#3 – Money Matters

HOW TO GIVE…

‘And now brothers, we want you to know about the Grace that God has given
The Macedonian Churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy
And their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they
Gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their
Own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to
The saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to
The Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. So we urged Titus, since he
Had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on
Your part. But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in
Knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also
Excel in this grace of giving….’ 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NIV)

‘See that you also excel in this grace of giving…’

I. GIVING ALLOWS US TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR PAST BLESSING

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

‘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.’2 Cor.9:12(NIV)

God Is The Giver of Blessings… All That We Have Is Because Of Him…

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
The Father of lights…’ James 1:17 (KJV)

‘Thou openest thy hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing…’

‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.’ Psalm 24:1 (KJV)

We Are To Give… Because of Appreciation For His Giving to Us…

‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich,
Yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might
Become rich.’ 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

‘I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by
Comparing it with the earnestness of others…’ 2 Corinthians 8:8 (NIV)

II. GIVING ALLOWS US TO EXAMINE OUR MOTIVES IN THE PRESENT…

By Nature, Man Is Self Centered….

‘And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’” But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God.’ Luke 12:16-21 (NIV)

When We Give… It Forces us To Continually Examine Our Motivation

C. Giving Prevents Selfishness… It Helps Us Keep Our Priorities Straight…

Matthew 6:33; ‘But see ye first the kingdom of God and his
Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (KJV)

‘Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine
Increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall
Burst out with new wine.’ Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJVO

‘And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to
The Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.’ 2 Cor.8:5 (NIV)

III. WE GIVE BECAUSE IT ALLOWS US TO ENLARGE OUR
EXPECTATIONS OF THE FUTURE

‘Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap also generously..’ 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

If You Sow A Lot… You Reap A Lot

‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall
He also reap.’ Galatians 6:7 (KJV)

Giving Is The #1 Way To Demonstrate Faith in the Christian Life.

Giving Shows Our Faith

Giving Is An Investment In The Future… Faith in A Future Return

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and
Rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for
Yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also..’ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Giving Is Expressing Faith In God’s Promises

‘He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured in your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’ Luke 6:38 (NIV)

‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’ Malachi 3:10 (NIV)

C. Giving Determines What God Can Do in Your Life….

‘Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap also generously..’ 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)