Part 4: Mercy Ministry

LIFE CHANGE

PART 4

Ephesians 4:25-32 

1.  ALL WE HAVE IS A GIFT FROM GOD – WE ARE TRUSTEES. 

“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)

• God tells us to be radically generous in three areas:

• In your relationships.

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5 (NIV)

• With the poor.

“John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’” Luke 3:11 (NIV)

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” Psalm 82:3 (NIV) 

• For the Kingdom of God.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

2.  CONTINUALLY REMEMBER TO HAVE AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE WITH YOUR MONEY.

“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)

“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Luke 12:33-34 (NIV)

3.  JESUS’ RADICAL GIVING TO YOU FREES YOU FOR RADICAL GENEROSITY NOW.

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability…” 2 Corinthians 8:1-3a (NIV)

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS: 

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This Week’s Reading Plan and Blog/Podcast:

• YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
  “Sow Mercy” (3 Days)

• Blog and Podcast: “A Ministry of Mercy”