Growing Stewardship or Service Part Three

Review Knowing, Growing, Understanding, Living, Giving Structured plans work the best. Plans from God never fail Bible Study Prayer Stewardship and Service

Giving While included, this is not only about the contribution There are many ways of giving. Putting forth the effort Being a servant to others. Helping someone financially Contribute to the work of the church Let us notice some scripture that uses this word

Philippians 4:15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. Philippians 1:5; 2:25; 4:10-18 The brethren participated in the Gospel effort of Paul by providing him with financial support.

Ephesians 5:4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Why does it say “give thanks” when what we really do is “offer thanks”? Could there be another way of “giving thanks”?

1Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, Titus 1:14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. Giving heed—paying attention towards

1Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered The wife deserves recognition in many different ways. It is not a duty to honor her But it is an action from the heart How many times do you say “Thank You” to your spouse.

2Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, Some versions use the word “supplying” This is providing things necessary to accomplish the task at hand.

Giving All these passages lay out the foundation for the word giving. Notice that there is a purpose in giving in all these other scriptures, Let us notice a purpose in our contribution giving.

The first mention of the contribution 1Corinthians 16:2 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. This gives us the when This gives us the reason or purpose This also lays a precedent for all collections for different reasons

Why did they give? 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 2 Corinthians 8: Corinthians 9:1-5 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 Although there was a specific need that was being addressed, we still are given the precedent of our local treasury.

Our giving Purpose is to support the work of the church in evangelism, worship, edification, and benevolence. Our duty is to give as we have prospered, and as we have purposed in our hearts. Supplying for a need is the purpose There are spiritual ways in which we prosper because of our generosity.

Conclusion Giving is a reflection on our character. It is actually going beyond what our duty is. We should be willing to contribute for the needs of the church. More important, we can give of ourselves when we do not have the ability to give to the contribution. Caring and sharing is what our Christian life should be about. Giving does this.