Christian
Giving - I
Lesson III
Introduction
In
the Old Testament, supporting the work of God was by tithes and offering. We learn much from this and find principles
for giving. However, in the New Testament giving is to be freely as God
prospers. The principle of giving is
gracious out of a heart of love,
and not legal.
2 Corinthians 8:1,6,7,9,19
Paul speaks of the grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:9 it is based on what Jesus
did. “he was
rich, became poor that we might be rich”
Matthew 13:44-46 It is not the sinner who
gives all to find the pearl of great price as taught by many, Jesus gave
all. Sinners are bankrupt and have
nothing to give!
I
Giving to the Lord is the privilege of a
Believer.
Instruction as to how and why to give is only given to those who believe.
Unbelievers are not asked to give,
but rather to receive God’s great
gift of
salvation John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:8,9
Unbelievers should be told that God
does not want their money
To give God money and reject His
Son is an insult, and a sin.
Genesis 4:3.5 Cain’s offering was not acceptable nor
pleasing to God
II We are to
give ourselves before we give our money
2 Corinthians 8:5 they gave their own selves to the Lord,
first.
Romans
12:1 present your bodies a living sacrifice.
III We are to
give willingly
2
Corinthians
Our minds are to be involved in our
giving.
We are to give intelligently, not
emotionally or legally.
IV We are to
give cheerfully
2 Corinthians
9:7 not grudgingly – like sparks from a flint
not of
necessity – like squeezing a sponge
but
cheerfully - like a honeycomb
We like cheerful clerks, waitresses
or waiters, doctors, nurses , people!
V
We are to give liberally
2
Corinthians 8:1-4 great trial, abundance of joy
deep poverty, liberality
begging Paul to take
their money!
2
Corinthians 9:6 sowing bountifully
Proverbs 11:24-25 liberal soul is made fat
James
5:1 money and misery seem to often go together