The Art of Giving in the Local Church
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Presentation Transcript
What What What Do I Do I Do I Owe Owe Owe The Local Church? The Local Church? The Local Church? A Disciple’s Personal Responsibility
The Art Of Giving The Art Of Giving The Art Of Giving Considering A Disciple’s Monetary Obligations In The Local Church
It Realizes Real Need • The early church didn’t have to wait long to see real need Acts 4:34-35 • Conditions became wretched for some Heb 10:32-34 cp. 12:4 • This way of thinking challenges us • Real need does exist in the kingdom
It Possesses The Right Spirit • True giving = “moved” or “stirred” to participate Ex 35:21 36:4-7 • It is the giving of one’s self FIRST before giving what one possesses 2 Cor 8:1-6 • No sacrifice will be deemed “too much” Mk 12:41-44
It Possesses The Right Spirit • One who has learned this “art” will be cheerful, glad to give 2 Cor 9:5b, 7 • A “compulsion to give” will not be found • The spirit is one wanting to give…not being made to contribute
It Follows Through • Giving is like obedience…it is a planned, calculated response (not an afterthought) • The “art of giving” shows itself in following through with plans that were made • Many a plan has been made only to go unfulfilled and unaccomplished
It Follows Through • As “ready” as one is in planning, he must also be “ready” to finish 2 Cor 8:7-11 • True giving is purposed in the heart first… then mechanics follow 1 Cor 16:1-2 • Paul is discussing the public collection…yet, the worship of the heart is what is purposed 2 Cor 9:7
It Follows Through • This “art” does have a “practical side” • Under the Law of Moses, God removed any doubt as to what was expected Mt 23:23 • Under the gospel of Christ, giving is proportional 1 Cor 16:2 • The Christian must search his heart deeper than did the Jew
It Sees The End Results • This is “giving with a purpose” • We don’t give because God needs what we have to accomplish something great • Man is indeed limited by what he can create • God is under no limitations whatsoever O.T. Num 11:4, 10-13, 18-23, 31 N.T. Jn 6:5-9
It Sees The End Results • Giving should be viewed as “sowing” and not counted as a loss 2 Cor 9:6 • Many will not give charitably because they see it only as throwing money away • Giving to the work of the Lord is not an expense…it is an investment
It Sees The End Results • Giving should be viewed as “sowing” and not counted as a loss 2 Cor 9:6 • Notice the terms used…“sowing” & “reaping” • We give so that seeds planted today may grow and bear fruit for tomorrow’s harvest • We have hope in what God alone can give 1 Cor 3:6
It Sees The End Results • There is an “account” that exists for disciples…an account God manages Phil 4:15-17
Conclusion • There is a “true art” to contributing to the cause of Jesus Christ • Being the “cheerful giver” has benefits • It keeps us humble Deut 8:11-18 • It is a test of the sincerity of our love 2 Cor 8:8
Conclusion • There is a “true art” to contributing to the cause of Jesus Christ • Being the “cheerful giver” has benefits • It protects us from covetousness 2 Cor 9:5 Col 3:5
Conclusion • Sermons like this aren’t preached so that… • …the preacher can be paid more • …we can upgrade the building, etc. • We study lessons like this to help us determine if our worship to God in this area is what it ought to be