Treasure hunt

Part 5

Giving to the needy

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:2

• My faith in Jesus will determine my eternal destination but my behavior will determine my eternal rewards.

• The third behavior that Jesus mentions that will receive a reward is for those who give to the needy.

Show me someone who is truly thankful to God and I will show

you a giver.

5 Thanksgiving commands

1. Shout for joy to the Lord.“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the

earth.” Psalm 100:1

It means to "shout with the force of a trumpet blast," a shout of joy to the Lord that comes from the very depths of your being.

2. Serve the Lord

"Serve the Lord with gladness." Ps 100:2a (KJV)

The Bible teaches that if we witness on behalf of the Lord, if we feed the hungry, if we clothe the naked, if we do the work of the Lord, whatever it might be, we are serving the Lord.

“Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

3. Sing to the Lord“Come before Him with joyful

songs.” Psalm 100:2b

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Psalm 98:4

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph 5:19-20

4. Surrender to the Lord

“Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, & we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” V. 3

• God made you

• God is continuing to make you. He isn’t finish yet.

Look at how our relationship with God has progressed throughout the scripture:

Clay / Potter

Sheep / Shepherd

Servant / Master

Children / Father

Friends

Lover

“I will take delight in you,” he says to us,

“as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will I rejoice over you.”

5. Seek the Lord

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, & His courts with praise; give thanks to Him & praise His name. For the Lord is good & His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations.” V. 4-5

What keeps me from being thankful?

• Conceit

Complaining

Carelessness

Start practicing giving thanks to God and you will find yourself with an almost uncontrollable urge to give to those in need and you will enjoy an incredible reward for all of eternity.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18