We have already explored the exciting (and freeing) truth that the way we use our finances is just one way that we fulfill our purpose for life.  God wants us to be financially free, meaning that our saving, spending, giving, and planning are controlled completely by Him.  We have discussed how purpose, planning, and discipline in finances can enable to us to make a significant impact on the world for Jesus Christ.

Becoming a "Cheerful Giver"

When considering what the Bible says about money, most people think it just talks about giving it all away!  Of course, we know that the Bible speaks to every relevant financial issue: investment principles, freedom from debtors, obtaining wise counsel, developing a good work ethic, saving for the future, caring for relatives, paying taxes...you name it, the Bible probably gives either a command or a piece of advice on the subject. 

It is true that the Bible does give emphasis to giving, and for good reason. God knows that our heart-priorities are revealed by our use of money (Matt. 6:21).

There are various ways of giving modeled for us in the New Testament:

1. Giving to family in need.  (1 Tim. 5:8)

2. Giving to your spiritual leaders/church.  (1 Cor. 9:7-12)

3. Giving to other believers in need.  (1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 8:13)

4. Giving to spread the gospel. (Rom. 10:13-15)

5. Giving to help the needy (orphans, widows, poor, victims of disaster, etc.)

The concept of giving was substantially different in the Old Testament than it is today.  In O.T. times, the Jews were required to pay tithes to their government/religious establishment (these were actually equivalent to taxes).  That is, supporting the government of Israel was giving to the "church".  The first percentage (10-33%) was to be given to the Lord's kingdom.  After paying the tithe/tax, the people were allowed to bring offerings of various kinds as a further demonstration of their love and gratitude to God.  It was in light of this that the prophet Malachi spoke concerning God's people, that they were not just robbing the government by not paying the tithe; they were in fact robbing God.  And to compound this, the offerings they would bring for sacrifice were not the best of the land, but rather the leftovers! 

Our attitude toward giving in the New Testament-era is different because our government is not our church and because no specific mandates regarding amounts or percentages are suggested in the New Testament.  While the O.T. believers were obligated to pay tithes by law, N.T. believers are privileged to participate in God's kingdom by grace.  The New Testament giving pattern is as follows:  (copy this outline & these verses to your notebook)

1. Give yourself to the Lord, making God's kingdom your foremost financial goal.  PURPOSE  (2 Cor. 8:5, Mt. 6:33)

2. Decide in your heart what you will give.  PLANNING (2 Cor. 9:7)

3. Give regularly, cheerfully, and widely. DISCIPLINE. (2 Cor. 9:6-9, 1 Cor. 16:2)

The standard for New Testament giving is simple:  "Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well."  (Mt. 6:33)

There are plenty of neat options when it comes to giving:

1. Set a percentage of your income that you will give to your church and re-evaluate periodically.

2. Set yearly or quarterly dollar-amount goals for giving.

3. Participate in special, limited time projects.  (building programs, campaigns, etc.)

4. Support mission work (Bible printing, sponsoring children/native missionaries, giving to church missions program, radio ministries, Bible colleges, Christian help organizations, Christian political action groups, etc.) on either a one-time or continuing basis.

5. Give on a personal level (food, clothes, money, tuition help,  etc.) to people in need who you know, or who are in your community.

6. Set up a "Lord's account" fund that you would regularly put money into (letting it accumulate), to be used to help with disasters that occur, people who need special help, special needs you hear about overseas, etc.

7. Plan investments & retirement so that you can give in the future.  (inheritance, large one-time gifts to ministries in the future, etc.)

Remember, giving isn't supposed to be "reluctantly or under compulsion", giving can be a joy-filled experience that every member of the family can enter into!   Giving is the most exciting part of organizing your finances...it is one of the ways God has allowed us to participate in the advancement of His kingdom-plan. 

Three Key Words for Givers:

SACRIFICE
FAITHFULNESS
CHEERFULNESS

What do these words mean to you?


Thought & Discussion Questions:

What are some wrong motivations for giving?

Why do some Christians not give regularly?

Is the O.T. "giving system" more difficult than the N.T. principle?

How can you determine where to give your money?

What steps might a person take in deciding how much they should give?

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