| Beliefs | Children's Ministry | Directions | Favorite Links | Home | Photo | Salvation | Resources |
Christian giving is a part of stewardship, and faithfulness
is the first requirement. (1 Cor. 4:2) God really owns everything
(1 Cor. 4:24) and gives to believers (James 1:17). A Christian
is accountable for everything that the Lord provides (Rom. 14:12).
Christian giving expresses the principle of Grace. It is one means
by which the Christian demonstrates graciousness. Having been
a recipient of God's Grace in salvation and in the Christian life,
the Christian ministers grace to others. He is a conduit of Grace.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts
20:35)
The principle of giving derives from the fact that Grace depends
upon the character of the giver. A Christian gives because of
who and what he is, not because the needy person deserves it.
Often the needy person is quite undeserving; but deserving is
not the issue in giving. The issue in giving is the believer's
stability of character. The recipient is the object of Grace,
not the object lesson of Grace.
The giver is the object lesson of Grace. The more frequently a
believer gives, the more he is oriented to Grace, and the more
Grace is observed in him. It is vitally important, therefore,
that the mental attitude for giving be correct, especially that
the giving is not motivated by the desire for approbation. This
will destroy the object lesson and devalue God's Grace in the
eyes of observers. In giving, nothing must cloud the issue for
either the giver, the recipient, or observers.
The Biblical standard excludes human religion and systems. Legalistic
giving as seen in Amos 4:4 is replaced by the faith giving of
Prov. 11:24. Neglect of the needy (Mal. 3:7-12) is replaced by
giving more than is needed (Ex. 36:5-7). The Pharisaism of Luke
18:9-14 is replaced by giving secretly and before the evangelism
event (1 Cor. 16:1ff). Bribery and public "testimonies"
(Gen. 28:20-22) are replaced by freewill offerings (Ex. 25:1,2;
35:4-10; 2 Cor. 9:7).
Covetousness is an occupational hazard to be guarded against.
(Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5) Thirteen of the twenty-nine parables of
Jesus referred to the correct use of possessions. Giving will
involve first giving yourself to the Lord. (2 Cor. 8:5)
Poverty is no excuse for not giving. Believers should not have
to be urged to give, because Jesus gave Himself. We give in gratitude,
cheerfully, willingly, and in Grace. Read 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 2 Cor.
8:1-15.
The amount you give should be determined according to the following
criteria:
Tithing is not the issue in Christian giving. Tithing was a tax to support the theocratic government during the age of the Jews. The Old Testament gives a systematic progression in the use of the tithe.
An example of correct Christian giving is given by the Apostle
Paul in his description of the giving done by the Macedonian believers,
2 Cor. 8:1-6. The Macedonians were born-again, believer-priests,
and had the right to give. They had been robbed blind by the Romans
in order to pay for putting down a revolt, but they still gave.
Paul wanted the Corinthians (and us) to know of the Grace of God
which was "bestowed" upon the churches of Macedonia.
The reward from God is from Grace and is invaluable, 2 Cor. 9:6;
Matt. 6:20; Prov. 22:9.
PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN GIVING FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 8 AND 9.
Read these two chapters and consider the following observations.
8:1,2 All true giving is defined as mental attitude, not as an
overt act.
8:3 Christian giving must be free from pressure and coercion.
Free will (volition) must operate.
8:4 The believers considered it a privilege to give. They begged
to give. Giving under pressure contradicts Grace.
8:5 They were in fellowship before they gave. Giving starts with
self and not with money.
8:7 Giving is part of Grace.
8:8 Christian giving is love giving, not Law giving.
8:9 As Jesus Christ voluntarily gave Himself, we in giving must
have the same attitude of volition, willingness.
8:10 Past failures should not stop one from giving.
8:11 Giving is in accordance with what you have (not in accordance
with what you hope to get in the future).
8:12 Even if a believer has nothing to give, it is fully accepted
by God, provided there is a willing mind to give.
8:13-15 When one member of the body of Christ is unable to give,
others make up for their lack so that there is an equality in
sustaining the local church and arms outside the church.
8:16,17 Personal commendation of Titus. He was honest and headed
the delegation to collect the offering for the Jerusalem church.
8:19,20 Money given to the Lord's work should be handled orderly
and honestly. This is detail work for deacons or other administrators.
9:1,2 Both the giving and administration of money should glorify
the Lord.
9:3,4 A collection or offering should not embarrass anyone.
9:5 Blessing in the Christian life results from giving to the
Lord and not spending money for self-pleasure. "Bounty"
used twice is "blessing".
9:6 The more you sow, the more you harvest. God blesses the believer
whose mental attitude is right.
9:7 Giving is done in a mental attitude of joy.
9:8,9 God's divine essence guarantees the principles written here.
9:10 God keeps on supplying so that the believer can keep on giving.
9:11 "Bountifulness" means blessing. The more faith
you exercise, the more enrichment you receive; all is non-meritorious
activity.
9:11-13 Biblical giving results in thanksgiving expressed and
the glorification of Grace.
9:14 Giving also stimulates prayer, love, and an admiration of
Grace in the believer who gives graciously.
9:15 The example of Christ. "I can never come close to what
Christ gave me in salvation. He is the unspeakable gift. "
True Bible giving is the result of occupation with Christ and
gratitude to Him on the basis of who and what He is.