THAT THERE MAY BE EQUALITY

2 Corinthians 8:8-15

 

Introduction: Every Child of God needs to learn what it means to give. Christians need to know how to give. By contributing of their means in accordance with the principles set forth in God’s word, Christians are assured a blessing (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6; Acts 20:35). I believe that, if we fail to give in the manner which God has stated, not only will we not be blessed, but would put our souls in jeopardy.

I.        God’s prescription for giving

A.     On the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

1.      Cannot give in lieu of (explain)

2.      Give from what God has blessed you (money, salary, pay)

                        3.   Each first day – if you prospered, still obligated to give (don’t skip)

B.     Give proportionately

1.      In Accordance with the manner in which God gave to you

2.      As the Israelites produce grew so did the amount they tithed; do you give more as you earn more?

3.      Explain what it means to give proportionately with an illustration using

a. Tithing under an inferior law

                                    b. Surpassing the righteousness of the Pharisees (Matt. 5:20; 23:23)

                                    c. Further illustrate with a practical application

            C.   Give liberally (2 Cor. 9:6)

                        1. God shows more favor toward the one who is bountiful in his giving

                        2. Cannot skimp or be a cheap-skate when it comes to the Lord

                        3. Some are more liberal when it comes to buying things for themselves or even at Christmas time buying things for themselves

            D.  Give willingly – No once can force you; whether you give or give as God has given to you is between you and Him

                        1. Must be a willing mind for the giving to be acceptable (2 Cor. 8:12)

                        2. God wants us to serve out of desire, not just the letter of the law (9:7)

                        3. We won’t regret giving, we’ll give gladly and we won’t hold back (Acts 5:1-11)

                        4. Someone might dare say, “If I give more that what I am, then my heart won’t be  in it.” Then you need to change your heart rather than cut back on giving

            E. Purpose our giving

                        1. Our giving ought to be planned – Folks, if your giving is planned you would not be waiting until you come to the building to write your checks or to see what cash you have on you

                        2. When it comes to your finances, what is your first budget item? It should be your giving to the Lord

                                    a. God does not want the leftovers (Mal. 1:6-8)

                                    b. Giving less than our best is to rob God (Mal. 3:8-10)

                        3. Keep in mind that we give to God as he gives to us

                                    a. We give Him what is rightfully his (1 Chr. 29:14)

                                    b. He supplies the seed from which we sow (2 Cor. 9:6; 10)

 

 

 

II. How does giving in such a way help produce an equality?

            A. Everyone does his share (gives according to ability) (2 Cor. 8:13)

                        1. Bear your own load (Gal. 6:5)

                        2. Each part must do his share (Eph. 4:16)

            B. I must learn to budget properly so that I do not put my giving in jeopardy

                        1. I want a new car, bigger house, better education

                        2. If you can’t afford it you shouldn’t do it

                        3. You still must give in proportion to what God has given to you (command)

                                    a. Is a part of a fixed budget unless your income changes

                                    b. It is not discretionary spending 

 

Conclusion: Let us not simply learn the principles of giving, but let us make practical applications of these principles to our own hearts. When our hearts are right, then our giving will be right. Then and only then can we meet with God’s approval and receive his abundant Blessing.