 
Illustration. Abraham Offering Up Isaac. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16. 1. What example of giving has God given to the world? “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. 2. By what were Abraham's faith and devotion tested? “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac; and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.” Heb. 11:17. 3. What did Christ do to redeem us? “Who gave Himself for our sins.” Gal. 1:4. See also Titus 2:14; 1 Tim. 2:6. 4. Why did He lay aside His riches and become poor? “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9. 5. After Abraham was blessed, what was he to be? “I will bless thee, ... and thou shalt be a blessing.” Gen. 12:2. [pg 630]6. As Christ sent out His disciples to preach, to heal the sick, and to raise the dead, what did He say to them? “Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8. 7. Why does God comfort us in our troubles? “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor. 1:4. Note.—All who accept the gospel take upon themselves the obligation to pass its blessings on to others. In this way the work of salvation is extended. Every soul reclaimed from sin, God expects to join in the same work for others which lifted him up, and placed his feet upon the Rock. The good things of God are not to be selfishly kept to ourselves. We receive to give. Says Whittier, “The soul is lost that's saved alone.” And as love prompted God's great gift, so His love in our hearts will prompt us to give, to minister, and to engage in loving service for the welfare and the happiness of others. 8. What did Christ say of the blessedness of giving? “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. Note.—The government of God is founded on the principle of benevolence, or the desire to bless others. Our richest blessings come as the result of the good things we have passed on to our fellow men. “The quality of mercy is not strained, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath; it is twice blessed— It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” 9. For what was Christ anointed by the Holy Spirit? “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isa. 61:1. See Luke 4:18. Note.—The Holy Spirit is given to fit God's children for service. 10. After being thus anointed, what did Jesus do? “Who went about doing good.” Acts 10:38. Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; 'Twas not given for you alone. Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another's tears, Till in heaven the gift appears— Pass it on. |
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