June 25 - Joy-Filled Giver

How to you become a joy filled giver

Giving is a transactions. When we give to the church it’t not about the church, it’s about giving to God thru the church. The transaction is with God.??

Marriage is a beautiful gift from God. Yes, one person is always cold while the other is too warm. But, little stuff like that is easy to deal with—especially when compared to one spouse wanting to give toward the Lord’s work, while the other is afraid to give because they’re already living paycheck to paycheck.

But that’s where faith comes in. Giving when money is tight doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. But, that’s the point - it’s not about logic. It’s about faith in God— seek first His Kingdom. It's faith that when you give in obedience first, He’ll take care of your needs.

So don’t be afraid to give. Trust God with your finances. Then, watch Him provide.

Paul says to to test the spirit and not the word of God. ??

Christ told the story of a rich fool, to whom God said, “This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21

Why your discipleship strategy MUST include generosity

Our giving has the power to transform us. To sanctify us. To make us more like Jesus. And that is a missing element in our discipleship strategies.

Have you thought about that? We get hung up thinking, “The Church is just after our money.” And we ignore the reality that our money has this tremendous spiritual power in our lives.

That’s why I believe it should be an integral part of our strategy and process of forming deeply transformed disciples in our churches.

Yes, we absolutely should focus on other marks of discipleship. But not to the exclusion of generosity, giving, and stewardship. It is one of the marks of a person being profoundly transformed. Let’s not ignore it.

Our relationship with money, if truly seen from God’s perspective, has the power to transform us. And that means it is a MUST for our discipleship strategies and processes.

First and foremost, giving is a spiritual issue. Not financial. Spiritual. Giving back to God for the work He wants to do in this world is a reflection of who He is in our lives. Our giving uncovers the object of worship and reverence in our lives.

And, at the same time, taking your relationship with God to the next level.

Paul said it so well in Philippians 4:17, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” If Paul were here, he might say it this way: ”I was excited that you gave to my ministry but I was far more excited about what happened to you when you gave to my ministry. Your relationship with God moved to a whole new level as a result of your giving to His work.” That is the main point.

Too often, the conversation becomes all about giving to the church instead of teaching about the importance of giving as part of their relationship with God.

Prop

Debt - have someone hold a weight over their head

When the staff of your church buy in to the idea that giving is a journey that increasingly changes them on the inside, they begin to believe: I’m not just giving money; I’m allowing God to change me.

Giving is so much more than money. Giving is life-change. Giving is discipleship. Giving is at the very heart of Jesus. - Jim Sheppard

Questions

What has God told you about your giving journey?

What is one concrete story that you have done this year to change your

Deuteronomy 14:22 and 23 - ...you might revere the name of the Lord always. Giving is worship , transformational and not transactional.

Share your giving story? by the staff.

Giving is one of the marks of discipleship.

Idea - joke about placing last years giving on the screen for each member.

=========

"Then Jesus said to them, ‘All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” - Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

========

Discuss unhealthy

God sets the standard for generosity. By nature, God gives. And not just enough. He gives abundantly, lavishly, extravagantly!

My main point is that you should not tithe because God wants us to give generously and tithing is the bare minimum for generous giving. Also, Christians fallaciously think if they give ten percent, the rest is theirs to spend as they please. But that denies the biblical principle of stewardship, which is that everything belongs to the Lord; we only manage it for His kingdom purposes.

2. Foundational Principles of Giving.

a. The tithe is holyto God.

Leviticus 27:30,32

“Thus, all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. And for every tenth part of herd or flock, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord.

Taking a life stock and they were setting aside every ten’s

Slide

b. Tithing reflects the fearof the Lord.

Deuteronomy 14:22-23

You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes out of the field every year. And you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the first-born of your herd and your flock, in order that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.

2. Foundational Principles (cont)

Slide

c. Tithing precededthe law of Moses.

Genesis 14:7 – 20 and Hebrews 7:1-10

Abram after one of his battles gave a tenth of everything

Slide

d. Bring the firstfruits to God.

Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of allyour produce. . .

•Gross versus net?

Malachi 3:10-11 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My House, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, andpour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of allyour produce.

Slide

•Should the entire tithe go to the church?

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, andshall deposit it in your town. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town may come and eatand be satisfied in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.

The tithe was set up for the child of Israel for the following purpose:

Priest and the Levites – Pastors and staff of the church

Prophets – Evangelist and people in ministry

Widows and children of Israel– Benevolence fund

Widows and children of the Aliens who lived among us

If the church is doing what the tithe was intended to dowe should bring it to the church

2. Foundational Principles (cont)

Slide

•Don’t give to God your second best.

Malachi 1:6-14 - “A son honors his father and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect: says the Lord of hosts to you , O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Thy name? You are presenting defiled food upon My altar, But you say, How have we defiled Thee? In that you say, The table of the Lord is to be despised. But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? . . .

Slide

•Should I get out of debt first?

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 - You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes out of the field every year. And you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the first-born of your herd and your flock, in order that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.

God’s Calculator

Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Slide

•Could I give less than 10%?

Malachi 1:8 - But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? . . .

When Jesus teaches about the Old Testament teachinghe always evaluated the standard

You should not commit adultery, but I say any who lust in the heart has already committed adultery

Slide

•What about spouses who disagree?

Ephesians 5:22, 25 - Wives be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her;

Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of allyour produce.

(Insert) Nowhere does the bible teach that we will be punished by God for not tithing. Instead, we simply miss the opportunity to experience His full blessing – by Larry Burkett

3. Growing through giving.

Slide

a. Sharing from obedience(i.e.prompting of the Holy Spirit). - The law of sowing and reaping

2 Corinthians 9:6

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.

•

•Make a planto give (Not make a decisionas the plate is coming)

1 Corinthians 16:2

On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

•Give cheerfully

2 Corinthians 9:7

Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

(cheerful = Greek hilarios= English “hilarious”

Slide

3. Growing through giving.

c. Sharing sacrificially(doing without a need or want).

•Christ’s example: “emptied Himself”

Philippians 2:7 - but emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

•Attitude is more important than amount - seen in the window’s mite

Luke 21:1-4 - And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a certain poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”

Reflects the “sincerity of your love”

2 Corinthians 8:7-9 - But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the lovewe inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

•Present an offering that “costs”.

2 Samuel 24:24 - However, the king [David] said to him [Araunah], “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” SoDavid bought the threshing floor and oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

Slide

d. The spiritual gift of giving.

Romans 12:8 - . . . he who gives, with liberality . . .

God gives some the gift of making money in order to supply extraordinary finances to His Kingdom’s work.

Evangelism and church planting, Missions, and Meeting human needs

11 Characteristics of Sacrificially Generous People

📷 Do you know someone who is sacrificially generous, someone who forgoes want, or even need, for the sake of giving? How would you characterize them? If you consider those who are sacrificially generous, you may notice some common characteristics. Though they may have different backgrounds, incomes, and standards of living, they often share some similarities. Oftentimes it’s easy to overlook discipleship for this group of givers because it seems as if they’ve “got it.” But it’s important to continue discipling each type of giver, including those with the gift of sacrificial generosity. Why? Because sacrificially generous people, like all of us, face unique challenges that create unique needs and opportunities for discipleship. And through discipleship and communication, you can connect each one of these givers to a specific area of your church to further guide and increase your ministry’s impact. To help you spot them, here are 11 of those common characteristics shared by sacrificially generous people: 1. Sacrificially generous people have open hands. They understand that God owns everything (Psalm 24:1). Everything in their possession is not their possession. Possession does not equal ownership. Just like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, while the servants possessed the talents, the talents were still owned by the master. Because sacrificially generous people understand that God owns everything, they recognize God can do with it as He chooses. So, everything is held with open hands, ready to be used by God. 2. Sacrificially generous people are not entitled. They recognize that humans are deserving of only one thing—eternal condemnation (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Therefore, anything they have been given beyond eternal condemnation is a gift from God (James 1:3). Sacrificially generous people do not want what they deserve and understand they are entitled to nothing beyond the consequence of sin. 3. Sacrificially generous people overflow with gratitude. Because sacrificially generous people recognize that they are entitled to nothing, they are grateful for everything. They do not need a fancy car, big house, or exotic vacation to be grateful. They thank God for the breath of life, fellowship with other believers, and the gift of salvation. While you will rarely hear the sacrificial giver say, “I deserve…”, you will hear them regularly say, “Thank you.” Because sacrificially generous people recognize that they are entitled to nothing, they are grateful for everything. 4. Sacrificially generous people tend to be incredibly joyful. While you likely know several grumpy, stingy individuals, you likely do not know a single grumpy, generous individual. The Bible teaches us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, NLT). Generosity increases one’s joy because it loosens a person’s grip on the material world and tightens their grip on Christ. 5. Sacrificially generous people don’t ask, “How much should I give?” but “How much should I keep?” This is a question found in the book, God and Money. For sacrificially generous people, giving is not a “have to” but a “want to.” They are not looking for a minimum but a maximum. They desperately desire to financially participate in God’s mission on earth. Sacrificially generous people are not consumed with checking a box on a spiritual checklist, but the opportunity to financially participate in God’s mission on earth. Sacrificially generous people are not consumed with checking a box on a spiritual checklist, but the opportunity to financially participate in God’s mission on earth. 6. Sacrificially generous people don’t wait for someone to ask for help, they seek it out. They ask, “Can I help you?” And they mean it. They want to be used by God to help others and further His Kingdom, and they will not passively wait until an opportunity arises. They go find opportunities. 7. Sacrificially generous people have fewer material possessions than those with similar incomes. Their house may be smaller than someone with a similar income. They may drive a less expensive car than someone with similar income. And they may not go on as many vacations as someone with a similar income. But sacrificially generous people don’t care because they know they have something far better than any of those things. 8. Sacrificially generous people are ridiculously content. They have found contentment in Christ and his gifts rather than stuff. Sacrificially generous people have experienced the unfulfilled promises the material world brings. They know that possessions can never provide ultimate satisfaction. So, they have placed their hope in the only One who can provide ultimate satisfaction and contention. And He has delivered on all of His promises. 9. Sacrificially generous people are not just generous with their money. They certainly give their finances, but they give much more than just their finances. They recognize God has called them to leverage all He has given them for the sake of the Kingdom. Therefore, they volunteer at church. They take care of their elderly neighbor. They mentor those who are younger than them. Generosity infiltrates all areas of their lives, not just their finances. 10. Sacrificially generous people are excited about life. These people are on an adventure they could have never orchestrated on their own. They are on a mission. Because they live with open hands, God has taken their resources and used them in unimaginable ways. They consider what God has let them experience to be an honor and they cannot wait to see what God does next. 11. Sacrificially generous people are excited about eternity. They know Matthew 6:20 well—”Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (ESV). Because they have aggressively shifted their investment strategy to heaven, they look forward to seeing their return on investment. Sacrificially generous people eagerly await the moment when God reveals the true impact of their sacrifice, including the number of people who are with them in heaven because of their generosity. For sacrificially generous people, death does not mean loss of earthly treasures, but realization of heavenly treasures. Do these characteristics describe those who you know to be sacrificially generous? Do they seem to accurately reflect your experience with those who are living with open hands? Ultimately, sacrificially generous people experience what we see in 1 Timothy 6:19—”By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life” (NLT). True life—the present blessings associated with aligning yourself with God’s design. Contentment. Satisfaction. Being a part of something far greater than yourself. True life. And what about you? Would others identify these characteristics in your life? Do others see you as joyful, ridiculously content, and excited about life and eternity? If not, what would it take for you to take hold of true life? This article was originally published at SecureGive.com.

In light of these facts, could it be that Christians have lost sight of the basic principles of Christian stewardship? Here are the chief ideas that frame my thinking about Christian stewardship.

God owns it all. (1 Chronicles 29:11-17)God gives us the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:14-18)God’s promises to provide for our needs (not necessarily our “greeds”) and bless us with an abundance for ministry. (2 Corinthians 9:8-11)We are stewards of all that God has given us: our time, our talents, and our material treasures. (Ephesians 5: 15,16; Peter 4:10-12; Matthew 6:16ff)

“I have held many things in my hands and

I have lost them all,

but whatever I have placed in God’s hands,

that I still possess.”

-- Martin Luther

‌

Personal experiences shape and influence a person’s perception, feelings, and beliefs about money. Those who went through the Great Depression were known for their frugality and, sometimes, their hoarding. The lack of financial and physical resources left an imprint on their lives and future behavior.

‌

A person’s past relationship with money and possessions, specifically during their childhood and early adulthood, can have a large impact on their current relationship with money. Major financial events, like the Great Depression or the 2008 market crash, can impact a person for many years. The resources a person possesses while growing up can influence their perception,

‌

That is why we give to God. He is the one to be worshiped and revered. We don’t give to fund the church budget or church projects. Those are just the result of what happens when we give to God’s work in and through the church.

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit, that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

A lot of people have a problem with the Church and money. They think the Church is after their money. Well, let’s clear that up.

‌

==================

‌

MANAGE | May 29, 2023 Financial Surrender By: Mark Biller At some point in our Christian walk, many of us come to a fork in the spiritual road where the Lord makes us aware that we’ve been asking Him to join us in what we are doing, rather than us joining Him in what Heis doing. That’s often the uncomfortable bottom-line of the choice we have as Christians when making decisions. It’s easy to take all the available information, set our course, then ask God to join us in what we’ve decided. It’s much harder to surrender a decision to God, ask for His direction, then wait for an answer. (No, I don’t always hear clear direction, even when I ask, wait, and seek. Be encouraged — the Lord often grants us the freedom to choose among our available options. Moving forward in a case like that is quite different from not asking, waiting, and seeking first!) The problem with setting our own course without listening first for God’s direction is that even seemingly great ideas don’t always line up with God’s plan. Surrendering completely to God often leads to surprising outcomes. King David’s experience with the temple offers a great illustration. If ever someone could have reasonably assumed his thoughts were being led by God, it would be David in

2 Samuel 7-10

. These chapters are the glory years of David’s life. God had shown him incredible favor, established him as king, and given him victory over his enemies. As David reflected, it bothered him that the Ark of the Covenant was sitting in a tent while he was living in a palace. So David decided to build God a temple. But David had learned (in

2 Samuel 6

) that God can be very particular about how He wants things done. So before taking action, he called the prophet Nathan to confirm this plan was indeed God’s will. At first, this seemed to be such an obviously good idea that Nathan immediately agreed David should proceed. Oops. See, building a temple was something God wanted to happen. The idea was right. David’s motive was right. The problem was God didn’t want David to be the one to build it. The reason wasn’t obvious at the time; only later do we learn why God chose someone other than David to build the temple: “You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood” (1 Chronicles 28:3). God corrected Nathan’s assumption, reminding us that His plans don’t always line up with our “common sense.” David was humbly surrendered to do whatever God wanted. So David’s son Solomon was given the honor of building the temple, and God was pleased. Each of us can apply the lessons of this story to our lives — including in the area of our personal finances. First and foremost, have we really surrendered our finances 100% to God, or are we merely asking Him to join us in what we’re doing? (This requires regular check-ups. Even if we’ve surrendered before, we have a tendency to gradually re-assume control of areas that were once fully given over to the Lord.) When we’re sure our heart is surrendered to whatever God’s answer may be, the next step is simply to ask Him to show us His will. Here are a few specific areas to ask the Lord about: your job or career path;retirement plans and amount of saving;current and future giving;family plans/children/childcare-work decisions;lifestyle and other purchase choices. Could it be the Lord desires something out of the ordinary from you in one (or more) of these areas? Once you’ve prayed and asked Him to reveal His will in a particular area, be diligent to look and listen for His answer! If we come with an open heart, God is faithful to show us areas we need to surrender. The path to true financial freedom begins with surrender and the realization that God owns it all anyway. We are merely His managers and stewards. Too often we believe the age-old deception that God’s plans and our personal best interests are two separate things. Pride whispers that we really do know best; that giving up our rights costs us something of value. But as we lay down our agenda and surrender to God, we realize that His plans and our best interests are perfectly aligned. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” We get maximum satisfaction in the same place Hegets maximum glory. The journey to that place begins with our surrender and a willingness to follow His lead. image used with permission 📷 Since 1990, do-it-yourself Christian investors have relied on SMI for proven strategies and trustworthy guidance. You May Also Like 📷 Debt and Death Jun 2, 2023 Do you know what happens to credit card debt when a loved one dies? Rob West explains when you could be responsible for ... FaithFi: Faith & Finance 📷 Vacation Maximization with John Putnam Jun 2, 2023 Smart summer vacation planning. Listen to how you can tip the hands in your favor for a great vacation - put more fun, m... FaithFi: Faith & Finance 📷📷 📷📷Where faith meets finance. The ShowFaithFi AppContentCommunity DonateAbout UsContact Us Find a CKA®Certified Christian Financial Counselor SupportTerms of UsePrivacy Policy

‌

‌

The idea that our money and possessions belong to us, not God, is a dangerous misconception. Many of our problems begin when we forget that God is the Boss of the universe. But in fact, He is more than the boss; He is the owner.

‌

From beginning to end, Scripture repeatedly emphasizes God’s ownership of everything: “To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it”(

Deuteronomy 10:14

). When I grasp that I’m a steward, not an owner, it totally changes my perspective. Suddenly, I’m not asking, “How much of my money shall I, out of the goodness of my heart, give to God?” Rather, I’m asking, “Since all of ‘my’ money is really yours, Lord, how would you like me to invest your money today?”

‌

I believe the only way to break our grip on material things is first, to see ourselves as stewards that God has entrusted these money and possessions to, and second, to give. Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (

Acts 20:35

). As long as I still have something, I believe I own it. But when I give it away, I relinquish the control, power, and prestige that come with wealth. At the moment of release, the light turns on. The magic spell is broken. My mind clears, and I recognize God as owner, myself as servant, and other people as intended beneficiaries of what God has entrusted to me.

‌

Christ’s words were direct and profound: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (

Matthew 6:21

). What we do with our possessions is a sure indicator of what’s in our hearts. Jesus is saying, “Show me your checkbook, your credit card statement, and your receipts for expenditures, and I’ll show you where your heart is.” What we do with our money and possessions doesn’t lie. It is a bold statement to God of what we truly value.

‌

So put your resources, your assets, your money and possessions, your time and talents and energies into the things of God. As surely as the compass needle follows north, your heart will follow your treasure. May God’s people be liberated from money- and possessions-love, break the back of materialism through generous giving to the needy, and pursue the lasting pleasures found in knowing and serving Christ.

‌

*Image used with permission. *

‌

James 1:19

–

‌

When we put something before God. Don’t put money before God

‌

Control us

‌

Isolate us

‌

Destroys us

‌

‌

The love of Money

‌

‌

God is first and not Money

‌

Why

‌

He does not need our money

‌

Why does God talk so much about money

‌

1. God wants us to love him more then money –

Matthew 6:19

– Where ever your treasure is Store in Heaven. The desires of you heart will be there also

‌

2. Wherever we put our money first our hearts naturally gravity to move to the thing or person

‌

3. How do I know if God is first and not my money? Do you tithe? Tithes in the first of your increase. Tithing is not I give some money. Tithing is not I give 5% of my income. Tithing is I give the first 10% of my income to the local church? The local church is charged to spread to learn to follow Jesus to the city.

‌

4.

Genesis 4

– Cain and Able. Able gave the first. Cain see what he has and then gives. Cain is a giver but not a tither. Cain is self-sufficient.

‌

5. Tithing helps us turn from independence to total dependency in God. When we give our first fruit.

‌

6.

‌

80% of the room does not tithe. Jesus loves you. The rich fall in self-sufficient. Giving God first helps us to be dependent on God.

‌

‌

Need to building Generosity muscle. The heart opens to the Lord.

Mark 12:41

– Jesus is watching the crown. She gave everything she had.

Some people say when I make more I will give more. – Sample

‌

The more we make the less we give -

Luke 12:48

‌

Tithing is the starting point.

‌

‌

Giving sacrificially actually builds our faith –

Hebrews 11:6

‌

‌

When is the last time you prayed about your financial faith?

‌

‌

Haggie 1:2

‌

‌

Luke 6

– Give and

‌

‌

When I tithe and Jesus is first it set me free from the deception that more stuff will make me happy, I start to live within my means, Start making better financial decisions and I end up with more. And exercise my generosity muscle.

‌

Why Should God's People Give?

1. GIVING IS AN OBLIGATION

In the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Haggai 1:1-11; Malachi 3:7-12) and in the New (Romans 12:13; Galatians 2:10; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17), the people of God are commanded to give for certain needs. Failing to give for such causes when one is able is therefore an act of disobedience. Not all giving is required, however (see Leviticus 7:16; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15).

2. GIVING IS A PRIVILEGE

The churches of Macedonia were models of generosity in giving, even though they were poor. They gladly gave out of gratitude toward God and love for their brethren (2 Corinthians 8 and 9; see especially 8:4, 9). Paul reminds us of Jesus' teaching that "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

3. GIVING IS ONE DIMENSION OF OUR STEWARDSHIP

Very often Jesus spoke of the stewardship of His people in terms of money (see Luke 16:1-13). Our faithfulness as stewards in this "little thing" of money has a bearing on what other (and greater) responsibilities we will be given (see Luke 16:9-12).

4. GIVING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP

The Old Testament saints could only approach God in worship with a sacrifice, and this sacrifice was a contribution, whether whole or in part. In the New Testament, contributions were also described as sacrifices offered up in worship (see Hebrews 9:1-10; 10:1-25; 13:10-16).

No offering is taken during the teaching hour. This is so that unbelievers will not feel obligated to give, or think that their giving would contribute to their salvation. Unbelievers do not need to give to God, but to receive the gift of salvation which He offers to them in Jesus Christ. The offering is taken during the worship time, after the Lord's Supper, to encourage the saints to give as an act of worship.

‌

Our relationship with money is critical, and if we seek to honor God with it, he can use it to transform us into Christlikeness. And if we leave it out of our discipleship discussions? It has the power to destroy us.

‌

Don’t get off-balance in your theological approach to money. Some people lean toward “prosperitytheology,” which says if we have faith, God will bless us materially. Others lean toward “poverty theology,” which says having money turns us away from God, so money and possessions are not good.

‌

Giving allows me to identify with Christ -

Matthew 16

…Give up your own ways and follow me…

‌

‌

Jesus sacrifice we should also sacrifice. What are you sacrificing for the sake of the Kingdom?

‌‌

What would have to change for your giving to be a sacrifice?

https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2023/4/17/do-generosity-and-stewardship-mean-the-same-thing

What are some barriers That keep people from giving

1. Not understanding the impact it has on the Kingdom

2. Not understanding the impact is has on others

3. Not understanding the impact act on me

2. Understanding God’s Nature -- how He uses money in our lives

Slide

a. He demonstrates His faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

THE LORD’S LOVING KINDNESSES INDEED NEVER CEASE, for HIS COMPASSIONS NEVER FAIL. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness.

Taylor Story – Corn field USA, Leave NYC, Recruited to play football, HS coach, Holiday Catholic, Testimony

Slide

b. He reveals our need for Jesus.

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, IDOLATRY, sorcery, ENMITIES, STRIFE, JEALOUSY, OUTBURSTS OF ANGER, DISPUTES, DISSENSIONS, FACTIONS, ENVYING, DRUNKENNESS, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Slide

c. He stimulates our prayer lives.

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it shall be opened.

Repeated in Luke 11:9

Slide

d. He cultivates self-control in our lives.

Galatians 5:22-23

For the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL; against such things there is no law.

Think about this  Worry over money can negatively affect each portion of the fruit

Some of you believe that a tithe is old testament rule and we are under grace. I don’t keep the law anymore I am living under grace. Under Grace God expectation and the way we live does not down but goes up. They don’t talk about tithing much because they have given it ALL. They sold everything. Under grace is more.

Need to building Generosity muscle. The heart opens to the Lord.

Money Measures Three Personal Attributes:

‌

Confidence – do you trust God to provide? (brief pause)

‌

Contentment – is Jesus enough or is it Jesus and stuff (mammon)? (brief pause)

‌

Character – do you own your possessions or do your possessions own you? (brief pause)

As Martin Luther said,

‌

“There are three conversions necessary:

1. the conversion of the heart,

‌

2. the conversion of the mind,

3. and the conversion of the purse.”

‌

It’s a Heart Issue

‌

Our heart reveals our true treasures.

‌Giving builds by character. Luke 11:42

The reality is that many of us who live in the United States are wealthy. God has likely blessed you with significant resource when compared to the rest of the world’s population. According to CNN Money, it only takes $34,000 a year, after taxes, to be among the richest 1% in the world. If that’s the case, a vast majority of us are considered the richest in the world! Our perspective changes when the 1% is closer to us than we think.

Why does God talk so much about money

1. God wants us to love him more then money – Matthew 6:19 – Where ever your treasure is Store in Heaven. The desires of you heart will be there also

2. Wherever we put our money first our hearts naturally gravity to move to the thing or person

3. How do I know if God is first and not my money? Do you tithe? Tithes in the first of your increase. Tithing is not I give some money. Tithing is not I give 5% of my income. Tithing is I give the first 10% of my income to the local church? The local church is charged to spread to learn to follow Jesus to the city.

4. Genesis 4 – Cain and Able. Able gave the first. Cain see what he has and then gives. Cain is a giver but not a tither. Cain is self-sufficient.

5. Tithing helps us turn from independence to total dependency in God. When we give our first fruit.

6.

80% of the room does not tithe. Jesus loves you. The rich fall in self-sufficient. Giving God first helps us to be dependent on God.

As Martin Luther said,

“There are three conversions necessary:

1. the conversion of the heart,

2. the conversion of the mind,

3. and the conversion of the purse.”

When I tithe and Jesus is first it set me free from the deception that more stuff will make me happy, I start to live within my means, Start making better financial decisions and I end up with more. And exercise my generosity muscle.