The Art Of Giving

What Do I Owe The Local Church? What Do I Owe The Local Church? What Do I Owe The Local Church? A Disciple’s Personal Responsibility

The Art Of Giving

Considering A Disciple’s Monetary Obligations In The Local Church The Art Of Giving

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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving It Sees The End Results  There is an “account” that exists for disciples…an account God manages Phil 4:15-17

The Art Of Giving Conclusion  There is a “true art” to contributing to the cause of Jesus Christ  Being the “cheerful giver” has benefits Ê It keeps us humble Deut 8:11-18 Ë It is a test of the sincerity of our love 2 Cor 8:8

The Art Of Giving Conclusion  There is a “true art” to contributing to the cause of Jesus Christ  Being the “cheerful giver” has benefits Ì It protects us from covetousness 2 Cor 9:5 Col 3:5

The Art Of Giving 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

The Art Of Giving