Joy of Giving to God

I Chron 29:9-17

The Joy of Giving to God

Bible Passage: 1 Chronicles 29:9-17

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the significance of generosity as an expression of gratitude towards God. In an age where materialism often leads to selfishness, this message encourages the audience to reflect on their own giving and to realize that generosity is a response to what God has done for them.

Big Idea: We honor God’s blessings through generous giving that flows from a grateful heart, reflecting on His greatness in our lives and the community around us.

Introduction: Without a doubt, these are some of the greatest verses on Biblical stewardship and giving. In this passage David expresses gratitude to God and the people of Israel for their contributions to the temple’s construction. It highlights the important of giving from a heart of thankfulness and acknowledges God’s sovereignty and provision.

The reason most don’t give as they should is because we have an immature view of God. We make God so much smaller than He is. Here the nation of Israel and David have gathered to recognize God and express their love and devotion to Him. Their view of God is mature v.9 (perfect heart) is clearly revealed by the manner of their giving. The spiritual maturity of a Christian is seen by their giving to the Lord. Next week, will look at some amazing statistics on their giving.

1. They offered willingly

1 Chronicles 29:9-11

A. From a perfect heart

1. As they matured in their faith and understood their role in honoring God’s authority and stewardship.

2. Perfect means a mature and developed spiritual heart.

3. As we gather on March 7, we are gathering with an opportunity to give unto God willingly.

4. There should be a willingness to give unto God.

As the offering plates were being passed during a worship service, a little boy seated with his father whispered loudly: “Don’t pay for me, daddy. I’m under five.” He didn’t have the right understanding but at least he had the right idea we all should give to God.

Grace does not make giving optional.

Charles C. Ryrie

B. With great joy

1. Joy is the natural by product of people who give to God. There is a natural excitement and anticipation of joy when

we give.

2. It is not about the food or the meeting place, it is about the privilege and joy when we give unto God.

3. Giving to God is the ultimate expression of love to Him, when you don’t give anything to God, what do you love?

“You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving.” (Unknown)

4. The joy of giving is to whom we give our treasures and our finances. I don’t want to be rude but if you don’t tithe or

give to God, you don’t know the joy of the Lord. It is woven throughout all of Scripture: joy-filled giving

King James Version Chapter 12

43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

C. To the great God v.11

Worship is giving to God the best He has given us.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

1. As we give unto God, we mirror Christ selfless giving.

“People are closest to God-likeness in self-giving, and the nearer they approach God-likeliness the more genuinely and rightly you become capable of rejoicing” Tom Constable

2. Notice here their hearts were grateful and in alignment with a deeper understanding of God’s accomplishments through Christ.

3. This was a huge climatic point in David’s reign where he responds in prayer, giving, and humility.

4. He acknowledges that everything belongs to the great God of Israel.

5. Greatness, power, majesty, ownership, Lord, exalted above all and owner of all.

2. They offered humbly

1 Chronicles 29:12-15

A. Recognized God’s Sovereignty v. 12.

1. His sovereignty means He is over all and this is foundational to giving.

2. God gives riches and honor, God is the owner of your “stuff.”

3. He also reigns over all.

B. Recognized God’s gifts vv. 13-15

1. Jesus Christ came to provide salvation for mankind by the sacrifice on the cross as the ultimate display of

generosity.

2. David asked in v. 14-who is he or who are we to receive such wonderful gifts?

3. The gifts God has given us, He provides so we can give back to it.

4. There is nothing we can give, He hasn’t already provided-if He asked for the tithe to be returned, that

means He has already given it-you may be guilty of giving it to Mastercard or Visa because you have to

have this or that.

5. Gratitude arises when we acknowledge God’s reign in which we can give without holding back, allowing

His blessings to flow through us for His purposes.

In the Bible, the widow's offering (Mark 12:41-44) demonstrates the profound joy found in giving. Despite her poverty, she gave all she had—a mere two small coins. Jesus highlighted her offering, emphasizing that her heart in giving was more precious than the large amounts given by the wealthy. This story reflects that true joy in giving comes not from the amount but from the heart's willingness to serve and honor God.

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Exposition

“The truth that ‘everything’ we have ‘comes from’ God is the foundation for the doctrine of stewardship. Its basis is this: since our property is his (

6. The idea of strangers and sojourners mean we are traveling through-only here for a short time. Don’t get attached to worldly things.

3. They offered obediently

1 Chronicles 29:16-17

A. Attitude of stewardship

1. Stewardship is the process of being responsible with some else’s property while it is entrusted.

2. This is a recognition that we are managers of time, talents, possessions, and fincances.

3. Stewardship involves preparation-may be prepared each week to give and be prepared at the upcoming

banquet on Friday March 7 to give willingly and obediently.

You might find it challenging to be obedient to God's call when it comes to managing family finances. Often, you may feel torn between saving for future needs and being generous. A practical step you can take is to create a family budget that includes a set percentage specifically for charitable giving. This demonstrates obedience to God's prompting and encourages conversations about the importance of generosity in your home.

B. Heart of giving

1. He has a heart towards God and God’s house v. 16.

2. David acknowledges God’s house is prepared for construction. Important enough to pray about it.

3. Back up in verse 3-he tells us he has an affection towards God’s house.

4. Selfless giving is a meaningful expression of thankfulness and a part of participating in God’s Kingdom

work.

Conclusion: Let me encourage you to evaluate your motive for giving and make sure we are giving with a generous spirit.