Tag Archives: gospel approach

Better to Give than to Receive

Gospel Approach: Better to Give Than to Receive (Acts 20:35)

I can say that Apostle Paul was one of the disciples who really knew Jesus Christ. His calling was way different and unique in nature. He was converted late so I doubt they really had a chance to really meet before the crucifixion. However,  he had a very personal experience with him as one born out of due time (I Corinthians 15:8) at the Damascus road. (Acts 9)

give
Better to give than to receive

The intriguing thing about this verse is none of the apostles who was with Jesus for more than 3years had mentioned this excerpt. This is one of most widely used statement about giving. You can now start imagining how different Apostle Paul from the rest (Galatians 1:16).  As we all know many of the new testament books are credited to him. His knowledge is almost far-fetched but he was the great teacher of the gentiles.

The topic will be focused more on giving and sharing in a  gospel approach.

  • Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is better to give than to receive.’
I showed you all things  Apostle Paul
    • Mystery of the gospel, the knowledge of the son of God and the greatest mystery of all – because it is the mystery of God
    • He preached and lived by example. He introduced charity in depth.
    • It is God’s principle: better to give than receive
      • To always give more to the giver not to the recipient or receiver. That is why it is more blessed to give than to receive. Promises are for the givers not to the recipients. Mark 8:35 – whosoever lose or give his life for my name sake shall save it.
      • Giving more or offering greater sacrifices means receiving more and greater rewards. Mat. 19:29 –left houses shall receive hundredfold…
Not knowing how to sacrifice and serve correctly will devalue your efforts even you started first or early “that first shall be last…” v. 30

Better to give than to receive: Paul lived as an example

    • He was loved by his brethren  Acts 20:37-38  He worked for his own needs and helped other missionaries in necessities
    • Acts 20:33-34 He was not burdensome to the ministry II Corinthians. 11:9

Paul worthy of boastings but not boastful

  • II Corinthians. 12:7 – abundance of revelations
  • II Corinthians 11:5 – not a whit

He shared the Gospel freely. It is better to give than to receive

  • He abased himself for preaching the gospel freely
    • II Corinthians. 11:7
    • He knows how valuable the gospel is, that he thinks he should be “paid”. But he ended up being cheap – preaching the gospel freely to exalt others for a chance to grow in knowledge and for us attain the salvation as well.
  • We should preach more the gospel freely as we received it with no charge. 
  • II Corinthians 9:16 – woe unto me if I preach not the gospel
    • v. 18 – Gospel of Christ without charge
    • v. 19 – servant unto all that I might gain the more
One of the best way of giving is sharing the Word of God.

Additional Readings:

  • Romans 1:16 – I am not ashame…it is the power of God unto salvation
  • Ephesians 3:6 – gentiles should be heirs
  • 2 Corinthians 4:4 – image of God should shine unto them
  • Two ways how we follow or obey
    • willingly – greater reward
    • Forced or obligated – less reward or possibly no reward
  • I Corinthians 9:17 – willingly, I have a reward
    • Dispensation of the gospel – he is required and committed to share as a minister
    • Dispensation of the gospel – refers to the transformation of the gospel through Colossians 1:25 dispensation of God. There is a conclusive gospel, the final gospel that directs us to the everlasting gospel. Why Jesus is the name above all names and became the Almighty God

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May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you today.