The Ministry of Giving

7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Background

Paul was testifying about the liberality of the churches of Macedonia, despite their poverty. ()

Paul sent Titus to Corinth (1) to deliver his letter, and (2) to encourage the church to fulfill their much delayed desire to send financial help to the church to the church in Jerusalem.

Main Point

Giving is a ministry that the local church should not neglect. In fact, it should be counted as one of the “grace” of the Spirit of God in the church.

Sermon Points

Giving is NOT Tithing

tithing is an Old Testament law

tithing is not taught in the New Testament

is about the financial help to the poor in Jerusalem

Jesus emphasized on giving, not on tithing

Luke 6:38 NKJV

38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Giving is MORE THAN TITHING

How did Paul describe the giving of the Macedonian churches?

2 Corinthians 8.

2 Corinthians 8:3 NKJV

3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

According to their ability

- as he may prosper

- God provides the seed

Beyond their ability

Willingly

Tithing is giving back a specific amount or percentage (10%) that belongs to God.

- we rob God when we do not pay tithe

Giving is giving away, not according to a specific law, but according to your heart’s delight!

- according to the choice of your heart

Giving is

In tithing, God decides the amount or percentage of our giving.

In N.T. giving, we (the believer) decide the amount or percentage of our giving!

Conclusion

Should we stop tithing, then?

Don’t tithe, and don’t stop tithing, just because you are commanded to do so.

do it, or don’t do it, according to your heart’s choice

How should we give then?

Give according to your heart’s content.

Give as a ministry, not as a need.

Paul’s conviction

2 Corinthians 9.6-8

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 NKJV

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.