More Blessed to Give
Sermon by Pastor Derek Foo
In this powerful message, Pastor Derek Foo brings us back to the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
This statement challenges the very foundation of how the world defines blessing. In a culture shaped by uncertainty, rising costs, and fear of lack, the natural instinct is to hold on tightly—to secure, protect, and accumulate.
But Jesus presents a completely different way of living.
A Different Definition of Blessing
The world defines blessing as having more—more money, more comfort, more stability. But Pastor Derek reminds us that Jesus reveals a deeper kind of blessing.
This blessing is not about what we receive, but about what God does:
- In us — shaping our hearts
- Through us — impacting others
- For His purposes — advancing His kingdom
Generosity is not loss—it is transformation.
1. The Blessing of Divine Partnership
When believers give, it is not merely a financial transaction—it is participation in God’s work.
Pastor Derek points to the Macedonian church in 2 Corinthians 8. Despite severe trials and deep poverty, they gave generously. Why? Because they first gave themselves to the Lord.
This is the foundation of true generosity:
- Surrender comes before giving
- The heart is yielded before the hand releases
Similarly, in Philippians 4, Paul describes giving as partnership, not payment. The believers were co-labourers in God’s mission.
Generosity connects us to something bigger than ourselves. It allows us to take part in God’s purposes—even in places we cannot physically go.
2. The Blessing of Divine Freedom
Generosity does something powerful within us—it confronts what rules our hearts.
Jesus said we cannot serve both God and Mammon. One will always take control.
Freedom from Greed
Greed is subtle. It whispers, “Just a little more.” But no amount is ever enough. The parable of the rich fool shows that accumulation without God leads to emptiness.
Generosity breaks this cycle by shifting our trust from possessions to God.
Freedom from Fear
Many struggles with money are rooted not in greed, but in fear—fear of not having enough.
This fear causes hesitation:
- “I’ll give later”
- “I’ll give when I have more”
But this reveals where our security truly lies.
Generosity becomes an act of trust—declaring that God is more reliable than our resources.
A clenched fist represents fear and control.
An open hand represents trust, surrender, and freedom.
3. The Blessing of Divine Supply
A common question arises: Can I trust God to provide if I give?
Scripture answers with a clear yes—but with the right understanding.
God’s provision is not about becoming rich or gaining excess. It is not a formula to manipulate blessings. Instead, it is a kingdom principle:
God supplies so that we can continue to do His work.
As seen in 2 Corinthians 9:
- God provides seed to the sower
- He meets our needs
- He enables us to continue being generous
The purpose of provision is not accumulation—but multiplication of righteousness.
Philippians 4:19 is often quoted—“God will supply all your needs”—but it is rooted in the context of believers who had already given generously.
God sees. God knows. God is faithful.
However, Pastor Derek also clarifies:
- Divine supply does not always mean abundance
- It does not guarantee comfort or ease
- It may come as strength, wisdom, or daily grace
But it will always be sufficient for what God calls us to do.
Living the Generous Life
In a time where the world tells us to tighten our grip, God calls us to live with open hands.
Pastor Derek closes with three important reflections:
1. Have I fully given myself to the Lord?
Generosity begins with surrender, not money.
2. What is shaping my decisions—fear or trust?
Our actions reveal our true master.
3. Am I living with open hands or clenched fists?
God calls us to release, not resist.
A Final Call
When we live generously, we discover:
- Divine Partnership — joining God’s work
- Divine Freedom — released from greed and fear
- Divine Supply — sustained by God’s faithfulness
The blessing of giving is deeper than the world can see.
Because in the end,
the greatest blessing is not what we receive—
but what God does in us and through us when we give.
