DAY 8: SACRIFICIAL LIVING

  1. Jesus' Example - 2 Corinthians 8:9, Luke 9:57-58
    1. Jesus chose to live sacrificially. He gave up heaven itself.
    2. He became poor so the world could be saved.
  2. The Need for Sacrificial Living
    1. To meet the physical needs of others. (2 Corinthians 8:13-15; Acts 4:34-37)
      1. Paul wanted those who had plenty to sacrifice for those who were in need.
      2. The first century Christians sacrificed so there would be no needy people among them.
    2. To support full-time workers so the world would be evangelized. (Philippians 4:10-19)
      1. Paul commended the Philippians for the aid they had sent him.
      2. He considered their gifts to him as a sacrifice to God.
    3. There was always a purpose in the Bible for living sacrificially. It was never to sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice alone.

QUESTIONS

  1. In what ways can I choose to live more sacrificially in order to have money to give to meet needs?
    Examples:
  2. Am I willing to "become poor" so that others can have the opportunity to become Christians?

2 Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Luke 9:57-58 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." {58} Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

2 Cor 8:13-15 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. {14} At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, {15} as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."

Acts 4:34-37 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales {35} and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. {36} Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), {37} sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Phil 4:10-19 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. {11} I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. {12} I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. {13} I can do everything through him who gives me strength. {14} Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. {15} Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; {16} for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. {17} Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. {18} I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. {19} And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.