Introduction:
Our Heavenly Father loves us and is concerned about our well-being. He blesses us abundantly and wants us to be a thankful people. One way our thankfulness is shown is through our giving. Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Jesus watched people putting money into the temple treasury and made this comment (Mark 12:41-44) “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.’ ” NKJV The Bible informs us of what Jesus desires of our giving. Let’s examine them.
Body:
- Jesus Expects Us to Give
- Matthew 6:2 “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward.” NKJV Note that it says “when” you give, not “if” you give. Christians giving is not optional. It includes our contribution on Sunday and all of our giving that is done in the name of Jesus.
- Give for the Right Reasons
- Matthew 6:1-4 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by then. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” NKJV Don’t give to be admired by others. Examine your motives. Be sure to give God the glory, not yourself.
- Our giving is ultimately to the Father. It is an offering of thanksgiving to Him. Our goal should be to please Him.
(Malachi 1:6-9) “A son honours his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honour? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts to you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’ “You offer defiled food on My altar, But say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By saying, ‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’ And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favourably?” Says the Lord of hosts. “But now entreat God’s favour, That He may be gracious to us. While this is being done by your hands, Will He accept you favourably?” Says the Lord of hosts.” NKJV
- Giving Is An Act of Worship
- See I Corinthians 16:1-2. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” NKJV
- Taking up a collection on the Lord’s Day is to be a regular part of our worship. When you drop your money in the plate, you are worshipping God. Giving is just as much worship as praying and singing are.
- Giving Is to Be Generous 1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may proper, that there be no collections when I come.” NKJV
- Giving must be done according to our means. (2 Corinthians 8:12) “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” NKJV
- The Lord has given us much so we can give much. Paul gives an example of liberal giving in 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.” NKJV
- The reward for our giving comes from the Lord. (2 Corinthians 9:6,8,10-12) “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 10-12 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,” NKJV
- We certainly don’t want to rob God. (Malachi 3:8-10) ““Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.” NKJV
- Giving Is to Be Done with the Right Attitude
- Give not grudgingly. (2 Corinthians 9:7) “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” NKJV
- Give not indifferently but with purpose.
- Give with gladness in your heart joyfully.
Conclusion:
Giving is such an important part of our Christian service. Jesus told us how He desired us to give. Let’s not disappoint Him.
Lesson comes to you by: Bro Petras
