HOW SHOULD WE GIVE?
TEXT: 1 COR. 16:1-2; 2 COR. 9:6-13
I. Introduction
In Genesis 4:3-4, we find that Cain and Abel had a desire to give something to God because of His goodness to them. In Genesis 14:20, we find that Abraham gave tithes of all that he possessed as his thankfulness to God who protected him from his enemies.
II. Exegesis
When someone has done something for us, we desire to give them something to show how thankful we are for their goodness. The desire to give comes from God and therefore, we need to know from the word of God how we ought to give. How then should we give?
1. We give regularly
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:2 that on the first day of every week, each of us should put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper. The Jewish first day of the week was Sunday. There are certain things we do regularly. We eat and sleep regularly. Teachers want their pupils to be in school every day. If the work of the church is to be regular, then giving must also be regular.
2. We should give proportionately
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 16:2 that one should give as he may prosper. We are to give according to what we have received. (We are to give our tithes also). We learn that in 1 Corinthians 16, Paul is speaking about offerings not tithes.
Therefore we are to give offerings which are proportionate to what we have received. In Luke 12:48, Jesus said, “Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand more.”
3. We should give cheerfully
In 2 Corinthians 9:7 we read, “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” No one will have to force a cheerful giver to give, for he is giving to show his thankfulness for the goodness of God to him. The Bible teaches that giving is a part of our worship (Psalm 100:2). Therefore we should remember that Sunday is a day of rejoicing for many people in the church; it is a day that they bring their tithes and offerings to God.
4. We should give liberally
If our giving is to be true Biblical way of Christian giving then it must be liberal. The churches of Macedonia gave liberally according to their means, and beyond their means of their own free will (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). In verse 5 of chapter 9, we see that they prepared their generous gift which they had promised to give as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians 9:6, that he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully, will also reap bountifully. Hence without a limping and grudging spirit, the giving Christian should make a joyful sound to the Lord with gladness and singing knowing that God made him and gave him all he has received.
III. Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, looking at how God has loved us, in return we should serve Him through giving our tithes and offerings to the church. By so doing we are giving to God. Shalom.