========================================================================
  GAINING BY GIVING
  by C.H. Spurgeon
========================================================================

Summary: To gain prosperity, one must follow the example of Christ by
being generous and liberal, and trusting in faith's way of gaining.

Topics: "Generosity", "Spiritual Prosperity"
Scripture References: Proverbs 11:25, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Philippians 4:19, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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?

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/gaining-by-giving/
========================================================================