The Righteous And Generous Person

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

Text: Proverbs 11:25 IBCWPM February 4, 2009

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

Righteousness and generosity are great needs of our wicked and self-seeking world today. In the business world, people are really looking for godly businessmen with fair transactions to exemplify honesty and good business ethics, but it is so sad to see false balances and questionable dealings around us. In Proverbs 11:1, it is written, A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. (KJV) God’s dealings are just and He hates false balances.

The Bible says in Proverbs 11:3, The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. (KJV) Through man’s deceitful choices and selfish behaviour today, we could foresee the obscure future of mankind.

In Proverbs 11:26, it is written, He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. (KJV) This passage pictures today’s business world. No doubt, our economic situation is afloat on the sea of uncertainties because God’s heavy hand is upon us to teach us lesson on how to walk righteously with a big heart and open hands for the glory of God.

As we study the Word of God and know more about the ways of the righteous and generous, may we take note of their marks so we may follow their steps toward God’s upward trail to a godly and rewarding life.

(I) His Desire Is Good

Proverbs 11:23 12:5

In Proverbs 11:23, it is written, The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. (KJV) We must keep in mind that knowing the boundary between good and evil will help us in making reliable decision. Choosing good is understanding; living by it is wisdom; and fear of God is its maintenance. Without doubt, righteous and generous people are pleasing to God because their desire is unquestionably good.

-His thoughts are right

A godly thought is an unseen treasure of an upright man. In Proverbs 12:5, the Bible says, The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. (KJV) Surely, our thought life is unseen to others, but we cannot hide it from God. The Lord knows our hearts and minds if they are right or not. It is so important to have a sound mind because we will need it in our internal warfare. The fiercest battles are won in the mind so man's success starts in his mind.

(II) His Rewarding Acts Of Generosity

Proverbs 11:24-25, 31

A generous believer waters others with his prayers, loving-kindness and material blessings. His acts of generosity will not be forgotten by God. Pure giving is not designed by God as a down spout to poverty, but an amazing ladder to prosperity. In Proverbs 11:24, it says, There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. (KJV) Be also warned that withholding the things we should give for the glory of God will lead us to guile-related poverty.

-He will prosper

An open-handed Christian will never see the windows of heaven being closed. He will enjoy his giving and will be ushered in the path of spiritual success.

-He will be satisfied

The Bible says in Proverbs 11:25, The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (KJV) Every act of generosity will not only be beneficial to others but to the giver as well. True giving is delightful and satisfying.

-He will obtain favour

A man who seeks good things will pray for favour from God. In Proverbs 11:27, it is written, He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. (KJV) The loving-favour of God is not for the misbehaving people but for those who truly wait for the Lord in truth.

-He will flourish

Liberality liberates a believer from spiritual stagnancy. Many may not realize it, but giving has a liberating power to free people from selfishness. God wants his children to learn and practice Biblical principle of giving so they may flourish and become reliant to Him. In Proverbs 11:28, it is written, He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. (KJV) Surely, the righteous shall flourish, but the wicked shall perish.

(III) His Fruit

Proverbs 11:30

The visible presence of a righteous man in a certain place is a sure blessing to many. His life will shine for the Lord and many people will turn to righteousness. In Proverbs 11:30, the Bible says, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (KJV)

-Blessing to others

· Tree of life

The phrase “a tree of life” describes the powerful influence of righteous and generous people in this self-seeking world. The believer’s deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ; mindfulness of the things of God; prayers and supplications; beliefs and practices; charity and uncompromising conviction; teachings and warnings; and a well-spent life will give spiritual nourishment and high impact on this lost and dying world.

· Soul winning

The Bible tells us that he that wins souls is wise. Leading lost souls to the Lord Jesus Christ is a very important and yet sensitive task. Not all people are qualified to do the work because it takes a sanctified life to accomplish the job. Sin-spotted life weakens a soul winner’s spiritual influence, and a compromised preference creates confusion rather than clarity of the message of the Gospel of Christ.

As we see the deepening need of fallen human race, may we truly understand the power of righteousness and generosity because they are the must-haves of soul winners in every generation.

No matter how costly the fulfilling of the Great Commission is in this truth-rejecting world, our love for Christ and for the lost souls around us will surely motivate us to be more generous and more serious to live in righteousness. In Proverbs 11:31, it is written, Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. (KJV) Be generous and live righteously for the sake of Christ. The Lord will reward us accordingly.

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