"Thanks-taking": Giving

We are willing to take from God but when it comes to giving to Him problems arise. The Bible is clear about the discipline of financial giving to the work of the Lord. Tonight I want to examine a few passages about giving. Some time in 2008 I am planning on doing a series on finances, not just about giving but about biblical principles for our finances. The N.T. alone has over 1600 references to money, like the drama more then heaven or hell. Why is that, because God knows that it can be a huge issue in our lives. In a sense it is what our world revolves around.

I want to use Paul’s charge in 2 Corinthians because they were challenging Paul and what the giving to the Jerusalem church was used for.

Paul used the Macedonian church as an example of true Christ centered giving.

2 Cor. 8
vrs1-4 They had a strong desire to give to the work of the Lord, so much that they gave beyond their ability. (Sacrificial)
Widows Mite Luke 21:1-3
-The Bible nowhere says we need vow of poverty to follow Christ
V4 Ungency, they wanted to help the cause of Christ

Vrs 5-8 First they gave themselves salvation, then to the work (time), their resources. As a result this tests the sincerity of their love for God and others.

Vrs 9 Christ is our inspiration We can never pay Him back nor does He expect that but we should be inspired by his generosity toward us. He sacrificed, are we sacrificing?

Vrs 10-15
10-11 Keep your commitment because you had a good reason to make it.
Vrs12 Attitude is everything
Vrs 13 Don’t go into debt to help others
Vrs 14 help others and God will inspire others to help you when you are down and out.
Vrs 15 The manna again, we can’t hold on to tight.

2 Cor 9
V1-2 Paul reminds them of their willingness a year ago (superfluous = overflow) Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basic way we felt when we realized what God did for us.
Vrs 3-5 Paul reminds of their commitment and his boasting of their commitment. Notice he says this was truly out of their generosity not obligation. We should never feel obligated by a person to give our only obligation is to God b/c of what he has done.

Vrs 6 Reap what we sow

Vrs 7a How much should I give?
Purposes in his heart (amount) Tithe O.T concept meaning tenth. Was a tax
· Mal 3, Deut. 14, Numbers 18 A Jewish person was to give a 10th to the Levites, 10th to the festival and 10th every three years to the poor =23 & 1/3 % Church does not tax people.. When you hear tithe it means the expectation is 10% but it cannot be a dogmatic truth. Is it a good place to be in your giving?
· Pray to make your decision,
· Proportionate 2 Cor 8:12
· 1 Cor 16:1-2 prospers and regular

· Vrs 7b Cheerful giver

Bottom Line
Jump to vrs 12-13 Giving supports the ministry(Hudson Taylor ill), thanking God (worship) and being a testimony to others that you are willing to sacrifice and not hold onto everything you have.
Relient k lyrics