Sunday Morning Worship
August 21, 2011
Series: “Life Path”
Today: “Contribute”
Scripture: Luke 6:30-36 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Acts 20:35b – “…remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Intro: Scripture makes it clear that the Life Path that Jesus calls us to includes every believer contributing to the good of God’s kingdom.
Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
* When you determine to be a contributor, you will be blessed and be stronger in your own faith. 
I. CONTRIBUTE YOUR GIFTS .
A. The apostle gives us these instructions:
1. First, don’t be ignorant about spiritual gifts (vs.1).
2. Second, there are different kinds of gifts.
3. Third, the Spirit of God gives these gifts to each believer , no one is left out.
B. Our church is much like a 1,000 piece puzzle. If our mission is to be completed, everyone must find their place . 
II. CONTRIBUTE YOUR RESOURCES .
A. God doesn’t judge our contribution according to its size .
Mark 12:42-43 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
B. God does judge according to percentage and ability .
1. Jesus pointed His followers to the tithe.
Matthew 23:23 – “…you should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things”
2. The Apostle Paul explained:
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 
III. CONTRIBUTE YOUR INFLUENCE .
A. Jesus paints the picture of what He desired from His followers:
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
B. Biblical instruction concerning influence.
1. Guard it carefully.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
2. Use it effectively.
Matthew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 
IV. CONTRIBUTE YOUR SERVICE .
A. Jesus continually adjusted the thinking of His disciples to think kingdom values.
Mark 10:42-45 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
B. Develop a servant’s heart.
1. Maturity begins when we stop asking how my church can serve me.
2. Discipleship is full blown in your life when you look for ways to serve others.
Conclusion: A pond grows stale without movement .