Four keys to joyful giving:

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I. Your giving

God.

A. “Firstfruits giving” expresses incredible

.

Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV84) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

B. Generous giving brings God

.

2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV84) Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

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II. Your giving

others.

A. Selfless giving results in helping people and

to God.

2 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV84) This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

B. Strategic giving wins people to

.

Luke 16:9 (NIV84) I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

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III. Your giving

you.

A. It guards you from

& selfishness.

1 Timothy 6:17, 18 (NIV84) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

B. It robs money of its

.

Proverbs 13:8 (NIV84) A man’s riches may ransom his life, but a
poor man hears no threat.

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IV. Your giving is

by God.

A. God’s plan is

giving.

Luke 21:1-4 - The “Widow’s Mite”

B. Thank God for the

. (means 10%)

1. The tithe was introduced

   Reveal Answer
   the law.
   Genesis 14:18-20; Genesis 28:20

2. The tithe was established

   Reveal Answer
   the law.
   Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:7-10

3. The tithe was affirmed by

   Reveal Answer
   .
   Luke 11:42

4. The tithe was confirmed by

   Reveal Answer
   .
   Numbers 18:21 (NIV84) I give to the Levites all the tithes …
   1 Corinthians 9:7-14 (NIV84) In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

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V. Summary: God loves a

giver!

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV84) Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

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Discussion Questions:
1. Would you describe your giving to God as something that makes you joyful or happy? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think the Bible speaks so much about financial matters? Why is it important?
3. Does your overall spending reflect a high value of honoring the Lord with your wealth (giving to God)?
4. What determines your conviction or habits of giving to God? The Bible or something else? Explain.
5. Personal reflection question: The Bible teaches proportion giving, not specific amounts. What proportion of your wealth do you give back to God? Are you happy with this amount?