Matthew 6:1-4

Charity That Brings God's Blessing

1. Charitable deeds: do them! Charitable deeds: do them!

   1. A regular part of the Christian life: "when you do a charitable deed…"

• James 2: 15-16

  1. "Works of righteousness": alms, prayer, fasting.

• Matthew 6:2; 6:5; 6:16.

  1. Do charitable deeds in secret!

• Love actively: give alms.

  1. Jewish almsgiving in New Testament times was community care.

  2. God instructs His Old Covenant people how to give alms.

• Deut 15:7-11

  1. God instructs His New Covenant people how to give alms.

     1. The churches are to collect money for the saints. 1Corinthians 16:1

     2. On the first day of the week, the Lord's Day. 1 Corinthians 16:2

     3. Sent to those in need throughout the Church, all over the world. 1Corinthians 16:3, by trusted brethren, 2Corinthians 8:22, (Acts 6 deacons.)

     4. Divine justice governs your giving: "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." 2Corinthians 9:6

     5. God blesses giving responsibly, with a willing mind, not that others should be eased and you burdened. 2Corinthians 8:12-13.

     6. God blesses giving out of your poverty 2Corinthians 8:2 and Mark 12:44, the widow who gave out of her poverty is commended by the Lord.

     7. Giving is to be generous and not as a grudging obligation 2Cor 9:5.

     8. God loves a cheerful giver: giving is to be as you purpose in your heart, not grudgingly or of necessity. 2Corinthians 9:7

     9. God rewards with sufficiency and abundance for every good work. 2Corinthians 9:8

1. Giving supplies the needs of the saints and overflows with thanksgivings to God 2Corinthians 9:12.

2. Giving is part of your confession of faith in the gospel of Christ 2Corinthians 9:13.

3. 2Cor 9:13 = that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

1. Plan biblically so you can give and help.

   1. Our first duty is to work and not be in any need, to care for our households.

2. 1Thess 4:11-12
3. 1Timothy 5:8
4. 2Thess 3:10-11

   1. Our next duty is to give to the Lord's work as He shall prosper us.

5. Malachi 3:10

   1. Our other duty is to give alms to the poor outside the church.

   2. Jesus' message: Christian almsgiving is a selfless act of thanksgiving to God.

6. Acts 3:6
7. 2Corinthians 8:9;
8. Luke 12:33-34.