Why Give?

Introduction

Before I begin this message and this series, I want to begin by saying that historically speaking, this topic (financial giving) has been the most challenging for me. I have now preached over 19 years, and to the best of my recollection, I can only recall one message out of the over 2,000 messages that I’ve prepared and preached that deal exclusively with this subject - and that was this year at the conclusion of our missions conference when I spoke on missions giving. I have addressed it here and there as points in messages, but never have I covered the full counsel of the doctrine of giving.

I say this to my shame. But I say it for reason.

It’s to my shame because as a pastor, I’m to preach to you the full counsel of God, and God has much to say about our financial obligations to the ministry of God.

But I think it’s important to consider the reasons:

First: I didn’t want to give impression that money is what I cared about.

Some speak of ‘agendas’ that preachers have, and the truth is, I could care less about your money - and God could care less about your money - what I want and what God wants is your heart.

I didn’t want to be likened unto the religious pimps you see on TV - Jesse Duplantis’, Mike Murdocks’, Kenneth Copeland, etc.

These are the ‘Simons’ of Act. 8 that think that the power of God can be bought. Yet Peter spoke the truth to him saying: Acts 8:20–21 “But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.”

Their heart is not right, and I certainly didn’t want to be lumped in with them.

I assumed as one grew in knowledge, wisdom and faith, it would naturally follow. When their heart is fully given over to the LORD.

And that’s true - as long as you KNOW, and that’s the key. For some it’s simply a lack of knowledge as to what God’s expectations are. For others, they know what God’s expectations are, but they reject this doctrine - and if that’s you, then shame on you.

So where I’m at now is this: I intend to give you the history, the reasons for and the obstacles against giving unto the LORD - but what you do with that information is between you and God. At that point, I’ve done my job.

So today we’re going to examine the question ‘Why Give’. We’ll examine what to give and such later on as I’m sure there is some confusion about that, but it’s important first to understand the ‘WHY’. What is the motivation behind giving unto the LORD?

Now I picked this passage of Scripture for a reason, as I will in fact be giving you several chapters of Scripture throughout the lesson today. But one reason that in this chapter - right at the close of the OT we see a blending of two subjects. The coming forerunner of the Christ, and the admonishment for their lack of giving of their tithes.

This will become more relevant as we progress through the message today.

First off, we give Because it’s Biblical

I. Because it’s Biblical

It’s Canon

What I mean by Canon (def) a form of law or rule in general In other words, the precepts upon which something is founded.

So before the law, we see something established after Abraham won a great victory in freeing his nephew Lot in Genesis 14:18–20 “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”

After this victory, Abraham went unto the priest of the land Melchizedek and Abraham gave 10% unto him.

This is the first instance of a tithe, and it sets the principle that is to follow.

We see it again with Jacob after God met him in a dream: Genesis 28:18–22 “And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Beth-el: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”

Here is the second instance for the tithe given. Jacob - whom God blessed greatly - vows to give back 10%

Biblically, we see the president - Giving a tithe as the basis of giving to the LORD is established. But that’s not all. Secondly It’s Command

It’s Command

With the giving of the Mosaic Covenant, God instituted the Levitical priesthood. Without going into great detail, the Levites bore the burden of the Tabernacle and the service thereof in the stead of the 1st born of every tribe.

In that, they also didn’t enjoy all the benefits of the other tribes in that they had no land nor inheritance there of. They were not able to work the land, and the service of the tabernacle as well. God knew this, so He instituted the other 12 tribes to give a tithe unto the Levitical priests.

It was established in the LAW

This is instructed multiple times in Scripture, the most direct being: Leviticus 27:30–33 “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.”

It was reinstated when the COI returned from Exile (Neh. 10) Nehemiah 10:38–39 “And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house. For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.”

Understand - I’m not saying that we’re under the Law. In fact, as I have pointed out, the tithe is a principle predating the law performed by God’s people.

What I am saying - and that bears notice is that under the blood of bulls and goats, God REQUIRED EVERYONE to give a tenth of their goods unto the ministry of the LORD.

We see the Command, next let’s look at the continuance

It’s Consideration for Today

As we approach the NT, we don’t see direct instructions on percentage and such to tithe, however, that doesn’t mean that the instruction is lacking as some suggest. Something to consider is that though they are different, they are not exclusive one without the other. You have no NT without the OT. The OT is not to be ignored, but to be put in it’s proper place. The OT is the FOUNDATION upon which the NT stands.

The Benefit of the Law:

Though we are not under the Law, does that mean that the Law has no benefit? Does it mean that there is no usefulness to the Law and we are free to disregard the principles laid out therein?

If that’s the case, I guess making graven images is ok. Or taking the Lord’s name in vain.

You see the difference is that though I’m not under the burden of punishment for breaking the Law, the Law is still God’s precepts for Righteous living which I should endeavor to live by.

Romans 6:1–2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

The Picture through the Law:

Given the time constraints I have, I cannot go through and dissect the entirety of Hebrews 7-8, but I want to share with you some things therein:

Comparison to the Priesthood of Melchisedec (picture of Jesus) and Levitical (Mosaic Law)

The illustration given is that the priesthood of Jesus - illustrated through Melchisedec is GREATER than that of the Levitical.

The OBJECT FOR THE ILLUSTRATION is the giving of tithes (Read Heb. 7:4-10)

So now what we have is the first principle given in Scripture is now referred back as example for the church. It’s not LAW, but it’s PRINCIPLE.

Next we see the comparison of the Covenants: (Heb. 8)

The old law is a shadow of the New - Hebrews 8:5 “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”

If the NT is a shadow of the OT, then the OT has precepts to glean from.

Lastly, the Comparison of the Atonements: (Read Heb. 9:11-14)

Notice the language:

“Greater, more perfect tabernacle”

not by “blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood”

“How much more…”

So what I submit to you is this: (Ill.) If Christ gave the COI under the Law a Pinto and told them that they had to pay tithes on it, then gave the church a Lamborghini yet didn’t change or alter His expectations, do you think that He would expect less?

Now the NT does address giving - manner means & direction concerning giving, just not the amount one way or another. As the series progresses, we’ll examine those, but what I want you to understand here is if you’re trying to use the non-address of the amount as a reason not to give AT LEAST 10%, then I believe it illustrates a heart problem, not an evidence problem.

We give because it’s Biblical

Why Give? Because it’s Biblical. Secondly, because of the Need

II. Because of the Need

There is a need for Christians to Give. Two I will address specifically:

Of the Local Ministry

I’ll give you two examples in Scripture illustrating the need for local ministry:

In the Levitical Priesthood: Num. 18:20-32

If you read Num. 18:20-32, you will understand that the tithe was to support the workers of the LORD. They had no inheritance, nor were they expected to work the service of the LORD, and go work the field as well. Therefore God expected His people to support His workers.

Secondly, Paul addresses this necessity of the church to support the minister: 1Cor. 9:1-14

Some things to notice:

Paul was their minister (v1-2)

Paul claimed the right to necessities of life and to lead a family (v4-5)

Paul claimed that right without having to labour outside the ministry (v6-14)

Paul claimed it was the church’s obligation to support him (v11)

1 Timothy 5:17–18 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

Galatians 6:6 “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”

Now I tell you this not for my benefit. I’m not teaching you this for personal gain. I may be your pastor for 30 more years, then again I might be gone in 30 days - what I’m teaching you is the BIBLE - and THAT matters, regardless of who your minister is!

And I’ll give you some food for thought. That tithe wasn’t for the upkeep of the tabernacle, it was for the benefit of the priests. You look in Ex. 25; 36 and you’d see that the offering for the tabernacle was a free-will offering, not a tithe.

There is a need for Local Ministry

Of Global Missions

There not only is a need here, but needs elsewhere.

Paul instructed the church of Corinth & churches of Galatia to take up an offering: 1 Corinthians 16:1–3 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.”

There was a need in Jerusalem, and Paul instructed the churches to minister unto that need.

As you look upon the wall of the church, you can see that this church has committed to sending relief to those around the world, and I’m thankful for that.

We’ll speak more later, but understand that collection is not relegated to the tithe. The tithe is one thing, the collection for needs abroad are free-will offerings.

But there most certainly is a need. We give because of the need.

Why Give? Because it’s Biblical. Because of the Need. Next, to Elicit Blessings

III. To Elicit Blessings

Why give? One reason (albeit a lesser one) is to elicit blessings. We give so that we might be blessed - and this happens in two different ways:

In Bestowing

Giving itself is a blessing to the giver:

There’s satisfaction in being a blessing to others

Acts 20:35 “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

(Ill.) My wife is one of those people who would rather buy for others than herself. We went on that Amish trip Thursday and ended up in a thrift store, and she heads over to the kids section to buy amish clothes for Malachi.

There most certainly is a blessing when you give to others.

There’s satisfaction doing what’s right

If we know it’s right and we do what’s right - we enjoy being blessed by that.

I don’t know about you - I’ve done wrong in the past and felt horrible for it, and I’ve done what’s right and felt good about it.

There’s Satisfaction in Giving itself.

In Receiving

The Bible tells us: Malachi 3:8–10 “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, Even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be meat in mine house, And prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open you the windows of heaven, And pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

God says prove Him

Jesus said: Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Jesus said - when you give, you’ll get.

Also: Proverbs 3:9–10 “Honour the Lord with thy substance, And with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 11:25 “The liberal soul shall be made fat: And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

Now I’m not telling you that if you give $10 your’e going to get $100 - I’m not saying that you’re going to even get back money. What I am saying is that Christ says if you give, you’ll get - and some things are far better than money.

Why Give? Because it’s Biblical. Because of the Need. To Elicit Blessings, and lastly as an Act of Worship

IV. As an Act of Worship

There are many ways to worship God. Giving is an act of Worship. You are saying ‘You ARE WORTHY of THIS LORD!’

The Cause is Worthy

People give to all sorts of causes for all sorts of reasons. They give to support:

Politicians

Sports ministries

Food banks

Homelessness

Environmental causes

Girl scout cookies

Charitable medical needs & such

Let me ask you this church: What cause is greater than the Cause of Christ? That’s what the mission of the church is, right? Whether it be local or missions - it’s to spread the Gospel of Christ.

It’s amazing that many Christians will give more to fast food restaurants in a month time than to the cause of Christ. They will invest more in their belly than their Spirit.

We worship God by Giving because the cause we’re giving to is a Worthy Cause.

The Creator is Worthy

What price tag do you put on God? What is God worth to you? Is He worthy of your obedience to give?

You do understand that you have what you have because He gave it to you in the first place. You’re technically not ‘giving’ but simply ‘giving back’ a portion unto Him.

David understood this: 1 Chronicles 29:14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”

James understood this: James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Conclusion

The fact of the matter is, there are many reasons to give to the ministry of the LORD. The question is, are you?