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Series: A New Kind of Giving

GUIDES TO GIVING

Much of Jesus' teaching concerned the area of giving, for it deals with one of the basic issues of heart-motivation. Having a proper attitude as a foundation, Jesus emphasised that:

We must choose between earthly and heavenly wealth

"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Luke 12:33-34 (see also verses 16-21; 16:13-15; Matthew 6:19-21; 19:16-24).

We should not give for the sake of reward

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing�" Matthew 6:2-3.

Our giving pleases God only when it is genuine

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything ...'" Mark 12:41-44.

Our giving determines our receiving

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" Luke 6:38 (see also Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24-25).
Jesus constantly stressed that the motive behind the giving was far more important than the actual amount given. He pointed out that there are eternal rewards in heaven, but that if we give with the motive of getting back - either in praise or increase in riches, here or in eternity - we are still expressing nothing more than the character of the world. The lifestyle of giving in God's kingdom is selfless. The act of blessing others is reward enough.

THE PRACTICE OF THE EARLY CHURCH

"All believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need...No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had" Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32.
This basic attitude amongst the early Christians laid the foundation for every practical expression of giving that was later to come - that everything ultimately belongs to God.

The Church supported the needy

Special men were chosen to serve as "deacons" - helpers in the distribution of offerings and gifts for the widows and needy (see Acts 6:1-3). These men made it their ministry to channel all the giving to where there was practical need.

Churches gave sacrificially to one another

"And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints" 2 Corinthians 8:1-4.

The Philippian Church supported travelling ministries

The Apostle Paul was travelling from place to place establishing new churches. On some occasions he worked with his hands to provide his own support (Acts 18:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9), but on other occasions he had to look to God in faith. The Philippian Church showed the true spirit of giving which God commends, by supporting travelling ministries such as Paul (Philippians 4:15-18).

Christians worked to give

"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need" Ephesians 4:28.

Giving was the proof of their love

"At the present time your plenty will supply what they need...Therefore show these men the proof of your love..." 2 Corinthians 8:14,24 (see also verses 7-15; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 1 John 3:17-18).

HOW GOD WANTS US TO APPROACH GIVING

  1. Willingly (2 Corinthians 8:12; Acts 20:35).
  2. Generously (2 Corinthians 9:6).
  3. Cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  4. Secretly (Matthew 6:1-4).
  5. Like Jesus (Ephesians 5:1; Philippians 2:5-8).
We are responsible to our local church family in our giving (1 Corinthians 16:2). Our regular giving will bring about supply for the needs of: Five dimensions of giving are mentioned in the Scripture:
  1. Hospitality (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:1-3; 1 Peter 4:9).
  2. Alms (Proverbs 22:9; Matthew 6:1-4).
  3. Tithes (Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Malachi 3:8-12).
  4. Offerings (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
  5. Sacrificial giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-4; Philippians 4:15-18).
A "tithe" is the separating of one-tenth of a believer's income to give to God's work - this already belongs to God. Offerings come after tithing - the giving of surplus toward a need in the church family. Finally comes sacrificial giving - this is the highest expression of giving because now it hurts the pocket. It was in the context of sacrificial giving the Philippian Church discovered a marvellous truth: God is our source!
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19 (see also 1 Timothy 6:17, Hebrews 13:5-6).
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