1. God Loves A Cheerful Giver What the New Testament Teaches About the Contribution in Worship to God

2. Contribution Basics Individual Christians were ready to give (1 Tim. 6:17-19), as well as local churches (Acts 2:44-45) The local church contribution was an Apostolic “order,” a command for each Christian, not non- Christians (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 1 Cor. 16:1) The contribution was made on “first day of the week,” Sunday (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

3. Contribution Basics The contribution was put into a common treasury (Acts 4:35,37; 1 Cor. 16:1-2) The contribution came from individual, free-will offerings, not sales or businesses (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7) The contribution was given as each one prospered and purposed, not as a pre-determined “tithe” (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:12; 9:7)

4. Contribution Basics The contribution was an act of worship – “priestly service” - to God (Rom. 15:27; 2 Cor. 9:12; Phil. 4:18) The contribution brought glory to God (2 Cor. 8:19; 9:11-15; giving begins with God, flows through His people, and returns unto God)

5. Contribution Basics The contribution was for the work of the local church only: evangelism (1 Cor. 9:6-14; 2 Cor. 11:8-9), benevolence (Acts 2:44-45; etc.), and edification (1 Tim. 5:17-18) The contribution, when offered for benevolence, was for needy saints only (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 11:29-30; Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1,12)

6. Contribution Basics From 1 Corinthians 16:1-3… Prescribed – “as I gave order to the churches…” Patterned – “so also do ye…” Periodic – “upon the first day of the week…” Personal – “let each one of you…” Planned – “lay by him in store…” Proportioned – “as he may prosper…” Preventive – “that no collections be made…” Purposeful – “carry your bounty unto Jerusalem…”

7. Contribution Basics From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Graciously (8:1) - “the grace of God” Liberally (8:2-3) – “the riches of their liberality” Fraternally (8:4) – “beseeching us” Sacrificially (8:5) – “they gave their own selves” Sincerely (8:6-9) – “the sincerity also of your love” Readily (8:10-11) – “the readiness to will” Ably (8:11-12) – “out of your ability”

8. Contribution Basics From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Equally (8:13-15) – “that there may be equality” Wisely (8:16-24) – “take thought for things honorable” Promptly (9:1-5) – “the same might be ready” Bountifully (9:6) – “he that soweth bountifully” Purposefully (9:7) – “purposed in his heart” Cheerfully (9:7) – “God loveth a cheerful giver” Generously (9:8-10) – “abound unto every good work” Thankfully (9:11-15) – “thanksgiving to God”

9. What Is the Contribution? From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Giving is a “grace” (charis) – 8:1,4,6-7,16,19; 9:8,14,15; giving offers a favored and thankful gift to others Giving is a “fellowship ” (koinonia) – 8:4; 9:13; giving shares with the saints in their needs and in their work Giving is a “ministry” (diakonia) – 8:4; 9:1,12,13; giving is an act of service toward the saints

10. What Is the Contribution? From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Giving is a [priestly] “service” (leitourgia) – 9:12 [Rom. 15:27]; giving is an act of priestly service to God Giving is a “blessing” (eulogia) – 9:5-6; giving bestows a bountiful, blessed gift to the saints Giving is a “test” or “proof” (dokime) – 8:2,8,22,[24]; 9:13; giving proves one’s obedience to God and love toward other saints

11. How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Give ourselves to the Lord, before we give our money to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-5) Plan ahead and budget for God first (1 Cor. 16:1-2); don’t “rob God” (Mal. 1:14; 3:8) Follow through with our plans to give (2 Cor. 8:11) Desire to be unified with other Christians in giving (Acts 2:44; 4:32)

12. How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Understand the different types of giving (2 Cor. 9:6-7): – Stingy giving – Bountiful giving – Angry giving – Forced giving – Cheerful giving (note the “good pleasure” of giving in Rom. 15:26-27)

13. How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Use the example of Jesus’ giving (2 Cor. 8:9) and God’s giving (2 Cor. 9:8,14) for our own giving Focus on the “fruit” that is produced from our giving (Rom. 15:28; Phil. 4:17-18) Be mindful of the stewardship of our money (Lk. 16:1) [ Parents, encourage your children at an early age to give to the Lord! ]