Chapter 4 - Scriptural Giving

Chapter Four

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich."
—II Corinthians 8:9

OUR POSSESSIONS

What is a natural way to feel about our money and possessions? (Deut. 8:17)

From what source do everyone's material possessions come? (Deut. 8:18, I Chron. 29:12)

With what does the Lord want us to be content? (Heb. 13:5)

In your own words write out Matthew 6:31-33.

What are the results of a strong desire for money? (I Tim. 6:9,10)

In Luke 12:15-21
1. What did God call this man?
1. What kind of person does Christ say this of? (verse 21)
1. What is Christ's warning? (verse 15)

How did some early Christians react to the loss of their possessions? (Heb. 10:34) (Select correct answer.)
Stood up for their rights.
Were dejected at the unfair treatment they'd received.
Rejoiced, knowing that they possessed something better.
Waited for an opportunity for revenge.

"I will place no value on anything I may possess except in relation to the Kingdom of Christ. If anything I have will advance the interests of that Kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by giving or keeping it, I may promote the glory of Him, to Whom I owe all my hopes in time and eternity."
—David Livingstone

BEING GOOD STEWARDS

Stewardship involves managing someone else's property. The Christian is a steward of both his life and his possessions, since both belong to God.

What are some areas in which God expects us to be faithful stewards?
1. I Cor. 6:19,20
1. Eph. 5:15,16
1. I Pet. 4:10
1. I Thess. 2:4
1. I Chron. 29:12-14

Consider Matthew 25:14-30 and select correct answer.
Each servant is given the same measure of responsibility and the same results are expected of each.
Each servant is given the same measure of responsibility but more results are expected of some.
Each servant is given a different measure of responsibility and is commended for producing results in proportion to what he has been given.

As the Lord's stewards we should be aware that (Rom. 14:12)

USING MONEY WISELY

How much does God need our material gifts? (Psa. 50:10,12)

However, what unusual opportunity does God offer us? (Matt. 6:20)

Christ's teaching on giving money emphasizes the importance of giving not only because of love, or because of duty, but for the sake of eternal reward. He made it clear that although we can't take it with us, we can send it on ahead.

In Matthew 19:16-22
1. The basic issue was that of loyalty to God.
  True
  False
1. Was Jesus trying to make the young man poor or rich?

What do you think it means that there is more blessing in giving than in receiving? (Acts 20:35)

What principles underlie New Testament giving? (II Cor. 8:9 and 9:8)

HOW TO GIVE

God's people in Old Testament days gave from 10 to 20 percent of their income in tithes and offerings. How should we give under New Testament standards?

Examine these verses: Exodus 25:2, 35:21,29; I Chronicles 29:9; and II Corinthians 9:7.
1. What quality in our giving is important to God?
1. What kind of giving is not commendable? (II Cor. 9:7)

We find some guides for giving in I Corinthians 16:2.
1. How many are encouraged to give?
1. Were the Corinthians instructed to put aside their gifts at regular times or irregularly?
1. How were they to determine how much to give?

How can we honor the Lord? (Prov. 3:9)

II Corinthians 9:6 says it is wise to give

Of what can the liberal giver be assured? (Luke 6:38)

Write two questions of your own for Proverbs 11:24,25; then answer the questions.

II Corinthians 8 and 9 have more on giving than any other New Testament chapters. Especially notice the challenging first verses of Chapter 8. I Chronicles 29 is the great Old Testament chapter on joyful generosity.

The reward of giving can be lost by (Matt. 6:1-4) (Select correct answer.)
1. Giving to those who don't ask for help.
  Giving to impress others.
  Giving alms thoughtlessly.
1. Why?

To whom should we give?
1. I Cor. 9:11,14
1. Gal. 6:6
1. Prov. 19:17
1. James 2:15,16

A regular plan for giving has been found by many to be both scriptural and practical. Planning insures against irregular or unwise giving, or neglect. In a day when so many demands are made upon our time, and so many giving opportunities are presented, planned giving helps us honor the Lord with our possessions.
The plan should include these steps:
(1) Thoughtfully decide what percentage of your income you will give to the Lord—a minimum below which you will not go.
(2) Set aside the Lord's portion first whenever you receive money. Put this aside to be used as He leads; once set aside it is His and shouldn't be dipped into for personal needs—even to borrow.
(3) Prayerfully distribute the Lord's money as He directs. It is usually good to do this at a regular time—weekly or monthly.

In Mark 12:41-44
1. What was Jesus observing?
1. What did He praise, and why?
1. How did most people contribute to the temple treasury?
1. How did the widow's contribution compare in percentage to the others?

What promises are given to those who give to the Lord's work? (Phil. 4:15-19)

Make extra gifts and increase your percentage of giving as God increases your faith, and as He prospers you. The more you are able to trust God with your material treasures, the more He will entrust you with His spiritual treasures—He has committed Himself to this principle (Luke 16:9-12; Phil. 4:17).
The person who dedicates his money to God is dedicating himself—the fruit of his time, talent and energy. One who fails to dedicate his money has not fully committed himself to God.

1. What is the most encouraging promise in this chapter to believe and pray about?
1. What is the most challenging instruction?
1. Does the Lord want you to make any change in your giving habits? If so, what?

A London paper offered a prize for the best definition of money. This was the winning answer:
"Money is an instrument that can buy you everything but happiness and pay your fare to every place but heaven."

Book 7, The Life of Hope, will lead you in exciting discoveries in I Thessalonians. Send now for Book 7 and it will be on the way to you while you study the next chapter.