The Joy of Giving
“The Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” (Acts 20:35b)
Four keys to joyful giving:
I. Your giving
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.
Additional Notes:
II. Your giving
A. Selfless giving results in helping people and
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.
Additional Notes:
III. Your giving
A. It guards you from
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 protects us from the consequences of
Proverbs 15:27a (NIV84) A greedy man brings trouble on his family…
Proverbs 11:24 (NIV84) One man gives freely, yet gains even more, another man withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
Additional Notes:
IV. Your giving is
A. God’s plan is
Luke 21:1-4 - The “Widow’s Mite”
B. Thank God for the
The tithe was introduced before the law.
Genesis 14:18-20; Genesis 28:20The tithe was established by the law.
Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:7-10The tithe was affirmed by Jesus.
Luke 11:42The tithe was confirmed by Paul.
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.
Additional Notes:
V. Summary: God loves a
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.
Additional Notes:
** For further study, see Get Wisdom, Pt 5 “Matter of Honor” message, Feb. 3, 2019*
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?