1/7/2018 – Such As We Have, We Give – Pastor Steve Blayer

Such as we have…we give

Acts 3:1-10   such as I have I give unto you…  

Silver and gold I do not have… (but he likely used to! – as a successful Galilean fisherman)

The lame man asked for that which Peter and John had sacrificed to follow Jesus. In turn, he received a far greater gift by the grace they acquired through their sacrifice

  • God can only use what we have when we are willing to give it up (a staff in your hand…oil in a jar…some loaves and fish…our LIVES!)
  • Because Peter and John gave it all up to follow Jesus, He had treasure from heaven

In heaven’s economy, the value of something is not based on its inherent worth, but on how much sacrifice was involved in giving it away.

Mar 12:41-44  this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury

  • Parable of the talents – Talents – our spiritual inheritance – your “startup cash”

The danger of viewing ourselves as having little to give is that we are more likely to keep what little we think we have to ourselves.

  • Paul – wealthy influential Pharisee – learned his greatest asset: was allowing God’s grace to work through Him

1 Cor 15:9-10  not fit to be called an apostle, because I …His grace toward me did not prove vain

What is your “because I…?

  • Don’t be so hard on yourself! – as parents, ministers, sons of God – you can only give the best you have to offer. What you have is for Generations! David
  • You failed? Welcome to the human race! Was it done in Christ?

The criteria for success in the Kingdom of Heaven is measured by our willingness to receive His grace, and give it away — even out of our apparent lack of resources

2 Cor 12:9-10   My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness

  • Weakness — physical OR moral – sickness of body or soul

What is it that we have to offer? The grace of God!

What is it that people most often seek from you? OR…what brings you the greatest delight in offering to others?