Christian Giving Duty, privilege, and act of worship

Jesus saw: How people gave – Who gave – Sacrifice – What does He see when you give? Jesus saw: How people gave – Who gave – Sacrifice – What does He see when you give? “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury…” {Mark 12:41}

Introduction As stewards of our possessions, it is incumbent upon us to use or give them wisely! The manner, amount, and quality of what we return to the Lord manifests our love, respect, and honor, as well as the importance of His work. –Proverbs 3:9 –Malachi 1:6 Many good people fail to give to the Lord as they should. WHY?

“And saw how people gave…” “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans…” Mark 12:41,42 Does Jesus notice the manner of our giving?

“So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; … her whole livelihood…’” Mark 12:43 “And saw how people gave…” Does Jesus notice the manner of our giving?

“For they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” “And saw how people gave…” Mark 12:44 Does Jesus notice the manner of our giving?

“For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing.” 2 Corinthians 8:3 Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give According to ability “And saw how people gave…”

“For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” Willingly 2 Corinthians 8:12 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“For I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.” Zealously 2 Corinthians 9:2 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.” Generously 2 Corinthians 9:5 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Bountifully 2 Corinthians 9:6 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart...” Purposed in heart 2 Corinthians 9:7 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“…not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Not grudgingly 2 Corinthians 9:7 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“…not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Not of necessity 2 Corinthians 9:7 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“…not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Give cheerfully 2 Corinthians 9:7 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“While you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.” With thanksgiving 2 Corinthians 9:11 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

“…they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men.” Liberally--Sharing 2 Corinthians 9:7 “And saw how people gave…” Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they were to give

Jesus Sees How We Give: Do we lay something aside on the first day of the week according to our ability… Willingly Zealously Generously Bountifully Purpose in heart Not grudgingly Not of necessity Cheerfully With thanksgiving

“Cheerfully” What we bring to God in our hands Is a reflection of What we bring Him in our hearts “giving up one thing for the sake of another that has greater value” “generously with broad-mindedness” Give sacrificially Give liberally

Could it be that we are blinded to our own prosperity? What keeps us from planning our giving to God?

Jesus saw how much each person gave… “…No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing...” 2 Samuel 24:24 Acceptance of offerings is not determined by amount given—but by the sacrifice! Sacrifice involved

How Do We Spend Our Money? Do we give to the Lord’s work first, and satisfy our wants with what is left? –“And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” {2 Corinthians 8:5}

Do we give to the Lord’s work first, and satisfy our wants with what is left? – “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” {1 Corinthians 16:2} How Do We Spend Our Money?

How Much Should We Give? Old Covenant –Tithes (one-tenth) –Added up, almost 33% New Covenant –The New Testament does not give a percent. –We are to give as we have prospered. –Also, we must give with love and liberality.

The people of Israel robbed God. –Malachi 3:7,8 –We rob God when we give our leftovers! Christians have it better than the Jews. –Better law—Hebrews 7:18 –Better promises—Hebrews 8:6 –We should offer better sacrifices. {Hebrews 9:13ff} How Much Should We Give?

Involves sacrifice— 2 Corinthians 8:9 Is a thermometer of our love— 2 Corinthians 8:8,24 Promotes more blessings— 2 Corinthians 9:6; Acts 20:35 Jesus Saw How Much Each Person Gave

Much is given; much required— Luke 12:48 It takes personal sacrifice— Matthew 16:24 God is interested in motives— 2 Corinthians 8:5 Are you putting Christ first?— Colossians 3:2 Jesus Saw How Much Each Person Gave

Conclusion “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury…” {Mark 12:41} Jesus saw: How people gave— Who gave— The sacrifice involved The motives What does Jesus see when you give?