Lesson 10 Review: Giving Back

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

The older people transiting from working to retirement worry about things like dying to soon, living too long, catastrophic illness or mental and/or physical disability. But it should be far from it, the advice for them is to lay aside all anxiety and burdens and occupy their time as happily as they can, and be ripening up for heaven.

What should be our attitude towards getting wealth?

The general picture given in the Bible is that a person works and remains productive as long as he or she is able. Jesus also counseled those waiting for His second coming to continue working and not just watch (Matt. 24:44-46). We should live to carry out God’s will instead of pursuing a life of selfishness.

What does the Bible teach about human life?

Life goes by quickly, and at death we take nothing with us, someone else gets whatever possessions we leave behind.

What should those with possessions do at the end of their life?

Estate planning can be our final act of stewardship, as much as possible a will or trust should be left behind, else government laws can come in to play. We can also say that because God is the Owner of everything (see Ps. 24:1), it would be logical to conclude from a biblical perspective that when we are finished with what God has entrusted to us, we should return to Him, the rightful Owner, what is left, once the needs of loved Ones are met.

What does Proverbs 27:23-27 advices?

Although the Bible warns against greediness and the rich trampling on the poor, the scripture never condemns wealth or people’s efforts to acquire wealth, provided of course, they do it honestly and don’t oppress others.

What more does good stewardship require?

Good stewardship does not deal only with what we have while alive but also with what happened after we are gone. We are to make provision so that what we have been blessed with can be a blessing to others and the furtherance of God’s work.

What should we know about deathbed charity?

Deathbed charity refers to those charitable deeds done at the point of death or so. Those who hold fast to their property till the last moment surrender it to death rather than to the cause.

What are some of the reasons that should encourage us to be good stewards?

God owns everything, it is only logical that when we are finished with what God has given us, and have taken care of our family, we should return the rest to Him.

In giving to the work of God you are laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven, a place secure from disaster and loss, and is increasing to an eternal and enduring substance.

What are some of the advantages to giving now, while we live?

1.       The donor actually can see the results of the gift.

2.       The ministry or person can benefit now when the need is greatest.

3.       There is no fighting among family or friends after your death.

4.       It sets a good example of family values of generosity and love for others.

5.       It minimizes estate tax consequence.

6.       It guarantees that the gift will be made to your desired entity.

7.       It demonstrates that the heart of the donor has been changed from selfish to unselfish.

8.       It stores up treasures in heaven.

In Conclusion,

An important lesson to learn is to not wait till the last moment to do our charitable deeds, of course no one knows the future but God. We are to make provision for when we are gone as good stewards, we should leave the Lord a legacy. I pray that God helps us to be better stewards for him in Jesus’ name.