A Tool of Blessing with Tools of Blessing (Part 3) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

1 Timothy 6:17-22... Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. In the third part of this series and the final message of the 1 Timothy, we look at more principle about being a tool of blessing. To be a tool of blessing we are to have a Firm Grip on Faithfulness and Faith. Paul instructs us to avoid profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science. We explain what these things are. Those who have not avoided destructive people or teachings have strayed away from the Lord. They get out of church and get away from God. For over half a century, I have witnessed many Christians drop out of church and wander away from God in a galaxy far, far away it seems. They live in another world that has no room for God in their lives. Let me ask, "Are you cooling off spiritually? Are you drifting away from the Lord? Are you filling your mind with foolish ideas and teachings that contradict the Scriptures?" If so, put on the brakes and get back on a spiritual path. It takes the grace of God and His help to be a tool of blessing and stay on track for Him. Never underestimate what God can do with you and through you if you will be a tool of blessing. Consider the story about Stanley Tam. In 1936, young Stanley Tam learned that the Eastman Kodak Company used some twenty tons of silver each week to make photographic film emulsion, 80% of which was washed away by the time an exposed negative reached the fixing bath. Hearing of a man in Cleveland who invented a silver reclaiming device, he went to the inventor and negotiated an agreement to build the devices and operate them through photo studios in exchange for a royalty. He had great expectations, but distribution became more costly than production. Young Stanley Tan had failed in his silver reclamation business—even though he had tithed since its beginning! "Why God?" he prayed as he drove homeward with numb disappointment. Then an inner voice from the Lord seemed to say, "You don't need to fail; turn your business over to Me and let Me run it. Remember the promise, 'My God shall supply all your needs...'" Finally, Tam replied: "Take it God and if you'll make it succeed, I'll honor you in every way I can." He returned home and the business took off like a rocket. It had a new boss, the God of the universe. Many months later, after he had married, he wrestled with his conscience once more and told his wife, "I feel God would have us take a bigger step of faith than tithing. I want to make Him a senior partner in the business—50% of the stock will belong to Him." States Smelting and Refining Corp. of Lima, Ohio, was reorganized that way. Soon a new corporation, United States Plastic, was added to God's partnership. Growth was so phenomenal that the IRS audited their books for 10 consecutive years. Dividends from God's 51% were put into the Stanita Foundation which mainly helps overseas missionaries. As the business passed the multi-million dollar mark, God's share was upped to 60% annually. Then one day the ultimate happened. Stan and Juanita Tam turned over the ownership of the entire business to God. They became salaried employees. Mr. Tam has placed 100% of the ownership of United States Plastic Corp. into a foundation whose purpose is to establish churches in third-world countries. The dividends paid by the company go to share the Gospel with the lost. Since then, a new plant, quadruple of its original size, has sprung up and the business continues to prosper to this day. His company is next to the highway and on the side of the building are these words in huge letters which state the purpose of his business, "Christ is the Answer!" Christ is the Answer beloved. May we endeavor to use our lives for His glory until He calls us Heavenward in death or returns for us at the Rapture. This message was preached on Wednesday night, November 15, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Blessing & Favor