The Power Of Modeling

We need people to serve as examples in order to encourage us in our giving. Who are to be our models of giving?I.        Spiritual LeadersAll spiritual leaders in the church should be generous Christians who are willing to use their material possessions to serve those they shepherd and lead (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6,8).II.        Fellow BelieversChristians need to be able to observe other believers who are faithful in sharing their material possessions (Acts 4:36-37).III.        The Nation of IsraelGod's plan for Israel in the Old Testament serves as a foundational model regarding the way Christians should view and use their material possessions today (Acts 2-6).IV.        Local ChurchesEvery local body of believers needs real life examples of other churches that are positive models in the area of giving (2 Corth. 8:1-2).V.        Modeling Provides EncouragementIt is the will of God that Christians share their material possessions in order to encourage others in the Body of Christ (Acts 4:36).Christians who are generous will motivate other Christians to also be generous (2 Corth. 9:2).VI.        Modeling Leads Us To Praise God

Are you willing to be a “model”?

Jude 1:7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Philippians 3:17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

2 Thessalonians 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,

2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 1:7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

1 Thessalonians 1:8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

John 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

1 Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

1 Timothy 3:3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 Chronicles 29:2 With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God--gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble--all of these in large quantities.

1 Chronicles 29:3 Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple:

• 1 Chronicles 29:4 three thousand talents of gold (gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, for the overlaying of the walls of the buildings,
• 1 Chronicles 29:5 for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD?"
• 1 Chronicles 29:6 Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave willingly.
• 1 Chronicles 29:7 They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron.
• 1 Chronicles 29:9 The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
• Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),
• Acts 4:37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.
• Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
• Matthew 6:4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
• Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
• Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
• Acts 2:45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
• Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
• 2 Corinthians 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
• 2 Corinthians 8:2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
• 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
• 2 Corinthians 8:4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
• 2 Corinthians 8:5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
• 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
• 2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.
• 2 Corinthians 9:11 ...your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
• 2 Corinthians 9:12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
• 2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.