"GIVING" |
LESSON 8 |
INTRODUCTION: |
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A. |
The area of giving is one of the most neglected areas in our worship. |
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1. |
Many rob God for their own pleasures (Malachi 3:8). |
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2. |
Others have not learned the true meaning of giving. |
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B. |
We must understand the act of giving God's way. |
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1. |
To give for any reason other than God's reason is disobedience (sin). |
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2. |
We will not steal, murder, commit adultery, but will sin in not obeying God in our giving. |
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C. |
Giving is to be done by faith. |
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1. |
James 2:18-26 shows that Abraham's faith was revealed by his offering. |
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2. |
Our giving reveals our faith or lack of it. |
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DISCUSSION: |
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I. |
GOD'S OWNERSHIP OF EVERYTHING IS COMPLETE AND INDISPUTABLE |
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A. |
Heaven and earth are His (Genesis 14:19-20, Deuteronomy 10:14, Psalms 24:1, 89:11). All things belong to Him by virtue of His having created them (Genesis 1:1). |
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B. |
The land is His. The Israelites were stewards of what God had provided (Leviticus 25:23). |
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C. |
Every beast is His (Psalms 50:10-12). The silver and gold are His (Haggai 2:8). |
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D. |
All souls belong to Him (Ezekiel 18:4). By right of purchase, all Christians belong to Him (I Corinthians 6:19-20). |
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II. |
ALL OF LIFE IS A STEWARDSHIP |
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A. |
Christians are stewards (Luke 16:1-14). |
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B. |
Requirements for stewards: |
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1. |
Must be faithful (I Corinthians 4:1-2), must be good (I Peter 4:10), must not waste the goods (Luke 16:1), must give an account (Romans 14:12). |
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2. |
God demands a "first fruit offering" (Leviticus 23:9-14, Matthew 6:33). |
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III. |
GIVING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP...MUTUAL PARTICIPATION |
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A. |
In love (I Peter 1:22, Colossians 2:2). |
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B. |
In suffering (Galatians 6:1-2). |
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C. |
In service (Galatians 2:10, 6:10). |
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D. |
In finance. |
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1. |
"Let each of you" (I Corinthians 16:1-2). |
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2. |
"According to his ability" (II Corinthians 8:12). |
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3. |
"By equality" (II Corinthians 8:13-15). This equality does not mean all the same amount, but each giving to the best of his ability (Matthew 25:14-30). |
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IV. |
LOVE IS THE BASIS FOR GIVING |
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A. |
II Corinthians 8:1-5, 8:8-24 |
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B. |
One cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13-15, Matthew 6:24). |
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C. |
Giving is the proof of "the sincerity" of our love (II Corinthians 8:8, 24). |
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D. |
Giving is "free will" (II Corinthians 8:12, 9:7). |
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V. |
CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW TESTAMENT GIVING |
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A. |
Regularly (I Corinthians 16:1-2). |
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B. |
Personally (Individually) (I Corinthians 16:1-2). |
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C. |
Proportionally ("As God hath prospered") (I Corinthians 16:2). |
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D. |
Purposefully ("No gatherings when I come") (I Corinthians 16:2). |
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E. |
Cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:7). |
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F. |
Readily (II Corinthians 8:12). |
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G. |
Bountifully (II Corinthians 9:6). |
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H. |
Planned (II Corinthians 9:1-2). |
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I. |
Purposed (II Corinthians 9:7). |
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VI. |
CONCLUSION |
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A. |
The church is engaged in the greatest mission under heaven. |
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1. |
Ephesians 3:10 — teaching and saving souls. |
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2. |
Money is absolutely essential in carrying on the work of saving souls (John 13:28-30). |
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B. |
The proper use of money assumes an important place in the Christian's life. |
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C. |
Christians must remember their stewardship. |
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1. |
Christians making money must take "thought for things honorable in the sight of all men; and using the money we make must have the glory of God in mind." |
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2. |
Let us know for sure that giving is stewardship and that stewardship is exacting. |
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1) |
We will be called to give an account (Romans 14:12). |
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2) |
We must be found faithful (I Corinthians 4:1-2). |
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QUESTIONS FROM LESSON EIGHT |
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1. |
Giving is to be done by . |
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2. |
Why do all things belong to God? |
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3. |
What is a steward? |
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4. |
Why does this stewardship apply to giving? |
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5. |
What does "first fruit offering" mean (Leviticus 23:9-14)? |
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6. |
Who is to give? How are we to give? How much are we to give? |
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7. |
Why are we to give? |
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8. |
When are we to give? |