For All of Him

Message 3: For All of Him

Series: The Joy-Filled Giver— A Sermon Series on Tithing

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

Central Idea: Followers of Jesus give all of themselves for all of Him— including all of their resources— recognizing Jesus’ desire to use what He has given us to further His Kingdom.

Question: What does it look like to give all of us for all of Him?

I. Regular Giving [1 Cor. 16:1-2]

Context: Paul is urging the Corinthian believers to give towards those in Jerusalem and Judea who are struggling from famine.

Instruction and details:

On the first day of the week

This is when the church has historically gathered in alignment with the day Jesus rose from the grave

Each of you

This includes every individual meeting

Set something aside and save

In keeping with one’s resources

Not a specific percentage or portion, but likely in congruence with OT teaching

Paul qualifies this aspect of saving later when he details so the goods would be collected and ready to go when he arrived

NOTE: The same word is used here as was used in Matthew 6:19-24 discussed last week regarding treasures or values.

Application: Giving regularly enables this act of worship to become a rhythm of life, not an occasional event when the person decides is convenient or comfortable. Why is this important?

It becomes more of an act of worship reflecting God’s provision for us.

It moves giving from an after-thought to a first-thought built into our pattern for worship as we gather weekly.

It prohibits giving from being driven by emotions or feelings— giving when we feel like it.

II. Cheerful Giving [2 Cor. 9:6-8]

The agricultural context: By principle, the farmer is expected to reap according to what he has sown.

The textual context: Paul writes in verse 5 that he has sent people ahead so that their gifts for the Jewish believers suffering in Judea were not given from force or pressure of his presence. This sets up verses 6-8:

The person inversting generously should expect generous reward— namely, as it pertains to the Kingdom of God.

Again, each one— should decide in his own heart— not reluctantly or out of compulsion— because God loves a cheerful giver

The point? Give freedly rather that dutifully; give not as a binding contractual act, but as an act of worship.

For Paul— he did not want those in Corinth giving from a place of pressure because he urged them to; instead, he wanted them to give compassionately and generously from a place of conviction to support other brothers and sisters who were struggling so that the Gospel might abound in their ministries.

The person giving should give motivated by the promise, provision, and power of God— not by compulsion or duty:

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 (proceed as He has called you to)

Application: Giving cheerfully forces us to fix our eyes upon the finished work of Jesus, the perfect demonstration of God’s grace, love, and provision, so that we are sure to worship Him joyfully rather than dutifully. Thus, doing so is a response to God’s grace. Why is this important?

Romans 8:32 “He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything?”

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

It moves us beyond fear and self-dependence to a place of trust and surrender.

It moves us beyond greed on the one hand and apathy on the other to a place of conviction and compassion.

It moves us beyond the present moment and circumstances to realize God’s bigger plan and purpose for our lives and ministry.

III. Purposeful Giving [1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 9:12-13]

Original Context: As a reminder, both texts deal with Paul’s dealing with the Corinthian believers based on their support for fellow followers of Christ in Jerusalem who were struggling.

Present Context: Giving through Mathiston FBC has great purpose beyond follow a duty or fulfilling a command:

It enables faithfulness to the immediate ministry given to us in the local church— to make sure ministry needs are met and the Gospel is advanced in an efficient manner (resourcing, discipleship, caring for church members, benevolent aid, etc.)

It enables obedience to engaging the world with the hope of the Gospel:

In our community— to support other ministries and people who need our help

Beyond— to support other followers of Christ/churches as they endure different challenges in different seasons

Application: Giving purposefully allows us to faithfully engage the world with the hope of the Gospel, meeting needs one at a time to ensure those nearest us and furtherest from us encounter the result of grace. Why is this important?

It changes our mentality from casual giving to intentional giving

It enhances our ability as a church to share the Gospel, disciple others in the Gospel, and advance the Gospel beginning in our neighborhoods and reaching all the nations.

It grants us opportunities to fulfill the mission entrusted to us otherwise beyond our reach.

Response:

Gospel: Do you realize that you are the joy of Christ?

Hebrews 12:2 “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The Father’s Will is Jesus’ joy

The Father’s Will to redeem you and me is Jesus’ joy.

Have you embraced the joy of knowing Christ in a personal way today? Maybe that is still a distant or scary thought for you. I would love to talk with you today about how this can become a reality in your life.

Members: Is Jesus your joy?

Realizing God gave His all to us should motivate us to give our all to Him, finding all of who we are and all we do in Him.

It should lead us to find our joy in Him alone. When we do, giving is from a place of joy, gratitude, and surrender rather than a place of dread, greed, or fear.