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Luke 19-21

10/23/2015

4 Comments

 
The Stewardship of Glory: Bankrupting False Glory (21:1–4)
Big idea: Stewardship is judged on what you have left, what you sacrifice for God, and the worship of it, but not what you give.
21:1. In the temple, teaching as usual during these final days, Jesus noticed the rich dropping their offerings into the temple coffers. The way they did it, one could hardly fail to notice them. They did this as they prayed (20:47) for show, to be seen by others.
21:2. Jesus did not focus on the rich. He zeroed in on a poor widow. She had two lepta, each worth about one one-hundredth of a denarius, the coin used for a day laborer’s daily wage. Thus, her contribution to the temple was tiny in terms of monetary value.
21:3. But her two lepta had spiritual power. They form the subject for teaching Christian stewardship to this day. Why are they so important? Jesus valued these “worthless” coins as worth more than all the rich people had put in.
21:4. Jesus’ reasoning is simple. The rich gave from their abundance, leaving much more for themselves. The widow gave from abject poverty, leaving nothing for herself. They gave out of discretionary funds. She gave her bread money. Giving is judged by the degree of sacrifice.
4 Comments
Tammy
10/25/2015 05:38:22 am

If we are honest with ourselves, our giving reflects our trust in our God.

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Bruce
10/26/2015 01:01:28 am

This is something that I think about a lot. It causes me some distress. I don't know where to draw the line between giving up everything I have, and taking care of my family or extended family. There is also the fact I work hard for my money and want to spend some of it on me. ( Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden or even fixing up my house ).... Which is just me being selfish. It gets even more complicated, when I don't like giving away my hard earned money to people that are not really in need. I would rather give some of that money as tip to someone that is working hard or even paying the bill for an elderly person or couple. I guess this is an area that I will really need to grow in...

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Tammy
10/26/2015 02:58:37 am

I think these verses are referring to giving to the church. We are responsible within the body to give our tithe and offering to God through our local church. What we do with our money after we give God His share is where we need to ask God to steward us.
I had a chat with someone....and told me that some weeks it's hard in that either the tithe is given or buying food for the family. That's how tight things get....but choosing God first is the only option. They always give God His portion first and he comes through with the rest. That's faith.
I agree with you in that you want to give to someone really in need and not just throw away your money. Just ask God where your money can do the most good.....and that He would be glorified. :)

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Bruce
10/27/2015 02:19:26 am

Asking God is a great idea... I pray all the time but just didn't think about ask him how I should put it use for him... Thanks!!!!

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