A Giving Heart for the Church
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Introduction
The story of Jerry and Carolyn—and the discovery of giving and receiving.
Giving according to God’s Word does not always make sense—but it is an essential Christian discipline that will liberate a person from fear and selfishness.
In the Old Testament of Scripture, the Law stated that everyone was to participate in tithing—where 10% of one’s income and increase was taken to the sanctuary.
The best known passage on Old Testament tithing comes from Malachi 3.
8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.
9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Transition
Many pastors and congregants believe that tithing is no longer something to be practiced in the age of grace.
The rationale of this thinking is that, as Christians, we are no longer under the law.
I agree, we are no longer under the law—but the principle of tithing in the support of church ministry did not end at Jesus’ resurrection.
Why would I come to such a conclusion?
2 Timothy 3:16
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Although we are no longer under the burden of the law, the principles behind the law can have an effective, powerful, and positive impact on our life.
The principle of Tithing (giving 10% in support of church ministry) is a meaningful starting point. But in the age of grace—in the age of the new covenant, the Christian should understand that we ought to open all that we have to whatever God’s will leads us to do!
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
What does a Giving Heart for the Church look like?
A Giving Heart chooses to Give.
A Giving Heart chooses to Give.
It is a deliberate choice. PURPOSED
It is a thoughtful choice. CONTEMPLATIVE
It is a committed choice. FAITHFUL
It is a prayerful choice. SPIRITUAL
A Giving Heart Demonstrates Generosity.
A Giving Heart Demonstrates Generosity.
The decision to give is settled.
The decision to give is without regret.
The decision to give is freely made.
The decision to give is free from guilt.
A Giving Heart Embraces Joy.
A Giving Heart Embraces Joy.
The giver is happy to give.
The giver is at peace with generosity.
The giver aligns his or her attitude with that of God.
A Giving Heart Lives by Faith.
A Giving Heart Lives by Faith.
Giving trusts that God’s Word is true.
Giving knows that God will supply.
Giving understands that God gives through the giver.
Conclusion
A Giving Heart is Blessed.
A Giving Heart is Blessed.
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
The blessing that God meets are need.
The blessing that the giver can meet people’s needs.
The blessing that produces thanksgiving.
The blessing that glorifies God.
The blessing that receives from God.
Questions
How can the Old Testament teaching on tithing benefit the Christian today?
How does the principle of sowing and reaping reveal what God wants to do in the life of a giver?
How is the giver blessed when he or she gives?
What is your experience of giving and the blessings God has given you?