Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." (2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NLT)
This particular passage creates a hotbed of misquoting and misunderstanding about giving. God never promises to make us rich if we give generously. God does promise, however, to provide what we need. We will have food to eat, clothing to wear, and even a place to sleep. When we give to God, though, we should give cheerfully because we know that we are giving toward God's mission. Our giving is a ministry. It is a way that God works through us to accomplish God's mission here on earth.
For God is the One who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-12 NLT)
The more faithful we are in giving, the more God entrusts into our care. Here's how it works. Let's say I start giving a dollar a week consistently to God's mission work. Once this level of generosity becomes a habit in my life and a ministry that I will not waver from performing each week, God starts entrusting more into my care. Let's say God gives me another dollar. Now I have two dollars. At the same time, God shows me the ministry that needs that second dollar and prompts me through the Holy Spirit to give that dollar to that ministry. Now two dollars per week flow through me into God's work. The pattern continues throughout my life as I become a faithful and reliable giver. God flows more and more through me.
As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:13-15 NLT)
In the end, the ministries are supported and the whole process brings glory to God.
So how about you? Do you give cheerfully? Do you give consistently? Do you give generously? Can God count on you? Does God call on you to support more and more of God's Kingdom work? Do you give generously with God?
Showing posts with label 15.2.3 - Spirit-Led Giving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 15.2.3 - Spirit-Led Giving. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Give As The Spirit Leads
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. (Acts 5:1-5 NIV)
I must admit something here. I've been a church planter and pastor for nearly twelve years now. If someone sold his land, say for $100,000, and brought in a percentage of the proceeds, say 50% for the sake of the discussion here, I guarantee you that my first reaction would not be "how is it that Satan filled your heart that you brought $50,000 to donate today." Yet that was Peter's reaction.
The problem with Ananias here was not the act of giving. It wasn't even the percentage of the proceeds or the dollar amount of the gift. We don't know either of these details from the text. The problem with Ananias was that he lied. Maybe he lied to look good and get credit. Maybe he lied because he wanted to look as good as Joseph (also called Barnabas). Maybe he lied because he wanted status, power, or position among the believers. It doesn't matter what the motivation. The motivation led him to lie. When it comes to the Holy Spirit, we can't do that.
Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price." Peter said to her, "How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. (Acts 5:6-11 NIV)
This seems pretty harsh, but God was making a point. Clearly this point carries with the church all the way down until today. Do not lie to God. Do not fight the Holy Spirit. No one ever goes up against God and wins. It may not be instantaneous. It may even take a lifetime. But in the end, no one ever goes up against God and wins. So, don't lie. Don't fight God. Instead, draw near to God. Walk with God. It's much better that way.
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. (Acts 5:12-14 NIV)
How about you? Do you walk with God? Do you draw near to God? Do you try to hide from God? Do you try to lie to God? Do you give as the Spirit leads?
I must admit something here. I've been a church planter and pastor for nearly twelve years now. If someone sold his land, say for $100,000, and brought in a percentage of the proceeds, say 50% for the sake of the discussion here, I guarantee you that my first reaction would not be "how is it that Satan filled your heart that you brought $50,000 to donate today." Yet that was Peter's reaction.
The problem with Ananias here was not the act of giving. It wasn't even the percentage of the proceeds or the dollar amount of the gift. We don't know either of these details from the text. The problem with Ananias was that he lied. Maybe he lied to look good and get credit. Maybe he lied because he wanted to look as good as Joseph (also called Barnabas). Maybe he lied because he wanted status, power, or position among the believers. It doesn't matter what the motivation. The motivation led him to lie. When it comes to the Holy Spirit, we can't do that.
Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price." Peter said to her, "How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. (Acts 5:6-11 NIV)
This seems pretty harsh, but God was making a point. Clearly this point carries with the church all the way down until today. Do not lie to God. Do not fight the Holy Spirit. No one ever goes up against God and wins. It may not be instantaneous. It may even take a lifetime. But in the end, no one ever goes up against God and wins. So, don't lie. Don't fight God. Instead, draw near to God. Walk with God. It's much better that way.
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. (Acts 5:12-14 NIV)
How about you? Do you walk with God? Do you draw near to God? Do you try to hide from God? Do you try to lie to God? Do you give as the Spirit leads?
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Give Secretly
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:36-37 NIV)
Joseph was a good man. He was helping out the church in his day. He sold a field that he owned and brought in the money so the mission of the church could continue. We don't know how much money he gave. We don't know what percentage of his income or holdings his gift comprised. We do know, though, that his gift helped keep God's mission going and that it was generous. We also know that his gift was public enough that everyone else knew about the gift and the story made it into Scripture.
Joseph isn't a bad person for making his gift known. After all, he is nicknamed "son of encouragement." It just gives Satan the opportunity to create jealousy with other believers in the church. This is why it is a better practice to give our gifts in secret. This way we are participating in the Body of Christ, furthering God's mission, and not giving the enemy a foothold. He can't tempt someone to jealousy when that person doesn't even know the gift was given. Plus, Jesus says that secret giving is the best way, too.
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4 NIV)
Joseph was a good man. He was helping out the church in his day. He sold a field that he owned and brought in the money so the mission of the church could continue. We don't know how much money he gave. We don't know what percentage of his income or holdings his gift comprised. We do know, though, that his gift helped keep God's mission going and that it was generous. We also know that his gift was public enough that everyone else knew about the gift and the story made it into Scripture.
Joseph isn't a bad person for making his gift known. After all, he is nicknamed "son of encouragement." It just gives Satan the opportunity to create jealousy with other believers in the church. This is why it is a better practice to give our gifts in secret. This way we are participating in the Body of Christ, furthering God's mission, and not giving the enemy a foothold. He can't tempt someone to jealousy when that person doesn't even know the gift was given. Plus, Jesus says that secret giving is the best way, too.
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4 NIV)
How about you? Do you give to God's mission? Do you give generously? Do you give in secret?
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Give Willingly
Giving in the New Testament seems to take on a new dimension. Jesus supported the giving system of the Old Testament. He paid his temple tax when it was time (Matthew 17:24-27). He even supported the tithe system that supported the priests and other Levites. While supporting this kind of giving, though, Jesus also took the opportunity to teach.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. (Matthew 23:23 NIV)
Giving ten percent of our income can seem like it is a lot of money. That's because it is a lot of money. I'll never forget the first time I started to tithe. I was making enough money at the time that it was more than an expensive car payment. I would have to fight off the feeling that I could use that money for something "more important." Ten percent really starts to get your attention.
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "Truly I tell you," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4 NIV)
You see, giving is not about a specific dollar amount. It's not even about a specific percentage. Giving to God is an act of worship of God. When we give gifts to God, we remind ourselves that everything belongs to God. What we have has been entrusted into our care for the span of our lives. We don't really own anything. Once we release money in this way, it becomes easier to give cheerfully. The money is not about us. It's about helping others in need.
I really don't need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don't want to be wrong in my boasting about you. We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren't ready after all I had told them! So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. (2 Corinthians 9:1-5 NLT)
How about you? Do you give willingly? Do you find joy in giving? Do you know that your gifts are being used for God's purposes?
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. (Matthew 23:23 NIV)
Giving ten percent of our income can seem like it is a lot of money. That's because it is a lot of money. I'll never forget the first time I started to tithe. I was making enough money at the time that it was more than an expensive car payment. I would have to fight off the feeling that I could use that money for something "more important." Ten percent really starts to get your attention.
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "Truly I tell you," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4 NIV)
You see, giving is not about a specific dollar amount. It's not even about a specific percentage. Giving to God is an act of worship of God. When we give gifts to God, we remind ourselves that everything belongs to God. What we have has been entrusted into our care for the span of our lives. We don't really own anything. Once we release money in this way, it becomes easier to give cheerfully. The money is not about us. It's about helping others in need.
I really don't need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don't want to be wrong in my boasting about you. We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren't ready after all I had told them! So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. (2 Corinthians 9:1-5 NLT)
How about you? Do you give willingly? Do you find joy in giving? Do you know that your gifts are being used for God's purposes?
Monday, June 8, 2015
Different Giving
Throughout His-story, God's Word tells us about people who give gifts and offerings to God. These gifts are not offered because they believe God needs anything. They are offered because they know that God owns everything, gives us everything, and they want to thank God for everything or ask God for forgiveness. In the Old Testament, God had set up a system for the Israelites to do this kind of giving and offering on a regular basis. It was a sacrificial system that helped the Israelites repent of their sins and an economic system that supported the sacrificial system.
Whenever someone would sin, that person was told to bring a sacrifice to the altar. It was usually an animal sacrifice to remind them that sin was serious and that the animal died because of their sin. This was a deterrent to stop them from sinning again, which is true repentance. The altar was locate in a central place for the Israelites. When they were nomads, it was located in a tent at the center of camp. This tent was called the Tabernacle. When they settled into the promised land, Solomon built a building in Jerusalem, a sort of central location, where these sacrifices would take place. This was the first Temple.
Israel had twelve tribes who were the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). One of the tribes, Levi, was given the job of caring for the Tabernacle and, eventually, the Temple. A sub-group of the Levites, the descendants of Aaron, became the priests who performed the actual sacrifices on behalf of the people. Since they had full time jobs doing God's work, the other eleven tribes were told to bring in a tithe (10%) of their income to the temple. These tithes provided the food for the Levites to eat. It was an economic system that kept God's work happening on a day to day basis.
But it was more than an economic system. More than economic, it was an act of worship. We know this because the Levites were told to take 10% of what they received, a tithe of the tithe, and burn it up on the altar as an act of worship. It was a reminder to everyone that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Everything they had was provided by the hand of God.
Often times we will hear sermons enticing us to tithe today, but I don't think that gives fair credit to what God did in the New Testament age. When God poured out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, everything changed. People are now the temple of God. God dwells in them. Their lives become living sacrifices and acts of worship, holy and pleasing to God. Giving is not needed to support the Temple or the sacrificial system. Giving, in this new age, is only needed to accomplish God's new mission: go and make disciples of all nations. Elders who teach well are supported in this new system. Widows, orphans, and other economically oppressed people in the church are supported in this new system. Finances remove roadblocks from mission being accomplished. The giving looks different. Even the amounts are no longer the "corner of the fields" or "10%." The amount of giving becomes everything...
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. (Acts 4:31-35 NIV)
How about you? Have you ever looked at giving in this way? When you give, do you think of what God wants and give to God's mission? Do you give the way they did in the Old Testament? Do you give they way they did in the New? Is your giving based on the marketing ploys of our current day and age, or do you have different giving?
Whenever someone would sin, that person was told to bring a sacrifice to the altar. It was usually an animal sacrifice to remind them that sin was serious and that the animal died because of their sin. This was a deterrent to stop them from sinning again, which is true repentance. The altar was locate in a central place for the Israelites. When they were nomads, it was located in a tent at the center of camp. This tent was called the Tabernacle. When they settled into the promised land, Solomon built a building in Jerusalem, a sort of central location, where these sacrifices would take place. This was the first Temple.
Israel had twelve tribes who were the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). One of the tribes, Levi, was given the job of caring for the Tabernacle and, eventually, the Temple. A sub-group of the Levites, the descendants of Aaron, became the priests who performed the actual sacrifices on behalf of the people. Since they had full time jobs doing God's work, the other eleven tribes were told to bring in a tithe (10%) of their income to the temple. These tithes provided the food for the Levites to eat. It was an economic system that kept God's work happening on a day to day basis.
But it was more than an economic system. More than economic, it was an act of worship. We know this because the Levites were told to take 10% of what they received, a tithe of the tithe, and burn it up on the altar as an act of worship. It was a reminder to everyone that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Everything they had was provided by the hand of God.
Often times we will hear sermons enticing us to tithe today, but I don't think that gives fair credit to what God did in the New Testament age. When God poured out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, everything changed. People are now the temple of God. God dwells in them. Their lives become living sacrifices and acts of worship, holy and pleasing to God. Giving is not needed to support the Temple or the sacrificial system. Giving, in this new age, is only needed to accomplish God's new mission: go and make disciples of all nations. Elders who teach well are supported in this new system. Widows, orphans, and other economically oppressed people in the church are supported in this new system. Finances remove roadblocks from mission being accomplished. The giving looks different. Even the amounts are no longer the "corner of the fields" or "10%." The amount of giving becomes everything...
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. (Acts 4:31-35 NIV)
How about you? Have you ever looked at giving in this way? When you give, do you think of what God wants and give to God's mission? Do you give the way they did in the Old Testament? Do you give they way they did in the New? Is your giving based on the marketing ploys of our current day and age, or do you have different giving?
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