Giving Beyond the Tithe

John 20:30–31 “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 “The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.”

Introduction

Good morning, church family! Giving is more than money—it’s offering our entire selves to God and His people. Today, we explore how to serve through our time, talents, prayers, encouragement, hospitality, mentoring, and resources, all as acts of worship. Our key scripture, 2 Corinthians 9:7, declares, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” As Charles Spurgeon said, “Giving is true having.” Let’s discover how giving beyond the tithe honors God and builds His church, inspired by love and joy.

Exposition

1. Giving Through Your Time: Serving in Ministry

Galatians 5:13 urges, “Serve one another humbly in love.” Volunteering for ministries—children’s programs, greeting, cleaning, or serving meals—is a gift to God.

D.L. Moody said, “The reward of service is more service.”

Every hour you give, whether setting up chairs or helping at an outreach event, reflects Christ’s servant heart (Mark 10:45). Your time strengthens our church’s mission to love and serve.

2. Giving Through Your Talents and Skills: Building Up the Body

1 Peter 4:10 instructs, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” Your God-given talents—music, teaching, administration, technology, or craftsmanship—build up the church.

A.W. Tozer wrote, “God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible—what a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.”

Offer your skills—play in worship, design graphics, or teach a class—to glorify God and bless others (Romans 12:6-8).

3. Giving Through Prayer: Interceding for the Church

Ephesians 6:18 calls us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Praying for our leaders, members, and mission is a sacrificial gift.

Ed Newton said, “Prayer doesn’t just change things; it changes us.”

Your prayers uphold your pastors, strengthen outreach, and invite God’s guidance. Commit to daily intercession for our church’s unity and impact.

4. Giving Through Encouragement: Building Up Others

Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” Encouragement is a powerful gift. A kind word or note can lift a weary soul.

Louie Giglio reminds us, “You weren’t created to be a consumer but a contributor.”

Encourage a volunteer, support a struggling member, or affirm a new believer. Your words foster faith and community.

5. Giving Through Hospitality: Welcoming Others

Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Opening your home or sharing a meal welcomes others into God’s family.

1 Peter 4:9 adds, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Spurgeon noted, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you will remember.”

Invite newcomers for coffee or host a small group to create belonging and reflect God’s love.

6. Giving Through Mentoring and Discipleship: Investing in Growth

Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20, “Make disciples of all nations.” Mentoring—leading Bible studies, discipling new believers, or guiding youth—invests in spiritual growth.

2 Timothy 2:2 says, “Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Moody said, “If this world is going to be reached, I am convinced it must be done by men and women of average talent, but with their hearts on fire for God.”

Share your faith to help others grow in Christ.

7. Giving Through Resources: Meeting Practical Needs

Acts 4:34-35 shows, “There were no needy persons among them.” Donating food, clothing, or supplies meets tangible needs.

James 2:15-16 challenges, “If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food… what good is it?”

Ed Newton reminds us, “Generosity is not about what you have; it’s about what you do with what you have.”

Bring canned goods to our pantry or donate clothes to our outreach to show Christ’s care.

Gospel Connection

These acts of giving mirror the gospel. Jesus gave everything—His time, talents, and life—dying on the cross to redeem us (John 3:16).

As Giglio says, “Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good; He came to make dead people alive.”

Our giving doesn’t earn salvation; it’s a response to Christ’s sacrificial love. Because He served us fully (Mark 10:45), we can give cheerfully, trusting God to multiply our gifts for His kingdom.

Application

Reflect: Are you giving your time, talents, or prayers with a cheerful heart, as 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages? This week, try these:

Volunteer—greet on Sunday, serve in youth, or help at our next outreach. Sign up on our website. Time

Offer your skills—join the worship team, teach, or help with tech. Talents

Pray daily for our church’s mission and leaders. Prayer

Write a note or call to uplift someone. Encouragement

Invite a newcomer for coffee or host a small group. Hospitality

Lead a Bible study or mentor a young believer. Mentoring

Donate to a food pantry or clothing drive. Your gifts, given with love, build God’s church. Resources

Conclusion

Church, giving beyond the tithe—through time, talents, prayer, encouragement, hospitality, mentoring, and resources—is worship that honors God.

As Tozer said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” Let’s serve with joyful hearts, reflecting Christ’s love and building His body.

Confession/Prayer

“Lord, thank You for Jesus’ sacrifice. Fill us with joy as we give our time, talents, and resources. Use our service to build Your church and show Your love. Help us give cheerfully, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Closing

Your service strengthens our church and changes lives. Visit our website or app to volunteer or donate resources. As Spurgeon said, “Nobody ever loses by giving for Jesus’ sake.” Let’s keep giving with love. God bless you, church!