I close today in our series on Giving in the church. Last week we explored WHAT do we Give. We saw that OT type of giving was reflected in the Tithe, or 10% of income. The tithe is a good starting place, but we are not limited to giving 10% of our income.
We also last week discussed the importance of attitude in giving. Our sermon verse reminds us about our attitude in giving
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7
Today, we will answer the question, “Why should I give?”
In telling about the Macedonian believers, Paul deals with the question of “Why should I give?” as he identifies three reasons why every believer should give of their time, talent, and treasure to God’s work through his church.
1. Give as a personal expression of your devotion to the Lord -
but they (churches of Macedonia) gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. —2 Corinthians 8:5
We note that the Macedonians had first given themselves to God and then gave of themselves to the support of Paul’s ministry. In effect then, the generous support given to the ministry of the Apostle Paul was a personal expression of the Macedonian believers’ devotion to the Lord.
It must be pointed out, however, that the generosity of their support was not found so much in the amount they gave, as it was in the attitude with which they gave.
For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints —2 Corinthians 8:3-4
In the same way, we should give to support God’s work as a personal expression of our devotion to the Lord.
Our giving is a form of expression of our love for God. And if we do love God, then give to God’s work through His church as a personal expression of our devotion to the Lord.
2. Give as a person expression of your faith in the Lord
In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. —2 Corinthians 8:2
Because they gave “beyond their means” and honored God with their generosity, the Macedonians experienced the power of God.
Paul would later describe this power of God as he wrote to the church in Ephesus
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. —Ephesians 3:20
Because the Macedonians allowed God to work through them to meet the ministry needs of the Apostle Paul and the Jerusalem believers, they were blessed to experience the power of God to enable them to go far beyond what they imagined they could go.
If we will be faithful to obey God’s call, he will be faithful to keep his promise. And what has He promised with respect to giving?
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. —Luke 6:38
May I ask…Do you believe God? If so, then give to God’s work through His church, locally and beyond, as a personal expression of your faith in the Lord. Our giving says in effect, Lord I trust you and want to be a part of your Kingdom work!
3. Give as a personal expression of your growth in the Lord
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. —2 Corinthians 8:7-8
In light of the Macedonian example, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to develop their spiritual maturity by growing in the grace of giving.
What does it mean to be mature? A good definition is “to assume responsibility for one’s actions.”
A parent, for example, knows his child is demonstrating maturity if he accepts responsibility for his actions.
Likewise, God recognizes spiritual maturityin us, His children, when we accept responsibility for our obedience or lack thereof. Too many Christians have not matured in the area of giving and embrace a victim mentality as it relates to giving.
This is demonstrated by the fact that they blame their lack of obedience in giving on the kids, the car payment, the grocery bill, the size of their paycheck, or even the unreasonableness of God’s expectation.
Can I say gently but directly, the time has come to GROW UP, establish your priorities, and be obedient.
Where is your treasure?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:21
The bottom line is that if I am not seeking to honor God in my finances by giving to support His work through His church, it is because I am not willing to make the lifestyle changes that are necessary to do so!
I am not saying to ignore your bills or living expenses.
To the contrary, I am saying, “Give thought to your expenses and the management of your finances. Ask God to guide you in the management of your money and possessions; and you will be able to not only pay your bills, meet your expenses, AND give as you should to support God’s work.”
And as you adjust your lifestyle so that you can give to support God’s work, your giving will be an expression of your commitment to grow in the Lord.
So let me ask, where are you in your giving to the lord? That question only has to be answered to the Lord. To help, you can consider these questions in this order
Questions
Do I give anything?
Is my giving consistent? What amount do I give?
When did I last increase my giving?
What should I be giving now?
When we determine we are going to obey the Lord, we will find that He will guide you in breaking down your life in such a way as to enable you to obey Him and be even more productive in the process.
Let me encourage you to commit to the discipline of consistent giving to God’s work as He directs. Do so as an expression of your love for Him, your faith in Him, and just watch how you will be blessed as you grow in your relationship with Him.