Giving God What He Deserves

Lesson 5

The goal of this lesson is to learn about God’s plan for giving. As a member of this local church, you have the responsibility and privilege of sharing with other Christians in financing the work we do together for the Lord.

 

I.    The Facts About Giving.

A.  Why Should I Give?

1.   Because God commanded it, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

2.   Because all belongs to God, all good things come from Him, Psalm 24:1; James 1:17; John 3:27; 1 Timothy 6:17.

3.   Neither we, nor our possessions, are our own, 1 Corinthians 6:17, 19-20; Our stewardship demands a return to the Lord, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.

4.   To show our love to the Lord and glorify Him, 2 Corinthians 8:8, 24; 9:12-15.

5.   To lay up treasure in heaven, Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Acts 20:35.

6.   Because it is the only means which God has ordained to supply the financial needs of his church, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14.

B.  What Should I Give?

1.   Self, 2 Corinthians 8:5.  If one does that, the rest is easy.

2.   Bodies, Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 1:20.

3.   Time, Ephesians 5:15-16.

4.   Talent, Matthew 25:14-30.

5.   Labor, Titus 3:14.

6.   Financial Increase, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

7.   Our lives, if necessary, Acts 20:22-24; 21:13; Matthew 16:25.

C.  How Should I Give?

1.   Regularly:  “upon the first day of the week,” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

2.   Individually:  “let each one of you.”

3.   Systematically:  “put aside and save.”

4.   Proportionally:  “as he may prosper.”

5.   Preventively:  “that no collection be made when I come.”

6.   Liberally:  2 Corinthians 9:6; Proverbs 11:24.

7.   Cheerfully:  2 Corinthians 9:7.

8.   Purposefully:  2 Corinthians 9:7.

9.   Sacrificially:  2 Corinthians 8:1-5.

II.   The Blessings of Liberality

A.  We Reap What We Sow.

1.   The principle of sowing and reaping has several applications in Scripture,
Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-26; Hosea 8:7; Malachi 3:8-10; Galatians 6:7-8.

2.   It is important to keep in mind that when one sows materially in the service of the Lord, that one reaps spiritually, 1 Corinthians 9:11.

B.  God Makes Grace To Abound.

1.   The real winner in Christ’s religion is the giver.  In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul speaks of giving as a “gracious” work and emphasizes the many rewards received by the giver.

2.   Our giving lays a good foundation for the future.  Giving to the Lord’s work is the best investment one will ever make.

III.  How Much Should A Christian Give?

A.  No Scripture Specifies A Certain Amount Or Percentage.

1.   In the above verses, we see such terms as “liberality, bountifully, as prospered, purposed in heart.”

2.   The early church was primarily made up of those who had a Jewish background.  God required the Jews to give the tithe or ten percent.  Christians are not bound to the Mosaic law on tithing any more than they are to its laws on animal sacrifice and burning incense.

3.   Important to note is the fact that Christians have far more blessings than did the Jews.  Should we, in our great prosperity, determine to give less? (Luke 12:48)

B.  Our Giving Should Reflect The Immense Gratitude In Our Hearts.

1.   The price paid for our redemption was great, Acts 20:28.  We could never repay God financially or otherwise for what He has done for us, Luke 17:10.

2.   If we are truly thankful for everything which has been done for us in the salvation of our souls and in the material prosperity we enjoy, we will reflect such gratitude by purposefully and cheerfully giving from the income we receive.

3.   In Exodus 36:5-7, the people of Israel were “restrained” from giving any more.  Similarly, the churches in Macedonia “begged” to be a giver, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.

IV. Things The Lord’s Church May Not Be Involved In Financially.

A.  Soliciting Money From Non-Christians.

B.  Raising Money In An Unauthorized Fashion.

1.   Pie suppers, raffles, bingos, and various sales are not authorized by Scripture.

2.   God wants His work to be supported in His way, 2 John 9.

C.  Money Cannot Be Used For Things Not Authorized In The Scripture.

1.   It is presumption on our part to believe that we can spend the Lord’s money in any way we desire as long as we judge the endeavor to be of some benefit to someone.

2.   The New Testament is very specific concerning the use of such collected funds.  The Lord’s money was spent in two main areas:  1) Dispensing or disseminating the truth, and 2) Provisions for needy saints.

Conclusion:  Giving is an individual matter between the disciple and the Lord.  A local body of believers who are willing to sacrifice in order to support the Lord’s work will reap the benefits of such liberality and will do a great work in spreading the message of salvation.

Questions:

1.   What are some reasons why you should support the work of the Lord’s church financially?

2.   Can you identify some specific things you will reap by giving financially to the Lord’s work?

3.   Purposing a portion of income as it is received or a portion of that which is left over…How should you go about determining how much you should give?

4.   Which of the following is not an authorized expenditure of the Lord’s money?

a.   Purchase or rent of a facility in which the church can meet.

b.   Supporting a gospel preacher(s) in the local work and abroad.

c.   Buying groceries and/or paying some bills for a saint who has no income.

d.   Financing a recreational facility for the purpose of keeping kids off the street.

 

Page last revised January 19, 2008 by Bob Sarrett.