Giving

Giving your Money

First of a series of 3 on Stewardship

1. Money
2. Time
3. Life/Talents

The key point to remember in our series on stewardship is that all we have, and are is God's. He has bought us with a price. ie it cost God the death of His son. We tend to think of what we are giving to God in terms of our time, talents and money. But God looks at us as His child and what we have as His.

Thus the question is not, What am I giving to God? but rather what of God's am I retaining (using for myself)?

OHP  -  RETAINING not GIVING

We often have a wrong view of God. When we see Jesus as our King we view our relationship differently. If we realised we were God’s servants we might view our lives differently. Thus it is as a servant or steward that we are using the gifts of our talents, time and money. They all belong to God. Are we using them as He wishes?

Whatever I'm doing, whenever I can, I will do everything to please God.

Reading 1 Timothy 6:3-19

Billy Graham once said "Jesus talked a great deal about money and the problems it causes man-in fact, one-fifth of all Jesus had to say was about money.

1. What does the Bible say about money?

Money is not evil. Some people have a misconception about what the Bible says about money.

An often misquoted verse is 1 Timothy 6: 10 “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs”. This passage then goes on to warn us against relying on riches v17 says “don't let those who are rich be arrogant or put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God”

Hans Cronje article

In Proverbs 30:8,9 we read Give me neither poverty or riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have too much and disown you and say "Who is the Lord?" or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God.

Matthew 6:24 “Money can become our God. You cannot serve both God and money”.

Mark 4:18-19 Parable of the sower - the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things

Luke 12 tells us of a very rich farmer who is typical of some people today. He was a person who had success, wealth, possessions and in today's society would be classed as someone who had "made it." In his prosperity he had omitted to think about God. He did not think of God at all, but thought that life consisted in "the abundance of his possessions" v15

The fact is that life is transient and uncertain and possessions are not a sure foundation. Only God is a good foundation.

That night the rich farmer died and this was God's comment about him "that he was a fool". Not because he was rich but because he had kept things for himself and not been generous towards God.

1. It is a test of your love for God v8.

Paul wanted to test the sincerity of their love by comparing it with others. Your giving is a practical test of your love.

2. Spiritual growth will result in your Christian life.

In v10 Paul tells the Corinthians that giving is good for them. Giving may make you more reliant on God. If we get involved in sacrificial giving i.e. doing without a holiday abroad, or a new car, or decorating the lounge and instead give the money for God's work, it could be to your spiritual learning process. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians that "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."

3. It is a test of our beliefs.

Do you really believe in heaven? Are you convinced that the treasure you lay up in heaven is indestructible as the Bible says and that it is more important than treasure you may build up on earth? The Bible tells us to lay up treasure in heaven not on earth. Does your conviction about life after death affect your daily living and giving today? According to Paul the reason God gives wealth to Christians is to make it possible for them to give generously v11,1 Tim 6:18

James Dobson once said "God does not need our money, but you and I need the experience of giving it"

4. So that there will be equality.

in v13 and 14 Paul explains to the Corinthian church that he does not some Christians to be hard pressed, while others have plenty, he wants equality for all Christians.

You are probably aware that some Christians in East European countries or African countries are hard pressed while many of us here in Britain have plenty. Are you giving to help Christians elsewhere not to be so hard pressed?

What is the question you ask yourself in deciding how to spend money? Is it "Have I the money to obtain this item?" or is it "Do I need this item?" Would the question asked by a non-Christian be different from that asked by a Christian? I think it should be.

Would the answer to "Do I need this item" be different if we asked a 3rd world Christian? than if we asked ourselves?

Ronald Sider in his book Rich Christians in a World of hunger refers to John Wesley and his philosophy on money. "Christians should give away all but the plain necessities of life-that is plain, wholesome food, clean clothes and enough to carryon one's business. One should earn what one can, justly and honestly. But all income should be given to the poor after one satisfies bare necessities. Any Christian who takes for himself anything more than the plain necessities of life", Wesley insisted "lives in an open, habitual denial of the Lord. Wesley lived what he preached. He was a prolific author and sales of his books earned him £1,400 a year but he spent only £30 on himself. The rest he gave away. Let's multiply these figures by say 200 to bring them to current prices. He earned £280,000 and spent £6,000 on himself. Proportionately he gave away most of his income rather than live in luxury.

We need to ensure we practice the principle of moderation in all things.

5. Blessing will be received by the giver

Proverbs 22:9 says "A generous man will himself be blessed."

6. It can be a great encouragement to other Christians.

Acts 20:35 says that Jesus said "It is more blessed to give than to receive". Throughout the Bible there is a theme that if you honour God he will honour you. We do need to be aware of an extreme on this issue which is called the or The more you give to God the more He will give back to you. God may do so in this world, but this is not necessary the case. What God has said though is that you will build up treasure in heaven. The key issue is our in giving. It should be that we give to the glory of God not for what we can get back from God.
You see we are never more like God than when we give. (Charles Swindoll)

Giving to Christian workers and organisations often forges stronger links between givers and receivers. 2 Corinthians 9:14 In their prayers (the receivers) for you, their heart will go out to you. This is because giving is love in action 1 John 3:18

7. Because of the spiritual and physical needs in the world today.

The sad fact is that many Christian missions and projects are more ready to use people and resources but they do not have enough money. Why? Because Christians are not giving to them. A quote "Money is like manure: If you spread it around, it does a world of good; but if you pile it up it stinks to high heaven."

In the OT God instructed the Israelites about the principle of tithing. This is not the first occasion of giving mentioned in the Bible because right from the beginning of time people gave offerings to God. The first time the word tithe appears in the Bible is in Genesis 14:20 when Abraham gave Melchizedek tithes of all (a tenth of everything). About 400 years later the Mosaic law made tithing legal and binding for the Israelites. Malachi told the Israelites that they were robbing God because they were not giving their tithe to God.

Under the law there was an elaborate system of tithes
There was:

  1. The tithe to support the Levites Numbers 18:20-32
  2. The festival tithe to provide the food and travel costs of the worshippers attending the major Jewish feasts Deut 12:15-19
  3. The charity tithe, given every 3 years and used for the care of the poor
  4. The Jews probably gave at least 23% of their income not just 10%.

Should Christians tithe like that today?

Christians will need to examine for themselves what the Bible teaches but the grace of Jesus is greater than the OT law I am of the opinion that a Christian should give a minimum of 10% to God and the work of the Lord. Indeed Malachi 3:8 refers to tithes and offerings. There is the tithe and then additional offerings to the Lord. In Matthew 23: 23 When Jesus was condemning the Pharisees as hypocrites he endorsed the principle of tithing. They had neglected justice, mercy and forgiveness but not tithing. In 1 Corinthians 16: 2 Paul says "each one of you should set aside a sum of money Again this is a reference to giving in proportion to what you receive.

Some people talk of a graduated tithe. This is giving a basic 10% initially but as income increases the percentage given away increases. In the biography of John Laing, the founder of Laings, we read of the commitment he made to God when aged 30. If income £400pa, give £50 (121/2%), live on £150, save £200 If income £l,000 pa, give £200 (20%), live on £300, save £500 If income £3,000pa, give £1,000 (33%), live on £500, save £1,500 If income £4,000pa, give £1,500 (40%), live on £500, save £2,000. He had the proviso that once his savings brought him income of £500pa, he would live on £500 and give away half his income and save rest. His will had only several hundred pounds. Rest in charitable trusts. Smart but modest house in Totteridge.

Does the Bible say we should give our money away and not save. No. Proverbs gives many examples of the wisdom of thinking to the future and saving.

1. The Church where you meet regularly

A church in Essex recently did a calculation. it worked out that if all the members were made redundant and started to give 10% of their dole money, the church's income would rise by 65%.

2. Caring for God's servants

Both the OT and NT teach that caring for God's servants who dedicate themselves full-time to God' s service are the responsibility of God's people.

To the Levites in the OT God gave "all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving in the tent of meeting" Numbers 18:21

In 2 Corinthians 9:14 Paul makes it clear that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. Today we call these people missionaries or full-time workers for the Lord

Individual Christian workers need supporting as do Christian organisations, missions and projects.

3. The poor and needy within our church. Widows and orphans.

Martin Luther once said "We need 2 conversions - one of the heart and the other of the wallet

He always wore inexpensive clothes and dined on simple food. If I leave behind £10, he once wrote "I will have died a thief and a robber".

For Christians how we give is as important as what is given.

1. Your motive

Jesus warned in Matthew 6:1-4 Don't do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them. What is your motive? Is it to be seen by men for them to praise you or so that God only is pleased with you? 1 Corinthians 13:3 says "If I give all I have to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing" Charity has many motivations The first principle of how to give is to give for the glory of God alone.

2. Our giving should be planned and systematic

In 1 Corinthians 16: 2 Paul gave specific instructions about giving to the Jerusalem relief fund. This was for Christians in need in Jerusalem. "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."

Giving should not be haphazard or unorganised. Sometimes when we hear of an urgent appeal we may wish to give spontaneously from the amount that has already been set aside for the Lord. In our house we usually refer to this as "God's money". Or as an extra gift to God on top of the amount we have agreed with God is the Lord's. Perhaps a sacrificial gift. But if we are to be good stewards of what God has given us we need to be
organised in our giving as we should be in most areas of or life.

Tom Rees, a famous evangelist said "Regular disciplined giving is as important as regular worship, prayer and Bible study"

3. Our giving should be joyful

2 Corinthians 9:7 says "God loves a cheerful giver" We should be pleased that as Christians God has given s the means to be able to give what we have decided to give. The earlier part of the verse says "we should give what we have decided in our heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, but cheerfully"

Jesus said it was more blessed to give than to receive. Joyful giving leads to joy.

4. Our giving should be intelligent

The Bible emphasises the need for Christians to be wise stewards as well as faithful stewards. We need to be prayerful and careful in who we give to. When we give to our church we need to be aware of how the money is being spent. We have the privilege and responsibility to ensure that your church is using its money wisely.

We need to ensure Christian organisations and missions are genuine and are using money wisely. Sadly this is not always the case.

Are organisations accounted audited annually by independent accountants? Are accounts available to all?
Who are Board members and senior staff? How much does he organisation spend on fund-raising? How much of the funds actually support the projects you are giving to?

5. Our giving ought to involve sacrifices

The Macedonian Christians in 2 Corinthians 8: 3 were praised because they not only gave what they were able but also beyond their ability.

The poor widow in Mark 12:41,42 gave all she had

Example of Brian & Marilyn: They attended Pip In' Jay - a church well known for its practise of sacrificial giving, giving £1000's to missionaries.On one occasion Brian & Marilyn gave sacrificially by not having their hall and landing redecorated (it badly needed doing). Later Brian's firm was able to give an unexpected practical Christmas bonus and paid for the hall and landing to be decorated professionally.

A quote attributed to John Bunyan says "There was a man, some called him mad, The more he gave the more he had"

You see, being a Christian is a costly business. Jesus told us it would be. There is a cost to being a Christian. At the end of a year you may compare yourself to non-Christian colleagues and say I haven't a new car like them, I haven't such a big house, expensive holidays etc. This is because of the £100, £1,000
£10,000 you have given to God that year, plus any additional sacrificial giving you have done. You must expect to be different as a Christian.

Practical issues

  1. Take what you have decided 10%, £1,000 or whatever as soon as you have you income, be it weekly, monthly, annually. This is your giving to God. put it in a separate fund in the bank, tin under your bed, your own account with God or whatever.
  2. Keep a written record of your income and how much of it you are giving to God.
  3. Keep a written record of how much of this amount you have given to the church, other Christians or organisations or whatever.
  4. Review at the end of a year or 6 months how much you are giving and to whom
Covenanting is a means whereby if you are a taxpayer you can allocate some of your taxes to the church or Christian organisations. Gift aid is another way of increasing your giving by allocating your taxes.

If you agree to support a Christian worker that person will be relying on you to maintain your support as you have promised.

There are many Christian organisations that you could give to:

The key point to remember in our series on stewardship is that all we have, and are is God's. He has bought us with a price. i.e. it cost God the death of His son. We tend to think of what we are giving to God in terms of our time, talents and money. But God looks at us as His child and what we have as His.Thus the question is not, What am I giving to God? but rather what of God's am I using for myself?

Erwin Luutzer once said "God will not merely judge us on the basis of what we gave, but also on the basis of what we did with what we kept for ourselves."

John Lower