Introduction : The world tells us that when we grasp we can receive. However, the Bible teaches us that when we leave according to God´s will, we can receive. Adam was tempted by the devil and followed greed. As a result, he lost both God and Eden. It was a complete lie that Adam could be like God when he followed greed according to the temptation of the devil.
1. When Abraham left according to God´s will, he received 1) When Abraham left his country, people, and his father´s household, he received the land of Canaan (Ge 12:1-3). 2) When he had quarrels with his nephew Lot, he chose to leave his nephew for God, giving up his privilege as uncle. As a result, he received the land of Canaan (Ge 13:14-16). 3) When he left Hagar and Ishmael, he received peace in his home (Ge 21:12-14). 4) When he left his only son Isaac, he received the promise of God (Ge 22:16-18).
2. When Jesus Christ left according to God´s will, He received 1) When He left the throne in heaven, He saved the world (Jn 10:11, Ro 5:8). 2) When He was tempted by the devil (Mt 4:1-4,7, 10, Heb 2:18) He gave up (1) appetite (2) fame (3) wealth and vanity - He received the authority of the Son of God and Savior (Jn 10:17-18, 5:26-27). 3) When He gave up His life on the Cross, He received for humanity: (1) Forgiveness, righteousness, and peace (Ro 3:23-24, 5:1). (2) Holiness and the fullness of the Holy Spirit (1Co 6:11, Tit 3:6-7). (3) Healing and health.(1 Pe 2:24, 3Jn 1:2). (4) The blessing of Abraham and prosperity (Gal 3:13-14). (5) Resurrection, eternal life, and heaven (Jn 11:25, 14:2-3). 4) For Jesus himself, He received the seat of the right hand of the throne of God (Php 2:6-11, Ro 8:34).
3. When we leave according to God´s will, we can receive (Mk 10:28-31) 1) We must leave the world and the devil to receive salvation. (1) We can´t have both the world and heaven (1Jn 2:15-16). (2) We can´t serve both God and the devil (2 Co 6:14-18). 2) When we leave ourselves, we can receive the Lord (1) We must not take advantage of the Lord for ourselves (2 Ti 3:2, Php 2:21, Mt 6;33). (2) We must not be the lord of our lives and regard the Lord as a guest (Gal 2:20). (3) We must not love ourselves more than the Lord (Mt 10:37-39). 3) When we give up greed for money, we can receive it. (1) We can´t serve both God and money (Mt 6:24). (2) A tithe and an offering are the key to remove greed (Mal 3:8-10). (3) When we use money for God, He blesses us (2 Co 9:8).
Conclusion : The devil implanted greed in corrupt humanity. It is a lie that we can possess whatever we grasp with greed. God teaches us that when we leave something according to His will, we can truly receive and possess. |