1. Whose money is it anyway?
A look at Biblical principles of stewardship and giving.

2. Sermon theme
Everything we have comes from God and we are called to be faithful stewards and use these resources to bless others and advance the Kingdom of God.
We will be held accountable for how we managed these God given resources. (Parable of the talents Matthew 25:14-30)

3. Called as faithful stewards
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Cor. 4:1-2
Faithful means we look after and use the money and possessions that God has given us to honour God and build His Kingdom.

4. God’s risk
“But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:18
When God blesses us He is taking a risk as often times we choose to worship money and possessions over Him who gives them.

5. Avoid the love of money
“Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.“
Luke 12:15
Money and possessions in themselves are not evil – they are weapons, tools to be used for the purposes of God.

6. The Principle of Firstfruits
“Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
God set up a system to help us remember that all belongs to Him. By giving our firstfruit we acknowledge His ownership.

7. The Principle of Tithes
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:18-20
Old Testament principle – before Mosaic law – extending to New Testament.

8. Do not rob God!
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse — the whole nation of you — because you are robbing me.” Malachi 3:8-9
God expects us to give tithes (10%) and offerings.

9. God says test me on this!
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty.” Malachi 3:10-11

10. Understanding the tithe
Storehouse = the church where you are fed! You can support other ministries too but your home church is where you are called to tithe to.
Devour means to eat, burn up or consume! If we do not walk in obedience we give Satan legal right to devour our blessings!

11. Understanding the tithe
‘A tithe is 10% of one’s income paid as tax to church.’ (Webster’s dictionary).
In OT tithe was paid on an increase of wealth or possession. Suggest this can be equated to the GROSS salary package (salary, bonuses, allowances etc.)
The OT economy was very much agricultural and therefore tithes would be paid after the harvest was sold. Today we get paid weekly or monthly and we are called to give systematically (1 Cor. 16:2)

12. New Testament Tithing
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices — mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.” Matthew 23:23
Jesus confirms here that we should tithe today and with a right attitude of heart.

13. What about the 90%?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
It is not just the tithe that belongs to God – also the other 90%.
Where we invest our treasure that is where our heart will be!

14. Principles of stewardship
Matthew 25:14-30
God gives us what we can handle – hence why the 3 servants all got different amounts.
The servants were rewarded according to how they used what the master gave them.

15. Use money to save souls
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
We are called to help save souls. We cannot put a price tag on a soul.
The father of the prodigal son spent half his wealth in order to bring his son to salvation.

16. Use money to build relationships
“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9
Story of the shrewd manager who uses his position and the money of his boss to build relationships.
Simple meals and hospitality touches people and builds relationships that allow you to speak.

17. Invest in God’s bank
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.‘” Matthew 25:35-36
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

18. Invest in God’s bank
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17
As we use our money to bless others it like we lend to the Lord who repays with eternal heavenly interest!

19. Provide for your family
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
As believers we are called to provide for our families. God blesses us with work.
Not all are called to be in full time church employment BUT all are called to be in full time ministry.

20. Abundance! Flowing over!
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.“ Luke 6:38
Beware of your motivation for giving for it is not to receive BUT God promises that as we give to His purposes and others so He will pour out abundance on us.

21. Finally….
All belongs to God and we are called to steward (look after) all that he gives us.
We are blessed to be a blessing to others and to us our finance and possessions to advance the Kingdom of God.
God promises us that as we pour out so shall He pour out blessing upon us.