Giving of possessions(As unto the Lord)

Ministries that require the giving of material possessions

The relief of the poor

Proverbs 28:27 NLT

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

See also Le 25:25; Dt 15:7–8; Is 58:7; Mt 19:21; Lk 12:33; Ro 12:13; Ga 2:10

The support of God’s servants

1 Timothy 5:17–18 NLT

Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”

See also Nu 3:48; Nu 5:9; 2 Ki 4:8–10; Mt 10:10; Ga 6:6; Php 4:15–18

The care of widows and orphans

James 1:27 NLT

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

See also Dt 26:12; Ru 2:5–12; 1 Ti 5:3–4

Motives for the giving of material possessions

Obedience to God

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

See also Ex 30:11–16; Le 12:6–8; Dt 14:28; Mal 3:8–10; Mt 22:21; Ro 13:6–7

Gratitude for God’s generosity

1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT

But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!

See also Ge 28:20–22; Dt 26:9–10; 1 Sa 1:27–28

Love for others

1 John 3:17 NLT

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

See also 2 Ch 28:15; Mt 7:9–11; Lk 10:33–35

The manner of giving material possessions

Willingly and cheerfully

Matthew 10:8 NLT

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

See also Ex 25:2; Ex 35:5; Ex 35:22; 2 Ki 12:4; 1 Ch 29:6; 1 Ch 29:9; 1 Ch 29:17; 2 Ch 24:10; 2 Ch 35:7–9; Ezr 8:28; 2 Co 8:11–12

Unostentatiously

Matthew 6:1–4 NLT

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Regularly

1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT

On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

Generously

Ex 36:5; Nu 7:13; 1 Ch 29:3–4; Lk 6:38; 2 Co 8:2–3; 1 Ti 6:18

God measures his people’s giving

With a reckoning different from the world’s

2 Ch 6:8; Mk 12:41–44

With regard for people’s capacity to give

Le 14:30; Le 27:8; Dt 16:17; Ezr 2:69; Ac 11:29; 2 Co 8:12

God rewards the giver appropriately

Philippians 4:18–19 NLT

At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

See also 2 Ch 31:10; Pr 11:25; Pr 22:9; Pr 28:27; Ec 11:1 encouragement to be enterprising in giving; Is 58:10; Mt 10:42; Mt 25:34–36; Lk 16:9; Ac 20:35; 2 Co 9:6

God’s reward overwhelming the giver

Proverbs 3:9–10 NLT

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

See also Mal 3:10; Lk 6:38

God’s giving: the model for his people’s giving

Matthew 10:8 NLT

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

See also 2 Co 8:8–9; 2 Co 9:15