Delbert Enns www.EasTview.org
Roman commanders would ride into Rome after a victory. In honour of Jupiter. They built a forum in honour of the Victor. Showmanship. Jesus was so opposite. It is natural to want to be acknowledged.
Jesus and the sermon on the mount.
"Be careful! When you do something good, don't do it in front of others so that they will see you. If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Your giving should be done in private. Your Father can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.
Matthew 6:1, 4 ERV
The religious of Jesus's day did not do what they taught
1. When giving do I seek the praise of others? 5:16 the basis of the sermon.
In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 ERV
Good deeds are to make God visible.
There are always people that need help. There will always be poor among us.
When it was time to collect alms they would have a trumpeter lead the collection procession down the street.
2. When giving don't congratulate yourself. Check your heart. Give without letting your left hand know what's going on. Post your cookies on Facebook?
Generosity is not enough.
Some religions said pray and you get 1/2 way to heaven. Fast and you get to the gates. Give you the poor and the door opens up for you.
3. Macedonians understood
You are rich in everything—in faith, in speaking ability, in knowledge, in the willingness to help, and in the love you learned from us. So now we want you to be rich in this work of giving too.
2 Corinthians 8:7 ERV
They begged for the opportunity to give freely. They had very little but they understood the love of God.
Jesus knows you are valued and loved.
Out of abundance you give. Don't look for excuses.
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