CENTRAL THOUGHT
It is in sowing that we reap, and it is in giving that we receive.
HYMN: “Sowing in the morning”.
TEXT: 2 COR. 9:6-12, GAL. 6:6-10
INTRODUCTION:
The practice of giving in church circles is a very topical issue in the society today. It is faced with controversies, allegations of abuses and criticisms. Skeptics and enemies of the church have capitalized on the situation to rain insults on the body of Christ. The purpose, methods and benefits of giving have been clearly spelt out by God in His word.
In the Old Testament giving was viewed from the angle of legalistic obligations recommended in different forms and purposes in worship, while in the New Testament the essence of giving was more broadly regarded as part of worship to God and service to humanity. God is evidently the greatest giver of all times having sacrificed His only begotten Son to serve as atonement for the sins of mankind. Christian giving can truly be regarded as a reciprocation of God’s initiative. It is of divine origin, a form of worship to God and an investment with sure returns.
This study is designed to present a balanced Scriptural perspective of the concept of giving.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
1.) To explain the concept of Christian giving.
2.) List various ways that God demonstrated giving
3.) Discuss the scriptural principles associated with giving.
4.) Identify various types of giving; and
5.) Enumerate the blessings associated with giving.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1.A) EXPLAIN THE PHRASE “CHRISTIAN GIVING”.
To “give” simply means to transfer something and to put it into possession and benefit of another. It is to grant or bestow a present or a favor for the advancement of another. Christian giving is the embodiment of processes and means for the transfer of benefits as taught in the Scriptures and practiced among believers.
Christian giving covers material and non-material resources which are willingly transferred for the use of others or made available for social use.
QUESTION 1.B) WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OF CHRISTIAN GIVING?
2 COR. 8:5
The starting point of Christian giving is to surrender the totality of oneself to God in repentance and acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This implies genuine conversion from darkness/wickedness to light/righteousness and a pledge of one’s life to seek and to do the pleasure of God. When our personality has been cleansed and made acceptable to God, we stand in position to render other acceptable services before God.
QUESTION 2.) ENUMERATE WAYS IN WHICH GOD DEMONSTRATED GIVING.
GEN. 1:26-27, JOHN 3:16
There are very many ways God has demonstrated the virtue of giving. From the creation of man to the present day, God has never relented in giving.
God created the entire universe, and then made man in His own image and likeness (or nature). He gave him the breath of life and transferred dominion to him over His entire creation. The earth is one of the gits of God to man. He also gave man a forum for regular fellowship with his maker.
When man fell from grace God went after him to restore him. The priceless gift of the only begotten Son of God was made available for the atonement of man’s sins. Christ came and gave His life in sacrifice for mankind. God gave His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit to all who will believe and thereby restored man to authority and dominion. He gave Spiritual gifts to believers as part of the resources for total fulfillment as we relate with Him. He provides answers to our prayers and dispenses mercy and grace on us continually. We cannot enumerate all the benefits and resources God has put under our care unconditionally. Even into eternity, God will continue to show forth His love by giving sacrificially, unconditionally and materials of value.
QUESTION 3.) WHAT ARE THE SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTIAN GIVING?
1 COR. 13:1-3, 2 COR. 9:6-8, HEB. 11:4, 6, 2 SAM. 24:24, ROM. 12:8
Christian giving is beyond releasing and receiving. It is an integral part of Christian worship and it is an indicator of our level of faith in God. There are very vital principles one must bear in mind as we partake in Christian giving. These principles may help to advance our own cause as we give.
The primary motivation of giving must be Love for God and for humanity. Without love giving is a pretense. Giving must be done in an atmosphere of cheerfulness, joy, and gladness, not in grief, pain, or regret. Christian giving is done willingly (personal leading) and purposefully (a clear Godly motive) for it to be acceptable to God. The Bible encourages bountiful, liberal, and generous giving. Tokenism or symbolic giving is religion, but bountiful giving is worship to God. Christian giving must be in faith, by faith, and with expectation. The giver must be in faith at least for that moment, give out of trust in God and in recognition of our expectations from God. Christian giving must not be with ulterior motives, either for favor or for recognition. Giving should be done under the leading of the Holy Spirit, and not under emotions, or economic realities. Giving should be seen as an opportunity to show gratitude to God for His endowment on us. Christian giving should be done in simplicity. No need to coerce or cajole people into giving at the point of giving. We should not attach fake promises to giving. Only God knows how He will reward the giver. Christian giving must be done in humility and those who teach giving must lead by practical example. Our giving should be proportionate to our standing before God or our expectation from God. A giver must ensure that his pledges are redeemed.
QUESTION 4.) DISCUSS THE VARIOUS TYPES OF CHRISTIAN GIVING?
Giving among Christians are in various forms and sometimes for different purposes. The very common ones are:
a.) Presentation of oneself to God (2 Cor. 8:5).
This starts with repentance from sin and conversion to God. It may also include the total dedication of one’s life to the work of God.
b.) Offering ( 1 Cor. 16:1-2).
These are collections regularly done in church as part of worship. Givers are at the liberty to determine what they offer for the running of the church.
c.) Tithes (Mal. 3:7-12).
This is the obligatory payment of a tenth part of the one’s income or increase, to the church in obedience to God. Many churches have records for the tithes.
d.) Seed Faith (Eccl. 11:6)
This is another form of giving by believers to acknowledge God and to restate confidence in His ability to provide. It is optional.
e.) Thanksgiving to God (Psalm 103:1-6)
This is a special service or part of a service where believers present gift and praises to God in gratitude for His favor.
f.) Vows. (Psalm 76:11, Eccl. 5:4-5)
This is a conditional and solemn promise to perform some duties to God if some desired requests are granted. It is mostly a personal affair, but Scriptures warn against not fulfilling vows. Pledges are unconditional vows to perform some duties to God at a future date.
g.) Almsgiving (Deut. 15:11)
This is the practice of providing relief materials and assistance to the less privileged. It can be in cash or kind.
h.) Mercy and Forgiveness (Mk. 11:25-26)
To forgive is to give up any resentment harbored against another as a result of an offense. Mercy is the deliberate dispensing of favor to those who do not deserve it. This is expected from every Christian.
i.) Deprivations and denials (1 Cor. 6:7)
Believers sometimes had to endure deprivations or give up certain rights just to please God. It could be title rights or privileges or some form of pleasure which are sacrificed for the sake of the kingdom.
QUESTION 5.) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTIAN GIVING?
PROV. 19:17, LUKE 6:38
Every giving shall be rewarded by God either in material or non-material terms. A giver is exhibiting the nature of God, and if done in line with His will, there will be an abundance of divine reciprocation. When we water other people, people are prompted also to water us. Adversity and calamity are put on hold in the life and affairs of a giver. The devourer of blessings, wastage, misuse and shortages are put in check and we are immune against them. They joy and peace of God wells up in our hearts when we truly serve God and humanity with our resources. Material prosperity follows every giver, and when we give sacrificially, God turns the lift over for our miraculous satisfaction. Ministers and church workers are refreshed and encouraged to offer quality service through our giving, and we are made to share in their faithfulness.
Every gift done in faith is a deposit in a heavenly account whose returns are very sure. Anyone who has surrendered his life to God and his service God with his resources will receive eternal life and other rewards from the Lord.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
It is in sowing that we reap and it is in giving that we receive. This is an eternal truth we must hold dear in the practice of our faith. God is the greatest giver, and this He does in simplicity and out of love. Those who teach and preach giving must be in the forefront of practical giving. Those who preside over the resources of the church must do so with all sense of gravity and integrity so as not discourage givers.
MEMORY VERSE:
ECCL. 11:1
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
MONDAY: BE A LIVING SACRIFICE TO GOD.
Romans 12:1-2
TUESDAY: ENTER HIS GATE WITH THANKSGIVING. Psalm 100:4
WEDNESDAY: LENDING UNTO THE LORD. Proverbs 19:17
THURSDAY: THERE IS THAT SCATTERETH, YET INCREASETH. Proverbs 11:24
FRIDAY: GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 2 Cor. 9:7
SATURDAY: DO NOT ROB GOD. Mal. 3:8