Grace Giving: Overflow of the Grace-Filled Heart
2024 Missions • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
Last week, we learned about the Foundation of Faithful Giving. In that message, I shared the beginning of God’s plan of giving with you, which we know as tithing. One of the things we learned was that even within the stewardship of the Old Testament, God expected His people to be involved in two types of giving—tithing and offerings. Today, we will explore the offering aspect of grace giving (sacrificial giving) and note how it differs from tithing.
Tithing, the starting point of God's plan of giving, is a mandatory act of obedience that demonstrates a believer's love for Christ. In contrast...
Sacrificial giving is a voluntary act that goes beyond tithing, allowing believers to honor God and experience His grace in a more personal and powerful way.
So here is our first concern today.
Grace Inspires Sacrificial Giving
Grace Inspires Sacrificial Giving
Another crucial aspect of giving that we need to delve into today is grace.
Understanding grace is key to our spiritual growth.
What is grace? Some have stated that grace is God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. That is a great acronym. The only way we can access God’s Riches is through Christ and what He did for us upon the cross of Calvary. Another way to understand grace is to comprehend this key verse.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
You might be asking how such a verse, which does not even mention the word grace, defines grace. That is a great question. Note some important statements in this verse. First, there is God. He is the one taking action here. Second, God is the working in you.
By the way, two aspects of grace are fundamental. There is a saving grace. Saving grace is God working so that you and I might escape the condemnation we are already under. The key verse is Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
You will note that we saved not because of what we have done or can do. Instead, we are saved by God, Who did it all. He is the one who willed that we should be saved from eternal damnation. And, then, He took action by coming Himself and paying our penalty with His death on the cross. Thus, He demonstrated His love for us by His grace. He both willed and did of His good pleasure. The other aspect of grace is His continued grace in our lives after salvation.
Going back to Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
After we are saved, God bestows His Spirit in our bodies. It is then His Spirit (God) Who places the will (desire) and the ability (to do) of His good pleasure. If we are honest with ourselves, we know that even after we are saved, my will (my flesh) refuses to live for God. That is the battle we all face. However, we must be thankful for God’s grace. God wills and does His good pleasure in my life as a believer.
Think about this, and we will get to the heart of today’s message.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
My obedience is the only thing keeping me from enjoying the full benefits of God’s grace. When I obey, I allow God to control my life and, thus, enable Him to will and do His good pleasure through me. However, when I disobey, I rebel against Him and prevent His grace from being active.
Consequently, as I understand God’s grace, there are several components.
God does it all. The desire and ability to please God can only come from God. To please God, I must do things God’s way, which means I must be obedient. I must obey unto salvation by accepting His grace. Then, after salvation, I must continue to live in obedience so that His grace might work in me and I can continue to please Him with my life.
Now, you might wonder what all that has to do with stewardship and finances. That's good; I am glad you asked. Remember that grace has much to do with giving. Note this next verse.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Everything we do as believers is founded upon God’s plan of redemption. What Christ did for us is the very essence of giving and its source and model.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Sacrificial giving, or grace-giving, was practiced in the Old Testament.
Let me give you a couple of quick examples.
4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;
5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make.
6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.
When God instructed Israel to build a tabernacle for Him to dwell among His people, all of Israel sacrificed to make it happen. They gave above and beyond their tithes, so much so that Moses commanded them to stop giving.
Another example is when King David prepared for his son Solomon to build God’s Temple. Before David asked the people to be involved, he exemplified sacrificial giving.
3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
The rest of Israel took his lead and did the same.
6 Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,
9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
Grace is essential for giving.
Grace is all about God’s work in believers to will and do for His good pleasure. Saving grace is God working so that we might escape an eternity without Him. However, after salvation, His grace continues to work in our lives, enabling us to live for Him. We must obey God's commandments to experience the full benefits of His grace. Ultimately, Christ’s sacrificial love inspires us to give sacrificially and generously.
Our next point is this.
Tithing Establishes the Practice of Sacrificial Giving
Tithing Establishes the Practice of Sacrificial Giving
First, sacrificial or grace-giving goes beyond tithing. Sometimes, God presents opportunities to give more than just a tithe.
Second, sacrificial or grace-giving is a demonstration of love, joy, and worship, whereas tithing is a demonstration of obedience.
Think about it. When we tithe, it does not necessarily require that you be joyful about it. Tithing is not about having a heart to do it; it is a simple act of obedience. Sacrificial giving is different. It involves the heart and joy in response to God’s grace. The tithe testifies that I am giving because I must be obedient. Sacrificial or grace-giving testifies that I am giving because I understand and rejoice in what God has sacrificed for me.
Even Old Testament giving went far beyond tithing, as noted in our examples. The emphasis of their sacrificial giving was God’s grace as well. It was never about the amount of the offering but the willingness of each person’s heart. Unlike the tithe, sacrificial giving was giving “freely.”
Here is how I see the difference:
Tithing is mandatory for believers, and sacrificial giving is voluntary. However, both speak volumes concerning a believer’s relationship with His Savior.
If you love me, keep my commandments. Tithing shows love for Christ through obedience. On the other hand, sacrificial giving demonstrates Christ’s sacrificial love.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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.
Now, compare that verse with two others.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
You see, whenever God gives grace, He has much more grace to give. His grace is so much more than my sin. His grace is so much more than my pride. And, according to Luke 6:38, you cannot out-give God’s grace. The more you give, the more is given unto you. God will provide so much more grace in return that it is pressed down, shaken together, and running over. However, God also says that “with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” In other words, the amount you give determines the amount you get back.
This is a fantastic thought! We are talking about God’s grace here. It is entirely related to our giving. His grace is as deep and big as the oceans of the world. He has more than enough grace. However, how much we give determines the amount of grace we receive. An astonishing thought comes to bear here. Perhaps we do not have victory over sin in our lives because of how stingy we are in giving ourselves to the Lord. You see, stewardship is not just about money. A steward is a person. Thus, a person can provide more than just dollars. A person can give time and love in addition to material things. How much time, love, energy, and material possessions have you sacrificially given to the Lord this week? If we are honest, we must admit that it is nothing compared to what Christ does for us daily. Yet, if we are not tithing, we are surely not giving sacrificially. If we are not giving sacrificially, how much of God’s grace do we have in return? Yet, we complain that we do not have any victory in our lives over sin and fleshly lusts. I wonder what would happen if we gave Him more time, love, and energy each day! I imagine that God would give more grace in response. Wow, what a thought!
Tithing establishes the practice of sacrificial giving. While tithing is a mandatory act of obedience, sacrificial giving goes beyond it to demonstrate love, joy, and worship. Both forms of giving are crucial for a believer's relationship with God, but sacrificial giving, rooted in Christ's sacrificial love, can lead to more incredible spiritual growth and blessings.
Spiritual Growth is the Reward of Sacrificial Giving
Spiritual Growth is the Reward of Sacrificial Giving
Here in America, we are truly blessed. The average American makes good money. I know that some struggle to make ends meet each month. However, when you consider that many families outside of America are just trying to make ends meet each day, much less each month, we are truly blessed. Most of you will likely agree that we have considerable material blessings from God. If you don’t think so, look around your house. We have way more clothes and stuff than we even know what to do with.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why has God provided us so much?” Well, the answer is in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
A thing called PROSPERITY THEOLOGY has infiltrated the teaching in many churches today. Prosperity theology misinterprets verse 11. It finishes verse 11 this way: “Being enriched in everything so that we might live in wealth, showing the world how much God blesses those who love Him.” As we know, that is not how the verse ends. Instead, the verse says, “Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” The word “bountiful” does not mean extreme wealth. If you do a word study here, you will find that in the Greek language, this word is the same root word for “sincerity.” Thus, God is saying He provides us with more so that we might be sincere in our thanksgiving. It has nothing to do with a spiritual form of getting rich.
Think about it this way. God encourages us to start giving by simple obedience through tithing. It is the beginning. Then, as we grow spiritually, understanding the full depth of His marvelous grace towards us, we learn to give sacrificially, demonstrating that same grace. In turn, God responds with more grace. He multiplies the seed sown and increases the fruits of our righteousness. We now have more. In doing so, God presents a test for our spiritual growth. His abundance is now an opportunity. He does not provide it so that I consume it upon my lusts and live in luxury. Instead, God entrusts me with more so that I can give more back to Him and, in doing so, demonstrate more of His love and grace to others.
What is the purpose of grace giving? God seeks to grow us spiritually in our faith and His grace. Grace-giving is all about spiritual growth. I start with obedience through the tithe and continue to grow spiritually through grace-giving.
There is one other part of this we must recognize in Scripture.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Verse 6 reiterates our point. If you desire more of God’s grace, you must give more. The amount of God’s grace in your life is directly related to how much you sow or give.
Verse 7, however, speaks to attitude. It is one thing to give. It is another thing when it comes to our attitude towards giving. God wants us to do it “cheerfully.” Three keywords in verse 7 identify attitudes. There is the word “grudgingly.” This word describes someone who gives with great emotional pain experienced when sorrowful or unhappy. In other words, it hurts them painfully when they give, and they grimace, expressing that pain as they give.
The second word is “necessity.” This is the person who gives simply because they are required to. They know they have no choice but to do so, but inwardly, they are furious. A great example of this is paying taxes.
The third word is “cheerful.” God does not appreciate the grudging or “necessity” giver. However, He does love the “cheerful” giver. This word describes the person who gives with a merry and joyful heart.
Now note verse 8. God responds to the person who gives sincerely and with a merry heart. How does He respond? He makes “all grace ABOUND.” As He makes His grace abound in you, you have more desire and ability in all things to abound to every good work.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Why, then, does God give some believers more than they need and others less? Perhaps it is because some are sowing more than others and are reaping more benefits of God’s grace in their lives.
Let me close with one last thought about sacrificial giving.
Sacrificial giving, or grace giving, means giving beyond our ability.
In other words, it means pushing our giving past the point where the figures add up. It means giving more than just some luxurious things I don’t need, but some necessities.
We see a great example of this in the believers in Macedonia.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
These believers were dirt poor. In verse 2, the Holy Spirit described them as people in “deep poverty.” When the Holy Spirit says you are poor, you are dirt poor. Yet, these “dirt poor” believers heard about the plight of other believers in Jerusalem who were suffering through a great famine. Thus, they willingly decided that they were going to give financially to help these fellow believers. They had to beg Paul to take what they had and give it to the Jerusalem believers. The Holy Spirit notes that they not only gave “to their power,” but they also gave “beyond their power.” Thus, sacrificial giving is when we offer what we have and beyond our means.
Sacrificial giving also means giving the best. Unfortunately, too often, our giving consists of merely giving away discarded items or what is left over. It isn't giving whenever we part with things we didn’t want in the first place; it is selective disposal. Instead, God desires that we give, just as King David was determined to give.
24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
David intended to give sacrificially, meaning he would never give God the leftovers.
Sacrificial giving is a spiritual discipline that leads to spiritual growth.
Giving generously and cheerfully demonstrates our love for God and allows Him to work more powerfully. This can result in increased faith, greater obedience, and a deeper understanding of God's grace.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have explored the concept of sacrificial giving and its distinction from tithing. We have seen how grace plays a pivotal role in understanding and practicing this form of giving. Sacrificial giving, rooted in Christ's love, goes beyond mere obedience and involves a joyful and generous heart.
It is not just about the amount we give but also our attitude. God desires cheerful givers who give freely and willingly, even beyond their means. By giving sacrificially, we demonstrate our love for God and position ourselves to receive His abundant grace in return.
Sacrificial giving is not just about finances; it encompasses giving our time, love, and energy. As we strive to live a life of obedience and generosity, we can experience the transformative power of God's grace in our own lives and the lives of others.
Let us commit to a life of sacrificial giving, recognizing that it is not a burden but a privilege. As we give generously, we honor God, grow spiritually, and experience the overflowing blessings of His love.
