“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” 1 Th 2:8.
- Sharing is part of your new nature in Christ.
2 Peter 1:4 NLT we “share in the divine nature”
John 4:14 (spring of water welling up) and John 7:38 (out of his heart will flow rivers of living water)
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (ref)
He took a risk (verse 2)
He sought to please God, not people (verse 4)
He didn’t flatter or have motive for selfish gain. (Verse 5)
2. Growth comes through giving
Prov 11:24 MSG “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.”
Acts 2:42-47 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
3. You have something worth sharing
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Pe 4:10.
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 1 Peter 4:9 NLT
Bear one another’s burden’s, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2