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Christian Giving. Why, Who, Where, When, How, How Much. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Giving is a positive duty of the Christian. Just as baptism is a test of faith for the unsaved, there are tests of the Christian’s faith.
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Christian Giving Why, Who, Where, When, How, How Much 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Giving is a positive duty of the Christian Just as baptism is a test of faith for the unsaved, there are tests of the Christian’s faith. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Col 3:17)
Why Should We Give? For HIS Work Evangelism (1 Cor 9:13-14; Phil 4:10-19; Gal 6:6-10; Matt 10:7-11) Benevolence (Rom 15:25-26; 2 Cor 8:1-13; 9:1-13; 1 Tim 6:17; 1 Jn 3:16) Assembly (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:33; Heb 10:25) What we have is NOT ours Psalms 24:1 John 3:27 1 Timothy 6:17 Proves Our Allegiance (Matt 6:19-21; 6:24) Proves Where Our Heart Is (Luke 12:15-21) Blessed by Our Giving (Acts 20:35)
Who Should Give? “Let Each one of you” It is the responsibility, duty, and privilege of EVERY Christian Where Should We Give? First and primarily with the local congregation we have chosen Work can’t progress in this community without our contribution
When Should We Give? “On the first dayof the week” Weekly not Weakly! How Should We Give? • Purposed (Planned) • Do we plan our giving like we • plan our monthly bills? • Not Grudgingly (Reluctance) • Not of Necessity (Feel I “have” to!)
GIVE CHEERFULLY! “Willing and hearty” What we bring to God in our hands Is a reflection of What we bring to God in our hearts GIVE LIBERALLY “generously with broad-mindedness” GIVE SACRIFICIALLY “giving up of one thing for the sake of another of higher value” Mark 12:41-44
How Much Should We Give? Old Covenant Tithes (one tenth) (Lev 27:30-32; Mal 3:8) New Covenant As we have prospered “to succeed, thrive” (2 Cor 9:5-6)
Could it be that we are blinded to our own prosperity? What keeps us from planning our giving to God?
How Much Should We Give? People of Israel Robbed God (Mal 3:7-8) We can rob God – giving the leftovers! Christians have it better! Better law (Heb 7:18) Better promises (Heb 8:6) Better sacrifice (Heb 9:13f) Let us EXAMINE Ourselves Truthfully
CHRISTIAN GIVING To whom much is given, much is required Luke 12:48 Takes a personal sacrifice Matthew 16:24 God is interested in our motives 2 Corinthians 8:7-8 Each will give an account 1 Timothy 6:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10 Is CHRIST Really FIRSTin Our Life?(Col 3:2)