In our first unit of study, Keeping God-honoring Attitudes, we were challenged to have a pilgrim’s attitude, a steward’s attitude, a content attitude, a faith attitude, and a work attitude. All of which come from having a God-centered attitude. Putting God first is intrinsically linked to our willingness to give a portion of the “first fruits” back to Him. Giving is a demonstration of our honor and respect for God and God promises to bless us with plenty when we put Him first.
“The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God.” Ex 23:19a
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, . . .” Proverbs 3:9-10a
I. How much should we give to the Lord?
The Old Testament example is a tithe – 10%
A. Leviticus 27:30-34
What was commanded to be tithed?
B. Deuteronomy 14:22-23
What was tithing to teach?
C. Nehemiah 10:35-38
To whom were they to give the Lord’s tithe?
It has always been hard for God’s people to trust Him by giving a portion back to Him. That is why God spoke a message of rebuke through His prophet Malachi.
D. Malachi 3:7-12
What was their disobedience called?
What where they challenged to do?
What where they promised?
What is your conclusion about how much you should give?
II. How should we give? In the following passages we see a number of principles of giving that please God:
A. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
1. Give Liberally (vs.6),
2 Give Deliberately (vs.7),
3. Give Willingly (vs.7),
4. Give Cheerfully (vs. 7),
5. Give Dependently upon God (vs.8),
6. Give Expectantly (vs.9-14),
7. Give Thankfully (vs. 15).
B. I Corinthians 16:2
8. Give Systematically,
9. Give Individually
10. Give Proportionately. Example: R.G. Letourneau
C. 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
11. Give Sacrificially. Cf. Mark 12:41-44
III. An Old Testament example of cheerful giving:
I Chronicles 29:1-20
1. How did they give?
2. What emotion accompanied their gifts?
3. Who did they acknowledge gave them the ability to give?
IV. Warnings about improper motives in giving:
A. To be seen of men
Matthew 6:1-4
Acts 5:1-11 – Example of Ananias & Sapphira:
B. To gain favor with God or think you are better than others:
Luke 18:9-12 – contrast the Pharisee’s attitude with David’s attitude in I Chronicles 29:14
C. To sooth your conscience when God expects much more:
Luke 11:39-42
V. Thought provoking Proverbs on giving:
Proverbs 14:20-21, 31
Proverbs 19:6, 17
Proverbs 21:13
Proverbs 22:9, 16
Proverbs 28:27
Proverbs 31:20
VI. New Testament exhortations on giving:
Acts 20:35
James 2:14-17
Magnify! 