How to Rejoice in Giving

· When the Lord places us where He wants us in His service, He is placing us there to meet a need. Part of the reason why He has placed you in Metro Baptist Church is because He wants to meet the needs of this church partly through you, because He wants to reach Burnaby with the Gospel through you, and because He wants to reach the world through you.

Text: 1 Chronicles 29:1-17

· When the Lord places us where He wants us in His service, He is placing us there to meet a need. Part of the reason why He has placed you in Metro Baptist Church is because He wants to meet the needs of this church partly through you, because He wants to reach Burnaby with the Gospel through you, and because He wants to reach the world through you.

· Every member of the local church has some responsibilities to the Lord in that church. Each person should serve in the church. Each person should give to the church, and each person should give through the church.

· The spirit in the church ought to be a spirit of giving. Giving to missions is a natural outgrowth of that, but in general, there ought to be an excitement about giving.

I. Characteristics of David’s Giving.

· If God is going to meet the needs of this church, and if He is going to use Metro Baptist Church to meet the needs of the world as far as Gospel preaching goes, He is going to be looking for some Davids in the church.

A. David gave sacrificially. v.3

“over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house”

· David was giving over and above what he had already given.

· He wasn’t operating on the assumption that his part was sufficient. His desire was to be used of God as much as it was possible.

· He looked at his own contribution and said, “Lord, can’t I do more?”

· What if every believer said, “Lord, can’t I do more?” “Can’t I be used in a greater way?” It would change our churches!

B. David didn’t give for his own benefit, but for the benefit of others. v.1

· Giving for your own benefit is not truly giving.

· When God gives, or when Christ gave, it was not for his own benefit, but rather for ours.

· 2 Corinthians 8:4

C. David gave from his heart. v.3

· The word “affection” means “to be pleased with” or “to satisfy a debt”. V.17

· 2 Corinthians 8:5,8

D. David saw giving as an opportunity. v. 9,17

· Giving is not to be a burden; rather it is an opportunity.

· Normally, a Christian looks for ways to be involved, and giving is really an opportunity for involvement in the work of the Lord.

· 2 Corinthians 8:5,8

E. David’s giving challenged others. v. 5b

· Don’t expect the other people in the church to do it; be the inspiration for others.

· The fact that David went above and beyond in his interest in the house of God motivated others to do the same!

· David is addressing a group, waiting for someone to step up to the plate, so that others will join in.

II. The Spirit of David’s Giving

· Most things in life are contagious. Bitterness is contagious. Joy is contagious. Anger is contagious. Giving is contagious.

· David’s giving was contagious. It spread to others around him.

A. He gave because He loved the work of God. v.3

· Do you love the work of God? Or is it unimportant to you? Is His house a priority to you?

B. He gave from his own treasure. v.3

· David wasn’t just spending public funds. We was spending from his own bank account, or “mine own proper good”.

· We usually love that which costs us. At least we appreciate that which costs us.

C. He asked others to join him in giving. v.5

· In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul did this. He asked the Corinthians to join the Macedonians in giving.

· Your giving will motivate others to give as well.

· In the church where I grew up, there was a very real spirit of giving. That spirit was taught. Yes, by the pastor, but also by the people. They encouraged each other to give—not necessarily in words all the time, but by the act of giving.

D. He exemplified an attitude of willingness. v. 6, 9

· “Offered willingly” is used 6 times after David asked, “Who then is willing to give?” also verses 14-17

E. He worshiped through giving. v.9-17

· Giving flowed from adoration.

· David thanks God for the opportunity of giving. That’s what his prayer is all about in the passage.

III. David understood that God would supply his giving. v. 11-12

· David gave thanks to God for supplying the materials that were needed for the house of the Lord.

· 2 Corinthians 9:8—God makes us abound so that we can give. He’s the Giver, ultimately!

A. God is the Provider v.16

B. God empowers us to give v.14

C. God excites us about giving. v17

· In verse 18, David make a request: make my people love giving!

IV. David understood the three foundational truths that joyful giving can rest upon. Claiming them gives us joy in giving.

A. God owns it all.

B. Giving is a privilege for which God gives us the power and ability. V.14

C. Giving changes people.