Gaining by Giving
To gain prosperity, one must follow the example of Christ by being generous and liberal, and trusting in faith's way of gaining.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the principle that true prosperity comes from generosity, as illustrated in Proverbs 11:25. He contrasts the world's view of hoarding wealth with God's way of gaining through giving, asserting that a liberal soul will flourish. Spurgeon encourages believers to distribute their resources to the poor, suggesting that while material wealth may not be guaranteed, spiritual and mental richness will result from a generous heart. He warns against the dangers of excessive wealth leading to worldliness, advocating for a balance that fosters contentment and health. Ultimately, he calls for a spirit of generosity that reflects the self-giving nature of Christ.
Text
The liberal soul shall be made fat. (Proverbs 11:25)
If I desire to flourish in soul, I must not hoard up my stores but must distribute to the poor. To be close and niggardly is the world's way to prosperity, but it is not God's way, for He saith, "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty." Faith's way of gaining is giving. I must try this again and again, and I may expect that as much of prosperity as will be good for me will carne to me as a gracious reward for a liberal course of action.
Of course, I may not be sure of growing rich. I shall be fat but not too fat. Too great riches might make me as unwieldy as corpulent persons usually are and cause me the dyspepsia of worldliness, and perhaps bring on a fatty degeneration of the heart. No, if I am fat enough to be healthy, I may well be satisfied; and if the Lord grants me a competence, I may be thoroughly content.
But there is a mental and spiritual fatness which I would greatly covet, and this comes as the result of generous thoughts toward my God, His church, and my fellow men. Let me not stint, lest I starve my heart. Let me be bountiful and liberal, for so shall I be like my Lord. He gave Himself for me; shall I grudge Him anything?
Sermon Outline
- The World's Way of Prosperity
- Faith's Way of Gaining
- The Importance of Generosity
- Being bountiful and liberal
- Following the example of Christ
Key Quotes
“If I desire to flourish in soul, I must not hoard up my stores but must distribute to the poor.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Faith's way of gaining is giving.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He gave Himself for me; shall I grudge Him anything?” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Be generous and liberal in your giving, trusting that God will reward you with a healthy heart and a competence.
- Do not hoard up your stores, but distribute to the poor, following the example of Christ.
- Covet the mental and spiritual fatness that comes from generous thoughts toward God, His church, and your fellow men.