The New Testament teaches much about financial giving. It is a significant spiritual exercise, expected of the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Why is Christian Giving important?
It is termed a ‘WORK OF GRACE’: It is a right response to God’s grace received. It is also a manifestation of grace working in a believer’s life. “But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.” II Corinthians 8:7
It is an ACT OF WORSHIP: It is a God pleasing sacrifice. “And do not neglect in doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrew 13:16
It is OBEDIENCE to the Lord Jesus Christ: Paul quotes a beatitude taught by the Lord but not recorded in the gospels. “…..the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35
It is exemplified in PAUL’S LIFE: He set an example by his willingness to work hard to meet his own needs and the needs of others. “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak….” Acts 20:24
It is the spirit of INCARNATION: Christ came at a personal cost to enrich others. “For you know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” II Corinthians 8:9
II. Is all giving to be done to or through the local church?
The Bible does not teach that. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to bring their tithes to the store house in order to support the tribe of Levites. The ‘church’ in the New Testament is people. There is no building or store house. When funds are given to the local church or to any group, the giver is responsible to make sure that the funds are administered faithfully as God’s Word directs. Wasteful or unnecessary spending on an individual, superfluous staff, buildings and programs are to be avoided. Also, care should be taken against any misappropriation.
III. What does the New Testament say about giving?
The New Testament gives direct teachings, principles and examples. The principle of tithing is not rejected or commanded. II Corinthians 8 & 9 has much to say on Christian giving. Here are some examples of commendable giving.
1. Luke 21:1-4. The widow who gave all that she had was commended by Christ.
2. II Corinthians 8:1-5. The Macedonian believers gave in spite of their great affliction and deep poverty. They also gave joyfully, liberally beyond their ability and on their own. This they did after they first gave themselves to the Lord and to others.
3. II Corinthians 8:9. The Lord Jesus Christ became poor in order to make others rich.
IV. Principles on giving from II Corinthians 8&9:
Give liberally. 8:7; 9:5, 6
Implement heart’s desire. 8:10, 11
Give according to one’s ability. 8:11, 12
Meeting mutual timely needs 8:13-14
Prove one’s love. 8:8, 24
Give joyfully. 9:7
Giving is grace enabled. 9:8
V. For what purposes are funds to be used?
Meet the needs of those who minister God’s Word faithfully in obedience to God’s call. Galatians 6:6; I Corinthians 9:11, 14
Support those who preach the gospel to unreached people. Philippians 4:18
Help believers with unbearable burdens. Galatians 6:2, 5, 10
Care for old, proven godly widows who have none to care for them. I Timothy 5:3-10
Help others where there is an opportunity. Galatians 6:10
VI. Gains of Christian giving: II Corinthians 9:10-14
God increases giver’s capacity to give more. V 8, 10, 11
God causes giver to grow in righteousness. V 10
God is thanked. V 11, 12
Giver’s obedience to the gospel proved. V 13
God is glorified. V 13; 8:19
Giver prayed for by the receiver. V 14
God’s surpassing grace seen in the giver. V 14
VII. Conclusion and Application:
The needs of those who are set apart by God to minister His Word do matter to God. He wants all to diligently labor in their own calling. Paul says, “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat either.” (II Thessalonians 3:7-14). God does not condone such indiscipline or irresponsibility. Yet, He wants all to respond to justifiable needs.
We must view giving as a privilege and opportunity.
Need to be responsible stewards making sure our giving is rightly administered.
Remember faithful ministers of God’s Word, proven believers in need and then others.
