What motivates you to contribute to God's work as seen in Luke 8:3? Verse at a glance “Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others were ministering to them out of their own means.” – Luke 8:3 Seeing their hearts • Luke singles out women who had experienced Jesus’ saving, healing touch (vv. 1-2) • Their response is active, practical, and sacrificial: they “were ministering” (diakonountes—serving, providing) • The phrase “out of their own means” underscores deliberate, personal investment Motivations we can embrace • Grateful remembrance of what Christ has done – He cast seven demons from Mary Magdalene (v. 2) and brought freedom to the rest; gratitude naturally overflowed into giving • Desire to advance the gospel they have personally received – Their resources kept Jesus on the road so more people could hear and be healed • Recognition that everything belongs to God – Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness”; giving returns to Him what is already His • Joy of participating in God’s redemptive plan – Philippians 4:17 “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” • Love for Christ compelling tangible action – 2 Corinthians 5:14 “For the love of Christ compels us” How these motivations take shape today • Allocating a set portion of income to support faithful local churches and missionaries • Offering skills—administration, teaching, hospitality—so ministries flourish • Budgeting intentionally to free funds for benevolence and outreach • Viewing possessions as tools for Kingdom impact rather than personal comfort • Celebrating testimonies of lives changed because ordinary believers chose to give Reinforcing Scriptures • Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • 1 Chronicles 29:14 – “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” • Acts 2:44-45 – Early believers “were sharing with anyone who had need.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “God loves a cheerful giver.” • Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Takeaway truth Gratitude for salvation, love for Christ, and a desire to advance His gospel fueled the women of Luke 8:3. Those same motives inspire believers today to release time, talents, and treasure so that the work of God flourishes and Christ is made known. |
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