

   1. 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 9 As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. 10 Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
   2. Throughout Scriptures, God takes how people handle His resources seriously.

   3. Story: Leaving for 1 year and assigning two people to handle my money for my bride.

      1. I’m going to send each of you $10,000 a month to care for my bride. You get to keep 90% of it, but the other 10% goes to my wife.
      2. When I return home, my wife tells me that she received $3,000 from the first person, and $18,000 from the other. The next time I leave town, who do you think is getting my trust and the full amount?

      3. You see, the CHURCH is the bride of Christ.

         1. Also, go read Matthew 25. God entrusts more to those that steward well what He has given.
         2. We don’t give to God, we give BACK to God, what already belongs to him.

         3. What about the man who only gave $3,000? Would I consider that bad stewardship or would he be a thief?

            1. God says ““Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me!” “How do we rob you?” you ask. “By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions.
               4. In the Bible, there are notable examples of individuals or groups experiencing negative consequences for failing to give back to God:

      4. Malachi’s Rebuke (Malachi 3:8-12): In the book of Malachi, God rebukes the people of Israel for withholding tithes and offerings.

      5. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): this account involves withholding part of the proceeds from the sale of land while claiming to donate the entire amount to the church. The money was theirs to keep (Acts 5:4). Their sin was lying to God about their gift, and both Ananias and Sapphira drop dead after Peter confronts them. God takes honesty in giving seriously.

      6. These biblical examples show how seriously God takes what is His. We don’t give out of fear of punishment. But withholding from God, or being dishonest with Him, is sin, and it does not lead to blessing.

         5. In CONTRAST, honoring God with your wealth and first fruits, is honored by God with blessing, though that blessing is not always material and is not why we give.

      7. Abel (Genesis 4:3-4): Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, offered the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions to God. This offering was looked upon with favor by God, contrasting with the unacceptable offering of his brother Cain. Abel's willingness to give the best of what he had exemplifies the principle of giving first fruits.

      8. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8): Zacchaeus' response to Jesus’ presence in his home was to give half of his possessions to the poor and to restore fourfold to anyone he had defrauded. His willingness to give generously demonstrated a heart changed by an encounter with Christ, leading to salvation coming to his house.
      9. The Harvest = Blessing
         1. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
         2. The biblical principle that God blesses those who give generously is a core teaching in both the Old and New Testaments. However, it's important to distinguish this principle from the teachings of the prosperity gospel. Here's a breakdown contrast between these two perspectives:
         3. Biblical Generosity and Blessing

      10. Motivation:

          1. Biblical View: The motivation for giving is love, obedience, and gratitude towards God. Generosity is a response to God's own generosity and is meant to reflect His character and love for others (2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 John 4:19). 2. Nature of Blessings:

          2. Biblical View: Blessings from God are not always material and can include spiritual growth, increased faith, and opportunities to serve. While material blessings can occur, they are not the primary focus or guaranteed (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33). 3. Purpose of Blessings:

          3. Biblical View: Blessings are often given to enable further generosity. When God provides materially, it is often with the purpose that the recipient will use those resources to bless others and advance God's kingdom (2 Corinthians 9:11). 4. Attitude Towards Wealth:

          4. Biblical View: Wealth is seen as a responsibility and a tool for doing good. It comes with warnings about the dangers of greed and the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:24).

             4. Prosperity Gospel
                1. Motivation:

          5. Prosperity Gospel: Giving is often portrayed as a transactional act to secure personal wealth and success. The emphasis is on what the giver can get back from God, treating God more like a cosmic vending machine. 2. Nature of Blessings:

          6. Prosperity Gospel: Emphasizes material wealth and physical health as the primary signs of God’s blessing. Success and wealth are often seen as indications of faithfulness and favor from God. 3. Purpose of Blessings:

          7. Prosperity Gospel: Material blessings are often seen as ends in themselves. The prosperity gospel focuses on increasing one's own comfort and wealth as signs of God's blessing. 4. Attitude Towards Wealth:

          8. Prosperity Gospel: Wealth is frequently viewed positively and uncritically, with less emphasis on the biblical warnings about wealth's potential to lead to idolatry or spiritual complacency. 5. Conclusion: In essence, the biblical teaching on generosity and blessing emphasizes the heart, motive, and the spiritual aspects of giving and receiving, viewing material wealth as a tool for further generosity. In contrast, the prosperity gospel tends to focus on material wealth as a sign of divine favor and a reward for faith, often at the expense of the broader and deeper biblical teachings on the subject. This contrast highlights the need for a balanced, scripture-rooted understanding of how and why we give, and what we expect in return.

             5. Here is the comparison in a simple table format to illustrate the differences between Biblical teachings on generosity and the prosperity gospel:

Closing:

6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously… 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work… 10 Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness… 11 You will be enriched in every way

“Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.” - Malachi 3:10

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about the principle of sowing and reaping, which can be beautifully illustrated through the cultivation of blueberry bushes. Imagine starting with a single blueberry bush. By carefully managing this bush, you could theoretically take a tenth of it—about 20 to 50 cuttings, and with a 50-70% success rate in rooting—produce roughly 18 new bushes over two years under optimal conditions. If you continue this process, using a tenth of your total bushes each year, the growth is exponential: by the tenth year, you could have around 29,515 bushes, potentially yielding roughly 442,725 pounds of blueberries, assuming each mature bush produces an average of 10-20 pounds.

In stark contrast, consider the scenario where you don't use the strategy of reinvesting a tenth each year but instead rely solely on the natural growth of the original bush. Over the same period, this single bush might only produce a total increase of about 15 pounds of blueberries, a minuscule amount compared to the potential harvest from propagating new bushes. This illustrates Paul's message vividly: the scale of our sowing directly influences the magnitude of our reaping. Those who sow sparingly from their resources will see little fruit, while those who sow generously will see God grow a harvest of good works far beyond what they gave, demonstrating the power of joyful and generous giving in our lives.

Illust: Blueberries

1. Pic 1 - Starter blueberry
2. Pic 2 - Blueberry bush
3. Pic 3 - Sow Sparingly
4. Pic 4 - Sow Abundantly
5. Pic 5 - Abundance + Time

Invitation:

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. We don’t let anyone go on the journey alone. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation:

Jesus, I acknowledge that I need you

I confess that I have sinned against you

I believe that God raised you from the dead

And right now, by faith, I say “Jesus is Lord”

Thank you for forgiving me

By your grace I am saved

And by your power I am set free

Conclusion:

If you prayed that prayer for the first time then Scripture says “anyone who acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge them before my Father”. I’m going to ask that if you prayed that prayer for the first time would you lift your hand and let me know so that I can celebrate with you.

Would you let us know that you made a decision so that we can follow up with you and help you on your next steps?