THE BASICS ABOUT GIVING
Key verse: Malachi 3: 7-12
General Facts:
1. Abraham tithed BEFORE there was “The Law.” Gen 14: 18-20
2. Jesus never condemned tithing. He says we ought to do it, and MORE! Luke 12: 42
3. Tithing for the New Testament believer is a means not an end. The Law says = 10%. Grace = ? %.
4. The Bible teaches that God blesses those that tithe.
Five Incentives to Give (Tithe)
1. Tithing ENCOURAGES obedience to God’s Word.
(Malachi) If we don’t, then we are stealing from God!
2. Tithing DEMONSTRATES your love and faith in the Lord.
The truth of Malachi 3 is that the lack of tithing was not the problem,
but the symptom.
a. Love is our motive for giving. 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7
b. Faith is our manner of
giving. Believing what God says He will do and acting upon it.
3. Tithing PROMOTES a consistent pattern of giving.
a. Gives us a place to START in our giving.
b. Disciplines (Good Habits) are formed.
c. Priorities are established.
4. Tithing SUPPORTS the ministries of the local Church.
a. “Storehouse giving” – where you are fed.
b. Other organizations and
causes (Missions, evangelists, CBN, TBN, etc.) are good causes and may
be worthy of our “OFFERINGS” but our tithes should go to
the local Church.
5. Tithing PRODUCES blessings in life of the believer. Proverbs 3: 9-10
a. Greatest blessing is pleasing God.
b. If you tithe, God
obligates Himself to take care of you. Obedience makes God
responsible! Luke 6: 38
c. The consequences of disobedience always outweigh the sacrifices of obedience.
What to do about Tithing if you are not already doing it.
1. Pray about it.
2. Talk about it with spouse/family.
3. Start somewhere!!! Net – Gross, Whatever – JUST GET STARTED SOMEWHERE!
Some soul searching questions:
1. Why do I give or not give?
2. Have I ever made my giving a matter of sincere prayer?
3. Am I at peace with God about my giving habits?
4. Have I arrived at my present standard of giving based on my reasoning and intellect or on God’s Word?
5. If I am disobedient in giving, am I trying to cover up the reasons: selfishness, greed, lack of faith and trust?
