Cheerful Giving

Cheerful Giving

2004014

Topic # 1373

Introduction:

A. Acts 20:35 – it is more blessed to give than receive.

1. Been said, to get more out of life – the thing to do is to give more to life.

2. Jesus showed us the best way to get is to give.

a) The truest expression of Christianity is not in vows of poverty & denial of normal needs – nor in luxurious profligate living.

B. # 641 – There is a Sea. This hymn beautifully exhibits God’s principle of giving & receiving. Have you ever considered the words of this song?

1. Upper Jordan get its it start as runoff from Mt Hermon.

2. Flows into the Sea of Galilee as a clear, beautiful, and rushing stream.

3. Sea of Galilee regarded as a most beautiful place in Palestine. Home of wealthy Jews & Romans during days of Jesus.

4. Verse 1 - Sea of Galilee doesn’t keep all its water – out of it flows the Jordan down the river valley toward the Dead Sea.

5. Verse 2 - Dead sea = end of Jordan river. Nothing flows out of the sea. Nothing grows in it.

6. Nothing grows around it. All around is waste & dead.

7. Verse 3 – looks to Jesus – tremendous gift He gave…

C. There is genuine joy in giving unselfishly.

1. Heb. 12:1-3. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross… no person ever gave more than Jesus!

2. Giving material blessings in a good spirit may bring returns in material blessings – but there are nobler & finer returns that are inevitable.

3. May we faithfully endure in making heavenly investments because our heavenly reward will be worth all the sacrifice on earth.

I. 4 Classes of Givers:

A. The covetous man who gives with regret.

B. The unteachable one who resents teaching about giving.

C. The honest truth seeker – untaught – but teachable.

D. The liberal giver – the one taught and who believes & practices truth in the matter.

E. Each one of us falls into one of these categories. Which is it for me?

F. Here’s the proper way: 2 Cor. 9:6-7

1. How can we become liberal givers who work to give cheerfully & prosperously?

II. What is a cheerful giver? 2 Cor. 9:7b

A. temple – Jews had 2 chests for depositing funds when giving:

1. Shel-chuwbah – for those who gave out of necessity; or just what the law required.

2. Shel-nedabah – for those who gave freewill offerings.

a) Some would give grudgingly – out of what they HAD to do to keep from being under condemnation.

b) Others – gave cheerfully out of love for God & through pity for the poor.

3. Of the first group – nothing is said. Of the 2^nd – much is said – God loves them!

B. What do we do today? Give out of necessity? Give cheerfully?

1. Should be cheerful in everyway – it is an occasion of joy both to the giver & receiver.

a) We should be filled w/joy because of our ability to give & of the opportunity to render service!

b) A cheerful attitude should be our guideline in our giving.

2. Attitude has always been significant in giving.

a) Acts 4:36-37 – FC Christians & Barnabas.

b) Acts 5:1-11 – Ananias & Sapphira.

c) Consider elements present in Barnabas that made his offering acceptable. (honest motives/love for God/love for fellow man)

d) Consider elements NOT present in Ananias that made his offering UNACCEPTABLE. (impure motives; covetousness; selfishness)

e) What was the end of these deeds?

3. 1 Cor. 13:3 – love is an essential! Don’t cheerfulness & love go together?

4. Rom. 6:17 – obey from the heart – God wants our heart in it!

a) Compare to Ex. 25:2 – true even in Israelite times.

5. 1 John 3:17-18 – cheerful giving results from compassion. Remember – it’s an occasion of joy for both receiver & giver!

III. We are to give as prospered. 1 Cor. 16:1-2

A. It is required behavior for the child of God.

1. Money required to operate in evangelism; benevolence; edification.

2. For the sake of our souls & others – we must learn & obey the truth on giving!

B. Giving is to be regular & periodic. When do some people give?

1. When “they” ask me. (Forgetting that God has already asked…)

2. When I make a fortune. (the fortune may never be made)

3. When all my debts are paid. (one could stay in debt continually)

4. Only when I am present. (expenses of the church go on even when absent)

5. when I am dead – through my will (avoids personal sacrifice)

C. What does the Bible say? 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Upon the FD of the week!

1. Teaching is clear: there must be a regularity of our giving – on the 1^st day of the week!

2. Stewardship must be with continuing regularly!

D. Giving is to be proportionate! 1 Cor. 16:1-2

1. Amazing how human standards impair our giving: I’ll give:

a) All that remains after the bills are paid.

b) What’s in my pocket when the plate is passed.

c) As much or more than the other fellow.

d) Enough to gain the praise of men

e) As the pressure put on me

f) I’m poor – let the wealthy do their fair share…

2. How much does the bible require?

a) 1 Cor. 16:2 – as he may prosper. Means nothing more than according to our ability.

b) We own clothes/home/cars/eat food/vacation as God prospers us. Often these things reflect our prosperity.

c) Why should we have trouble w/regards to liberality with God?

3. What would a good steward ask?

a) How much shall I give in order to be pleasing to God?

b) How much of the master’s goods can I afford to keep & use for self?

IV. Giving is a personal matter.

A. 2 Cor. 9:6-7a – NIV: each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give.

1. When it comes to amount – Paul gives no command; erects no rule or regulation & exercises no coercion. The responsibility lies on the individual!

2. Not with reluctance: implies a clinging to possessions & when they have been given – the giver grieves.

B. When we participate in giving – each person testifies to true faith in Jesus. This is why no specific percentages are required.

C. This is personal & each one of us needs to consider the decisions we make.

1. How often do we choose money above following God? (RYR – Mt. 19)

a) RYR coveted material wealth more than spiritual riches.

D. Think of contrast between Macedonians & Corinthians in FC…

1. 2^nd Century BC – gold mines in Macedonia provided measure of wealth for everyone. By 1^st century AD – economy deteriorated – province in depths of poverty.

a) wars/Roman settlement/restructuring of province – contributed to dismal financial status.

b) Philippi; Thessalonica; Berea & surrounding countryside were impoverished.

2. 1^st century AD – Corinth flourished. Volume of trade in it’s 2 harbors.

3. There was a distinct difference between Corinth & Macedonia & Paul alludes to it in 2 Cor. 8:1-13

a) Despite their poverty – Macedonians liberal in giving.

b) Gave as much as able & even beyond.

4. Corinthians 2 Cor. 8:8-14 – even w/abundance had stalled in their giving.

a) 8:8 – urged to prove the genuineness of their love by giving generously.

b) 8:9 – reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice.

c) 8:10-13 – now one year later – urged to finish this work!

5. What about us?

a) How often do we have the greatest of intentions but never follow through?

b) How many of us need to be reminded of the need to finish & follow through on what we have started?

V. What God Gave Indicates True Liberality.

A. John 3:16

1. This gift not given out of indifference or complacency but out of benevolence!

2. Rom. 8:32 – this was the greatest gift of all!

B. Consider this:

1. God did not give His cattle for us; land; money; time; but His only begotten son!

a) The nearest & dearest thing to Him!

b) No greater gift could one give than such a part of Himself!

2. Did you know only begotten son applied ONLY to Jesus? John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:9

C. Consider this:

1. Jesus gave Himself – gave His life. Jhn. 10:11-18

a) 10:11

b) 10:17-18 – He gave it voluntarily.

c) Mt. 26:52-54 – He had the power to retain His life but he GAVE it!

D. Brethren: all God has given us is designed to beget within us a responsive love that we might turn to God & make room in our hearts & lives for Him.

1. Pro. 18:16 – a man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

2. God would not require of us something he was unwilling to do himself.

3. God set the pattern for liberality!

4. What God has given us becomes a guideline for our liberality!

Conclusion:

A. # 641 – 3^rd verse.

B. He laid down His glory for you & me. He suffered; bled; and died for you & me.

C. It is by His grace that we share His wealth & crown! Have you taken advantage of His love for you?

D. Obey the gospel today!

E. Christians: evaluate your attitude. Are you giving purposefully & cheerfully?

F. I N V I T A T I O N



Cheerful Giving 2004014 Topic # 1373 Introduction: A. Acts 20:35 – it is more blessed to give than receive. 1. Been said, to get more out of life – the thing to do is to give more to life. 2. Jesus showed us the best way to get is to give. a) The truest expression of Christianity is not in vows of poverty & denial of normal needs – nor in luxurious profligate living. B. # 641 – There is a Sea. This hymn beautifully exhibits God’s principle of giving & receiving. Have you ever considered the words of this song? 1. Upper Jordan get its it start as runoff from Mt Hermon. 2. Flows into the Sea of Galilee as a clear, beautiful, and rushing stream. 3. Sea of Galilee regarded as a most beautiful place in Palestine. Home of wealthy Jews & Romans during days of Jesus. 4. Verse 1 - Sea of Galilee doesn’t keep all its water – out of it flows the Jordan down the river valley toward the Dead Sea. 5. Verse 2 - Dead sea = end of Jordan river. Nothing flows out of the sea. Nothing grows in it. 6. Nothing grows around it. All around is waste & dead. 7. Verse 3 – looks to Jesus – tremendous gift He gave… C. There is genuine joy in giving unselfishly. 1. Heb. 12:1-3. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross… no person ever gave more than Jesus! 2. Giving material blessings in a good spirit may bring returns in material blessings – but there are nobler & finer returns that are inevitable. 3. May we faithfully endure in making heavenly investments because our heavenly reward will be worth all the sacrifice on earth. I. 4 Classes of Givers: A. The covetous man who gives with regret. B. The unteachable one who resents teaching about giving. C. The honest truth seeker – untaught – but teachable. D. The liberal giver – the one taught and who believes & practices truth in the matter. E. Each one of us falls into one of these categories. Which is it for me? F. Here’s the proper way: 2 Cor. 9:6-7 1. How can we become liberal givers who work to give cheerfully & prosperously? II. What is a cheerful giver? 2 Cor. 9:7b A. temple – Jews had 2 chests for depositing funds when giving: 1. Shel-chuwbah – for those who gave out of necessity; or just what the law required. 2. Shel-nedabah – for those who gave freewill offerings. a) Some would give grudgingly – out of what they HAD to do to keep from being under condemnation. b) Others – gave cheerfully out of love for God & through pity for the poor. 3. Of the first group – nothing is said. Of the 2^nd – much is said – God loves them! B. What do we do today? Give out of necessity? Give cheerfully? 1. Should be cheerful in everyway – it is an occasion of joy both to the giver & receiver. a) We should be filled w/joy because of our ability to give & of the opportunity to render service! b) A cheerful attitude should be our guideline in our giving. 2. Attitude has always been significant in giving. a) Acts 4:36-37 – FC Christians & Barnabas. b) Acts 5:1-11 – Ananias & Sapphira. c) Consider elements present in Barnabas that made his offering acceptable. (honest motives/love for God/love for fellow man) d) Consider elements NOT present in Ananias that made his offering UNACCEPTABLE. (impure motives; covetousness; selfishness) e) What was the end of these deeds? 3. 1 Cor. 13:3 – love is an essential! Don’t cheerfulness & love go together? 4. Rom. 6:17 – obey from the heart – God wants our heart in it! a) Compare to Ex. 25:2 – true even in Israelite times. 5. 1 John 3:17-18 – cheerful giving results from compassion. Remember – it’s an occasion of joy for both receiver & giver! III. We are to give as prospered. 1 Cor. 16:1-2 A. It is required behavior for the child of God. 1. Money required to operate in evangelism; benevolence; edification. 2. For the sake of our souls & others – we must learn & obey the truth on giving! B. Giving is to be regular & periodic. When do some people give? 1. When “they” ask me. (Forgetting that God has already asked…) 2. When I make a fortune. (the fortune may never be made) 3. When all my debts are paid. (one could stay in debt continually) 4. Only when I am present. (expenses of the church go on even when absent) 5. when I am dead – through my will (avoids personal sacrifice) C. What does the Bible say? 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Upon the FD of the week! 1. Teaching is clear: there must be a regularity of our giving – on the 1^st day of the week! 2. Stewardship must be with continuing regularly! D. Giving is to be proportionate! 1 Cor. 16:1-2 1. Amazing how human standards impair our giving: I’ll give: a) All that remains after the bills are paid. b) What’s in my pocket when the plate is passed. c) As much or more than the other fellow. d) Enough to gain the praise of men e) As the pressure put on me f) I’m poor – let the wealthy do their fair share… 2. How much does the bible require? a) 1 Cor. 16:2 – as he may prosper. Means nothing more than according to our ability. b) We own clothes/home/cars/eat food/vacation as God prospers us. Often these things reflect our prosperity. c) Why should we have trouble w/regards to liberality with God? 3. What would a good steward ask? a) How much shall I give in order to be pleasing to God? b) How much of the master’s goods can I afford to keep & use for self? IV. Giving is a personal matter. A. 2 Cor. 9:6-7a – NIV: each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give. 1. When it comes to amount – Paul gives no command; erects no rule or regulation & exercises no coercion. The responsibility lies on the individual! 2. Not with reluctance: implies a clinging to possessions & when they have been given – the giver grieves. B. When we participate in giving – each person testifies to true faith in Jesus. This is why no specific percentages are required. C. This is personal & each one of us needs to consider the decisions we make. 1. How often do we choose money above following God? (RYR – Mt. 19) a) RYR coveted material wealth more than spiritual riches. D. Think of contrast between Macedonians & Corinthians in FC… 1. 2^nd Century BC – gold mines in Macedonia provided measure of wealth for everyone. By 1^st century AD – economy deteriorated – province in depths of poverty. a) wars/Roman settlement/restructuring of province – contributed to dismal financial status. b) Philippi; Thessalonica; Berea & surrounding countryside were impoverished. 2. 1^st century AD – Corinth flourished. Volume of trade in it’s 2 harbors. 3. There was a distinct difference between Corinth & Macedonia & Paul alludes to it in 2 Cor. 8:1-13 a) Despite their poverty – Macedonians liberal in giving. b) Gave as much as able & even beyond. 4. Corinthians 2 Cor. 8:8-14 – even w/abundance had stalled in their giving. a) 8:8 – urged to prove the genuineness of their love by giving generously. b) 8:9 – reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice. c) 8:10-13 – now one year later – urged to finish this work! 5. What about us? a) How often do we have the greatest of intentions but never follow through? b) How many of us need to be reminded of the need to finish & follow through on what we have started? V. What God Gave Indicates True Liberality. A. John 3:16 1. This gift not given out of indifference or complacency but out of benevolence! 2. Rom. 8:32 – this was the greatest gift of all! B. Consider this: 1. God did not give His cattle for us; land; money; time; but His only begotten son! a) The nearest & dearest thing to Him! b) No greater gift could one give than such a part of Himself! 2. Did you know only begotten son applied ONLY to Jesus? John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:9 C. Consider this: 1. Jesus gave Himself – gave His life. Jhn. 10:11-18 a) 10:11 b) 10:17-18 – He gave it voluntarily. c) Mt. 26:52-54 – He had the power to retain His life but he GAVE it! D. Brethren: all God has given us is designed to beget within us a responsive love that we might turn to God & make room in our hearts & lives for Him. 1. Pro. 18:16 – a man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. 2. God would not require of us something he was unwilling to do himself. 3. God set the pattern for liberality! 4. What God has given us becomes a guideline for our liberality! Conclusion: A. # 641 – 3^rd verse. B. He laid down His glory for you & me. He suffered; bled; and died for you & me. C. It is by His grace that we share His wealth & crown! Have you taken advantage of His love for you? D. Obey the gospel today! E. Christians: evaluate your attitude. Are you giving purposefully & cheerfully? F. I N V I T A T I O N