GIVING 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-2 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 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.

Does not buy you anything. We are stewards, trustees of God's possessions. Giving is not a “work” that earns us a special place in heaven. Giving does not “buy” us forgiveness, gifts, special favor from God.

The will of God in giving We are to live out the will of God in our lives. Giving is a part of the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5 Giving is not guilt motivated Giving is not need motivated

The means of giving We give of the “means” of what God has entrusted to us – As God has prospered us – 1 Cor. 16:2 – According to what a man has – 2 Cor. 8:12 Giving is not beyond our means. – Presuming on God's grace – Pledges of future assests

The overflow of giving We give from the overflow of God's abundance – Riches of His grace – Eph. 2:7 – All blessings in heavenly places – Eph. 1:3 – All things belong to you – 1 Cor. 3:21-23 – Abundance of joy – 2 Cor. 8:7 – Abound in everything – 2 Cor. 8:7

The overflow of giving Our giving is not just giving from the overlflow of physical assets – Our natural covetousness gets in the way – We can not recognize “enough” or “too much”

The choice in giving We are free to make choices in life. Giving is a free choice you make. – Gave of their own accord – 2 Cor. 8:3 – Purposed in their heart – 2 Cor. 9:7 With each free choice there are consequences of our choice

The choice in giving Giving should not be manipulated giving – Organizational fund-raising – Psychological manipulation – Social approval – Matthew 6:2-4 – Legalistic coercion – not under compulsion – 2 Cor. 9:7 – Mandated percentages

The attitude of giving We were created to be the expression of God's character – in His image Bad attitudes = result of being full and satisfied – Cheerful giver – 2 Cor. 9:7 – Greek – hilaros – Origin of English word - hilarious

The privilege of giving Not just a tax write off with IRS Giving is the privilege we have of using, managing, overseeing the property that belongs to God

The ministry of giving In giving – we minister to others – Ministry to the saints – 2 Cor. 8:4 – Ministry of all believers – Eph. 4:12 Beware of so-called ministries – TV, radio, mass mailings – Begging for money

The return of giving Giving involves a spiritual “return” – Father will repay you – Matt. 6:4 – Give, it will be given to you – Luke 6:38 – Sow bountifully, reap bountifully – 2 Cor. 9:6 – Think about the spiritual return – salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, redemption, adopted by God

The return of giving WARNING : Many pervert the idea of return – Give in order to get – Plant some “seed of faith” – Health and wealth gospel; prosperity doctrine – Deceitfulness of riches – 1 Tim. 6:9-11

The purpose of giving Purpose : to glorify God – Do all for the glory of God – 1 Cor. 10:31 – For the glory of the Lord – 2 Cor. 9:13 – God is glorified in our giving, sharing Purpose : Not for the glory of man – Don't give to get a bronze plaque – Recognition, prestige, leadership role

The prerequisite of giving Before we give money, time, ability, talent, skill, labor or effort We must FIRST give ourselves to the Lord 2 Corinthians 8:5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

The prerequisite of giving God is not interested in your gifts until He has you.