Giving/ Tithing
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Tonight we are going to dig into another spiritual discipline, but let me give you a quote from the guy that wrote the book we have been working through called spiritual disciplines. Donald Whitney
“Discipline without direction is drudgery” - Donald Whitney
(discuss the quote)
With that in mind, lets dig into giving and tithing tonight.
Kind of a funny thing to talk to teenagers about, huh?
Anyone broke? Aint got no money?
But did you know that as a spiritual discipline, this is one of the things that is missing from your spiritual growth? If you cant figure out why you feel so far from God, typically its because you arent participating in a full walk with God that includes all the things like bible study, prayer, sharing your faith, giving tithes and offerings, fasting,
Lets define tithe
Google says, “one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy.”
What do you think the number one reason I have heard and/or used myself as an excuse to not tithe?
(cant tithe and take care of my family. Wont starve my family so the church can get money)
Ever heard this?
Do you know the bible doesnt want you to starve your family so you can give money to the church?
6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
You must also understand that giving is a heart thing, because you will always not have enough money to buy everything you want and still tithe!
Later, we are going to walk through starting to tithe.
But for now, lets look at some biblical reasons to start giving over a portion of your money to God.
God owns it all anyway
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;
11 Who has first given to me, that I should repay him?
Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts.
What difference does it make to understand that everything you have belongs to God?
2. Giving is an act of worship
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
Lets focus on that last statement.
Worship is a huge buzz word in our church right now, but ive got to be honest with you, this one kicked my tail this week. Im not sure my worship looks like Philippians 4:18
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
How about you?
Last one,
3. Giving reflects faith in God’s provision.
41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
This lady gave everything she had, but thats not the point.
The point is that she had total faith in God to provide for her needs. THAT IS THE POINT OF GIVING!!!! Thats what is missing in your walk with Jesus, or at least could be one of the things.
Now theres a flip side to this.
3b. Not tithing can show our lack of spiritual trustworthiness.
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
A part of growing up and being a respected adult is to be trustworthy. Dependable. People just dont want to follow someone that they cant depend on being there.
This has been a struggle for my life.
Its fine to be on fire and all excited about something, but you are immature when you cant stick around and be there even when you arent on fire for it.
Thats what giving is, its proving to God your financially reliable and faithful with his finances because you can continue to tithe.
So what if I dont have any money or what if I need to provide for my family?
Start somewhere
Maybe you cant do 10 percent. But you can do .50 a week. That is perfect!
Just start
Pray
Pray that God would accept your offering as a sweet offering because you desire to let him be in control of your life and money.
Pray that God would provide more money so you can give more money
Slowly add more to the amount until you are giving a tithe and even more.
Remember a tithe doesn't matter how much, its a percentage, so if you make a little, you’ll give a little.
Be consistent because it is a sign of a consistent walk with Jesus.
Should I tithe my birthday money?
I dont know, thats up to you. God doesnt give us a big list of requirements and I think thats because he loves to see christians be loving and generous.
Maybe ask your parents in that situation.
Give if you feel God calling you to.
Just give joyfully.
