Series: Barrier To Entry
Sermon: Finish The Task
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8
ICE BREAKER: If you could see any retired or deceased musician in concert one more time, who would it be?
REVIEW:
This week, we wrapped up our Barrier To Entry series with a challenge from the Apostle Paul to "finish the task."
In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he expresses his confidence that, through God's strength, they will complete their partnership with him. Specifically, Paul was gathering an offering from the churches he had started to help out the congregation in Jerusalem. The believers in Philippi were already under persecution, and many were experiencing financial hardship. However, Paul still said:
6Â I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1)
We find out in 2 Corinthians that the people of Philippi did exactly as Paul thought they would! In fact, Paul spends most of chapter 8 bragging about their extensive generosity. He even gives us an equation for generosity that could only make sense if God is in the mix:
ABUNDANT JOY + EXTREME POVERTYÂ = WEALTH OF GENEROSITY
We saw this same equation at work during the life of Jesus. One day, Jesus saw a widow put two worthless coins in the offering. He told the disciples that she had put in more than anyone else! Of course, numerically, she had put in far LESS than anyone else; however, her sacrifice dwarfed that of the other congregants that day. This teaches us a fundamental understanding of exercising generosity:
SACRIFICE IS SCALABLE
We all have something to give, and if we genuinely give a sacrifice, God will use it in extraordinary ways! That was Paul's charge to the Corinthians:
11Â Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have.
12Â For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. (2 Corinthians 8)
APPLY:
The purpose of this series was to help identify Barriers To Entry in both our Movement and in your personal life. When we begin living for Jesus, we will face obstacles, distractions, and other barriers.
What are some of the barriers you have recognized are holding you back from fully following Jesus?
How has this series inspired you to trust God when those barriers arise?
Practically, what are some changes you have made or are making through this series?
In week 1, we said, "WHAT WE SEE AS A BARRIER TO ENTRY, GOD SEES AS A BRIDGE TO EXPANSION."
Have you seen God begin to expand your faith/vision/generosity/hope/etc. during this month?
PRAY:
Ask God to continue giving you clarity on your life purpose. If you are feeling stuck in life, begin praying about attending the Meta Movement Academy info session on February 6th at 7 pm.
