10/16 "Surviving Financial Struggles"

TEXTS:  1 Corinthians 9 & 16; Philippians 4; 1 Thessalonians 2

  1. The church is   lethargic   with regard to global outreach. The numbers don't lie.
  2. Paul is an example of   tent-maker   missions. (1 Thess. 2)
  3. Like many missionaries, we need to learn the   secret   of   contentment  . (Phil. 4)
  4. Statistically, the Church has   3,000   times the   financial   resources and   9,000   times the   manpower   needed to reach the whole world.
  5. 1 Corinthians 9: "Do we have no   right   to   eat   and   drink  ?  Do we have no   right   to take along a believing   wife  ...?"
  6. Paul calls giving "charis" -- a   grace      freely   given. (1 Cor. 16)

 

IN A NUTSHELL: Christians have enough funds to reach the lost world, but we are lethargic about supporting global outreach.  This has led to those serving on the field experiencing constant financial struggle. Instead of focusing all their energy on their task of winning the lost, they are faced with financial worry. The amazing thing is that most missionaries have learned the secret of contentment, and they still accomplish much despite the lack of support. In America, maybe we need to also learn the secret of contentment and reprioritize our financial lives so that we can fulfill the great commission as a goer or a sender.    

  • The Sermon Objectives

    • Share the facts about current giving to global outreach and what could happen if Christians actually gave at least 10%.

    • Demonstrate various financial struggles faced by current missionaries working globally.

    • The worshipers should have a new or clearer understanding of what it means to be content. Contentment and reliance on God is demonstrated by many missionaries in a way that is foreign to many Americans who want things “right now.”

  • The Sermon Outcomes

    • The worshiper will be compelled to re-prioritize their financial life and to be content with less “stuff” so that more global outreach can happen.

    • Some of our regular attendees decide to begin supporting a new missionary, sponsor a child, etc.


HIS WORD

  1. In 1 Thessalonians 2, how does Paul say he survives and has resources for ministry?  Is this method realistic for all parts of the world?  Why or why not?
  2. What is the "secret of contentment?" (Philippians 4)  How have you witnessed contentment in the lives of missionaries you know?  How are you learning to be content in your own life?
  3. How does 1 Corinthians 9 apply to missionaries on the field around the globe today?
  4. What does 1 Corinthians 16 say about stewardship, and how does this apply to global outreach?  What's the value in having a personal relationship and not just a financial relationship with missionaries?

YOUR WORLD

  1. Can you name a few TLCC missions that are supported through our general fund?
  2. Do you communicate with any missions on a regular basis, pray for them, and support them?  Please consider how you might become involved in a "GO Team" in the coming months, supporting and encouraging one of our missions.
  3. How are you currently involved in Global Outreach? Have you considered the next steps you (individually), your family, or your CARE group can take to become more involved goers or senders?
  4. If you learned to be more content with what you have, how could your involvement in global outreach expand beyond what you do now?

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