Introduction:

  1. Our goal in this study is to learn about God's plan for giving in the New Testament.
  2. Now that I am a Christian, I have another responsibility and wonderful privilege of helping in the financing of the Lord's work.
  3. The following outline will serve as reference to the New Testament Scriptures on this very important subject. Lets look at the facts about "Giving":

A.    "WHY" should I give?

  1. 1st because God said to do so\ \ (1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:6-7)
  2. Because all belongs to God, all good things come from Him. (1 Cor 10:26; Ps 24:1; Jam 1:17; Jn3:27; 1 Tim 6:17)
  3. Neither we, nor our possessions, are our own (1 Cor 6:19-20; 4:1-2). Because God has allowed us to have these things here, He requires good stewardship on our part and a return to Him. (Lkl6:l-2)
  4. I show my love to Jesus and desire to glorify Him. (2 Cor 8:8,24; 9:12-15)
  5. I want to "lay up" treasure in Heaven. (1 Tim 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 Cor9:13-14; 16:1-2)

B.     "WHAT" should I give?

  1. I, if I do that the rest is easy! (2 Cor 8:5)
  2. My body as a "living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1-2; Phil 1:20). My Time (Eph5; 15-16) My Talents (Mt 25:14-30). My Labor (Tit 3:14). My Financial Increase (1 Cor 16:1-2)
  3. If necessary, my very life. It takes great conviction and commitment to be a Christian! (1 Jn 3:16; Acts 20:22-24; 21:13; Mt 16:25)

C.    "HOW" should I give?

  1. Regularly: "Upon the first day of the week" (1 Cor 16:1-2)
  2. Individually: "let every one of you"
  3. Systematically: "lay by him in store"
  4. Proportionally: "as God hath prospered him"
  5. Preventively: "that there be no gatherings when I come" (Principle still applies.
  6. Liberally: (2 Cor 9:6; Prov 11:24-25)
  7. Cheerfully: Without grudge (2 Cor 9:6-7)
  8. Purposefully: As you determine to give (2 Cor 9:7)
  9. Sacrificially: (2 Cor 8:1-5). Look at how Jesus feels about sacrificial giving (Lk 21:1-4).

D.    The Blessings of Liberality:

  1. We reap what we sow (Gal 6:7). Look at the OT principle of God's blessings. (Prov 3:9-10; 11:24-26, Mal 3:8-10)
  2. God makes grace to abound, so we are able to give more. Our giving lays a good foundation for the future. (2 Cor 9:8; 1 Tim 6:17-19;'2 Cor 9:6)

E.     "HOW MUCH" should a Christian Give?

  1. There is no New Testament Scripture that specifies a certain amount or percentage. In the above verses we have seen such terms as "liberality, bountifully, as prospered, purpose in the heart". We need to keep in mind that the early church was made up primarily of Christians with Jewish backgrounds.
  2. God required the Jews to give the "tithe", or ten percent. Christians are not bound to the tithe, but are told to be "liberal" in giving. Did God expect these Jewish Christians to reduce giving?
  3. Christians have far more blessings than did the Jews. Should we in our great prosperity, determine to give less? (Lk 12:48)

F.     Things the Lord's church CANNOT be involved in financially:

  1. Soliciting money from non-Christians. (1 Cor 16:1-2) "Every one of YOU"
  2. Raising money through such schemes as pie suppers, raffles, bingo, etc. God wants His work supported His Way! (2 Jn 9)
  3. Also, we cannot use the Lord's money for things He has not authorized in the New Testament.

Conclusion:

REMEMBER, giving (all phases of it) is an individual matter between the Christian and his Lord, Jesus Christ. If you apply His principles to your giving, you will please Him!

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