Giving - Part 1 Giving is a subject not talked about much. I have seen much conflict over how the money is to be spent, but very little teaching on giving itself. Too common attitude: "We are not under the Law, therefore tithing does not apply to us so today it does not matter how much we give as long as it is what we purpose in our heart." This may not be the actual statement, but it is often the actual practice. Another problem: Because the subject of giving is so abused by charlatans, many sincere people do not bring it up to avoid being seen as mercenaries. Many preachers have suffered economic hardship through the years because of a desire to not give offense. There has been a real, sincere effort to not appear to be like many who "peddle" the Word of God (2Cor 2:17 - NKJV). Communications Professor Stephen Winzenburg of Grand View College in Des Moines, IA claims that in 1988: 1. Oral and Richard Roberts spent 53% of their air time for fund raising, up from 22% in 1987. 2. Pat Robertson increase his fund raising time from 22% to 44%. 3. Jerry Falwell reduced his appeals for money from 52% to 37%. Phil 1:3-9, 4:10-19 - Philippians had a special place in Paul's heart. Why? Their attitude and love and concern they had for him. They proved by their giving to him. Four to five years before writing the Philippians, Paul wrote about them to the Corinthians - 2 Cor. 8:1-5 They gave themselves to the Lord first. When they became Christians they understood they were becoming partners with God to spread His kingdom. We too need to understand that our money is part of what makes teaching the gospel possible and to treat this subject lightly is to treat Christ and His Kingdom lightly. Sometimes, when people are ashamed to talk about giving it is because they are giving so little and it embarrasses them. Others are angered because they are covetous and greedy. When Paul wrote about the Macedonians, he was trying to encourage Corinthians to give as they should. (8:5) He wanted them to understand that before the gift is acceptable the giver must give the greatest gift of all first - himself. Without giving ourselves first, our giving is as unprofitable as Saul's sacrifice at Gilgal - 1 Sam. 13:8-14 We Must First Give Ourselves to the Lord 1 Samuel 15:22-23 Then Samuel said: "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king." Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Isaiah 1:11-16 11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?" Says the Lord. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts? Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (Mat 9:13, 12:7) Amos 5:21-24 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. Micah 6:6-8 With what shall I come before the Lord, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. (Luke 11:42) Mark 12:32-33 ...there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. We need to study giving carefully, just as we would baptism, the kingdom, Holy Spirit or any other subject. One who claims to follow Christ by teaching faith and baptism and yet does not give as he should is guilty of violating God's Word just as the one who rejects the Kingdom. Subject of giving is a common subject in the Bible. Seekers of the truth will want to know what God wants. Only the stingy, covetous and greedy do not want to talk about it. What Does God Expect? How do we decide how much to give? This is a valid concern for all who want to do right. We are not under law where everything is spelled out but under grace. The law was for children and now we have reached adulthood, we should be able to apply principles to our lives. Jews practiced tithing. Many think this began with the Law of Moses but this custom existed many years before the Law. 1. The Egyptians along the Nile left writings showing they believed they should give 1/10 of all to their gods and to the upkeep of the Temples. 2. The Babylonians during the time of Abraham supported religious services and temples by tithes. The rich and poor gave from all their income. There were no exceptions allowed. This was to support the Temples and pay the priests. They also had freewill offerings. 3. Greeks paid 1/10 of all they had. If any didn't, he was considered atheistic and should be destroyed. They also had freewill offerings. 4. Many Romans gave 1/10 of what they had to Hercules. 5. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Lydians all gave 1/10 no matter how rich or poor they were, whether they were a servant or a king. Many religions all over the world give a tenth. A book devoted to this subject has been written called "The Sacred Tenth". This is one of the common themes found in most religions, along with the Flood stories and the need of Sacrifice. Why all the similarities among different religions? This points to a time when man was in one place and taught the same thing but later when he was scattered, error began to creep in. The main elements are still visible, even though much has been changed. This points to an early time when God told man how much He wanted from his increase. As man drifted from God, this teaching was perverted, but by the time Moses delivered the Law to Israel, the practice of giving one tenth was a common practice. 1. Abraham gave 1/10 to Melchizedek before the law. Gen. 14:17-20 2. Jacob swore to give 1/10 to God - Gen. 28:18-22. Where did he get this idea? His attitude seems to be one of trying to make a deal with God. As he grows and matures, he develops a better attitude. The first account of man giving to God is the story of Cain and Abel. Cain's offering was rejected while Abel's was accepted. Hebrews 11 says Abel's was accepted because it was offered by faith. Faith comes from God's word so we can rightly infer that God much have told them what He wanted. Abel obeyed and Cain offered what he wanted to give. In the very beginning, mans service to God involves what we offer to Him. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. How was Abel's sacrifice "more excellent"? Genesis 4:3-5 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 1. Cain brought an offering 2. Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. 3. Was the only difference in the fact of the blood offering? Was Cain wrong in offering what he offered? In the Law there were grain offerings. Principle that God requires of us from what we have, not what we don't have. 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. The difference specifically mentioned in Genesis is that Abel offered the first fruits, and Cain merely offered some of what he had, but not the first. 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous. More Excellent = Plion - used 59x, mostly - more in quantity More in quantity Matthew 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their garments on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Acts 17:32 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. More in quality Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh will rise in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. What God Required During the Time of Moses This was a period of approx. 1,500 years. Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. The Jews Were Not To Give JUST a Tithe 1. Do not reap the corners nor glean the fields or vines - Lev. 19:9-10 The size of the corners were not specified but some Jews described them as not less than 1/60 of the field. 2. Leave any forgotten sheaf in the field, beat the olive tree once, do not go over it again. Pick the grapes once and do not return to pick the rest later - Deut. 24:19-21 3. The firstborn male of all animals belonged to God - Exodus 13:2, 12, 22:29-30 4. The first of the produce and juices, and sons belonged to God - Exodus 22:29 5. First born of their children were to be redeemed by money payment - Num 3:46-48, 18:15 6. Every seventh year was a year of release - Deut. 15:1-3 7. Free will offerings. These were left up to the liberality of the giver. The general rule was three times a year - Deut. 16:16-17 a. Feast of Unleavened Bread b. Feast of Weeks (Deut. 16:10) c. Feast of Tabernacles 8. Vow of offerings could be made - Deut. 23:21-23 Three Tithes 1. Tithe for the Priests. One tenth of all was to go to the tribe of Levi. - Lev. 27:30-33 Numbers 18:21 Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 2. Tithe of yearly increase to be eaten by the offerer, his household and Levite during their feasts. Purpose: so Israel might fear Jehovah. Deut. 14:22-27 3. Tithe for the poor. Purpose: so the Lord might bless the giver - Deut. 14:28-29. Some have thought the tithe for the poor was a substitute for the second tithe. "Besides those two tithes which I have already said, you are to pay every year, the one for the Levites, one for the festivals, your are to bring every third year a tithe to be disbursed to those who want; to women also that are widow, and to children that are orphans." Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book four. What, then, did they (Jews) give: a tenth of all their possessions and another tenth, and after this a third tenth. Chrysostom Fixed Claims on a Crop of 6,000 Bushels 1. 1/60 for corners, gleanings, forgotten sheaves (Lev 19:9, Deut. 24:19) 100 bushels 2. 1/40 for first fruits (Deut. 26:1-10) 150 bushels 3. 1/10 for Lord's Tithe (Lev. 27:30) 600 bushels 4. 1/10 for Festival tithe (Deut. 14:22-27 600 bushels 5. 1/30 for the tithe for the poor (Deut 24:28) 200 bushels Total to be given - 1,650 bushels This leaves the owner with 4,350 bushels Now, out of his 4,350 bushels, there were other possible offerings. 1. 1.A freewill offering at the three feasts (Deut. 16:10-16). 2. 2.Animals in payment of vows or things devoted (Lev 27:9, 28). 3. 3.Remission of debts in the year of release (Deut 15:1-4). 4. 4.Redemption of the first born (Lev 22:29) 5. 5.Thank offerings in general. Total of all = approx. one third. Blessings to the obedient Malachi 3:10-12 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the Lord of hosts; and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," Says the Lord of hosts. This was the offering of the Jews under the old law. How does this compare to offerings of one under grace? Under the old law it was regulated. We are under the honor system. We are to told to give as we have prospered. What does this mean? Our guideline is the O.T. When the apostles taught the early Christians, they continually quoted OT passages to justify their teaching. Should we who live under grace give less than those under the law? Is God really satisfied with what we are giving? When people ask "How much do I HAVE to Give?" This indicates that they may have not been really converted and don't understand what has been done. God so loved the world that He GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. Jesus gave us His life as an offering in our place. What are we willing to give in return? If our love is not a giving love it is not real. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. We need to understand what God wants and what we are to be and do. We have to love God first above all and desire to grow. We may be weak at times but we have to keep striving for perfection and truly be God's people. Must first give ourselves and then everything else will take care of itself. We cannot give God the leftovers, but the best. Song: I Surrender All Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc Giving - Part 2 Malachi 1:6-14 Jews had fallen from true worship. These Jews had returned from captivity and were under Persian rule. They had a good beginning through the leadership of Zerubbabel, Nehemiah and Ezra, but now their worship is corrupt. How can we offer blind, lame sacrifice? We are to offer ourselves as sacrifice (Rom 12:1). This implies that we are to offer the best, the firstfruits of our lives. We can offer the blind and lame today by spending all their time living for self, earning for self, spending on self, then whatever is left over they offer some to God. God wants the best, not just a few scraps we offer in our spare time. Penalty of not laying it to heart - Mal. 2:1-2, 3 God doesn't talk like this to His people often. It is harsh language. When He does speak in this manner we had better pay attention. God is angry at these people. Malachi 3:7-8 Will a man rob God? First reaction is to say NO! Who would dare to do such a thing? Yet they robbed Him. How? In tithes and offer ings. They were not giving as they should. God told them what He wanted but they refused. How can we rob God today? 1. If one should be giving $25 and only gives $10, he is stealing from God. What would you think of a person who, at the end of the services, took out the amount of money he put in? What would be the difference in that person and one who didn't put in that which he should to begin with? 2. We can rob God by putting our money other places to please us and not Him. We may buy house, car, clothes, stereo, guns, toys, go to movies, restaurants and when we through buying what we want they we see what is left over and donate a little out of that. What is the difference with this and feeding scraps to a dog after a meal? God demands to be first in all things. 3. We can embezzle God's money. If we can not come on Sunday, (Vacation or other reason) and not give as we have been prospered. Instead we end up spending it on ourselves. Nebraska Ave. has some who go elsewhere and give where they are. This is not a good practice, just as visitors here should not be expected to give. If we are gone, we need to leave our contribution with another or give it when we get back. (Freewill offerings in addition to our regular contribution are acceptable) Result of Robbing God - Mal 3:9 This is fair. Look at the penalties for steal from man. God says "Test Me!" - Malachi 3:10-12 Blessings to those who willing to give to God. This takes living by faith. Giving money we can see and giving it to God we cannot see. God continually promises blessings to those who trust and obey Him. Mark 10:28-30 - Context: Rich Young Ruler who would not forsake all to follow Christ. Christ speaks of the reward. Matthew 19:27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and fol lowed You. Therefore what shall we have?" Notice what Jesus didn't say: "Peter, you ought to be ashamed. You have the wrong altitude. You should rejoice that you are poor and be glad that you are able to give up everything and get nothing in return. You need to be willing to work without thinking about a reward. You are too self-centered. What Christ did say: Matthew 19:28-29 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have fol lowed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (29) And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life. 100 fold = 10,000% interest. Who would not invest with this kinds of return? Before one will invest he must believe the promise. Do you believe what Christ said? Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 11:25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. Philippians 4:16-17 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. If we really believe these problems, there will be no problem with what we give. Christianity is a giving religion. 1. God giving to man. 2. Man giving to God. 3. Man giving to man. Giving helps us remain faithful. When we spend large amounts on fishing, sports or anything else, there our heart will be. If we put our money into the Kingdom of God it helps keep our mind on it. (Many will finish a meal at a restaurant because you have to pay so much for it. There is treasure invested in the meal) Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your trea sure is, there your heart will be also. Deuteronomy 14:22-23 You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. And you shall eat before the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstlings of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. All we have is to be used for the glory of God. We are held accountable for how we use what we have under our control. Some day we will leave it all behind. All is God's Already. Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. Deuteronomy 8:11-18 1 Chronicles 29:10-16 God has put us here on this earth for a short time. We have freedom to do as we please. 1. God said use what you have to help others and to help build My Kingdom and I will bless you and take care of you. 2. If you hoard all for yourself I will curse you and be against you. The best savings accounts is one of acceptable service to God. God expects us to take care of our family and provide but serve Him first and He will care for us. When we give it is something we could use for self, but we are showing God our love for Him. At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon sacrificed 22,000 oxen, 120,000 sheep. Giving is a test of our faith. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. The way we give is a true test to see if we really believed the promises in the Bible and in heaven. Basic reason many don't give as they should is lack of faith. Think if they give they should they won't be able to provide Giving is a test of our love. 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. When talking of love of God we use John 3:16. God so loved that He gave... One way we prove our love for our family is by giving. What would you think of a man's love for his family if he spent all his money on himself and others but not his family? People don't give as they should because they love themselves more than God. Giving is a proof of our obedience to our confession of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjec tion unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men. (KJV) 2 Corinthians 9:13 seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all. (ASV) 2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the proof given by this ministry they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all. (NASV) We must remember our purpose in life and what we are to be doing. We have been saved so that we can save others. We have a war to fight. It is constant battle for the eternal destiny of our own souls and those that we know. If we sit back and never fight we will loose our soul. We must be committed to our Lord. Not offer weak, lame blind sacrifice, but our total lives to His service. Too many want to make Christianity easy. There is no choice. We must give ourselves as a total sacrifice to service to God, ourselves and all we have. 2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. If we are truly converted, it isn't a burden. It is something we are to want to do. Giving is something we need to talk about openly and more often. Too often, stingy and selfish brethren have been able to keep teachers from teaching on it by accusing them of preaching for the money and being like the denomination when truth was they didn't want their own selfishness exposed. Exodus 35:4-5 And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, "This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying: Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze. Exodus 35:21 Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. Exodus 36:1-3 ...So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. Then all the crafts men who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing, and they spoke to Moses, saying, "The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do." So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, "Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary." And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done -- indeed too much. Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37 If we are serious about going to heaven and we really do love God more than anything else we will want the truth so we can obey it and have our home in heaven. We are to be striving to be like Jesus and do as He would do. If He was in your place, had what you have, had your job, what do you think He would do with what you have? Malachi 3:1-3 Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. behold, He is coming," says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire And like fuller's soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. Christ offered Himself for us. We imitate Him by giving ourselves back to Him in return. God wants us to have Christ living in us. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Are we responding to His love by giving ourselves to Him in return? Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc God Loves the Cheerful Giver We can learn certain principles concerning giving through the Corinthian letters. Paul is encouraging them to give as they ought and reveals several principles we need to apply in our giving. 1. First day of the Week only time authorized for a free-will offering. No business, sales or other fund raising schemes. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 2. God desires the giver first. This is where our giving must begin. 2 Corinthians 5:15 And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 3. Each is to give proportionally as prospered. Widow's mite means more to God than wealth of the rich. 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 4. The giver benefits from giving because God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. What does God do for those whom He loves? - 2 Cor. 9:8-11 1 Kings 17:8-16 If God could provide for the widow at Zarephath who had only meal left for her and her son during a drought, He has the ability to provide or us today. God Blesses The Obedient Leviticus 26:3-12 If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit... you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight... For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you... I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. Deuteronomy 4:40 You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you... Deuteronomy 5:33 You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess. Deuteronomy 6:3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you... Deuteronomy 6:17-18 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you. And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. Deuteronomy 12:23-25 Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life; you may not eat the life with the meat... You shall not eat it, that it may go well with you and your children after you, when you do what is right in the sight of the Lord. Deuteronomy 12:28 Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God. God Blesses Us When We Obey by Giving Deuteronomy 14:28-29 At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do. Deuteronomy 15:1-5 At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts... except when there may be no poor among you; for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance - only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. Deuteronomy 15:9-10 Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, `The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,' and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it become sin among you. You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. Psalms 41:1 Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 11:25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. Proverbs 22:9 He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. Proverbs 28:27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses. Isaiah 58:6-11 Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, `Here I am.' If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Malachi 3:10-12 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field... And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land..." Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 19:21 ...If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. Matthew 25:34-40 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, `Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, `Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?... And the King will answer and say to them, `Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' Mark 9:41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Philippians 4:15-17 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. It is because of the blessings from God that Jesus could say: Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.' World thinks it is more blessed to receive. They only see the benefit of what is possessed, not the blessings that come from God. Are you being blessed by God? God loves the Blessed Giver. Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc Giving - Part 4 Ephesians 4:8 When He ascended on high, He... gave gifts to men. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son... Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 5:5 ...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. James 4:6 ...God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 6:18-19 praying always... for all the saints - and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way... 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Peter 1:3-4 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises... Revelation 2:7 ...To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. Revelation 21:6 ...I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. Isaiah 42:5 Thus says God the Lord... Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: God Gives Us Physical Gifts Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Deuteronomy 8:18 And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Psalms 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. 1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncer tain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Christ Gave Himself To Us Galatians 1:3-4 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age... Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, 1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all... Titus 2:13-14 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. We Are to Give Ourselves to God As with the passage: 1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us. We give to God because He first gave to us. 2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord... Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Once we Give ourselves to the Lord, we will willingly sacrifice for Him. When Araunah offered to give the oxen and wooden tools to David for a sacrifice: 2 Samuel 24:24 ...No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. Which part of the Scriptures do we quote, some or all? 1. I will not offer to the Lord. 2. I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me. 3. I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing. We sacrifice ourselves and our own interest. Hebrews 13:15-16 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. If we first give ourselves, we will have no problem offering a sacrifice of our money. Philippians 4:18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. Why Do We Give? Two main purposes. 1. Help needy saints 2. Help provide for the teaching of the gospel of Christ. Helping the Needy In O.T., several regulations were given in order to provide for the needy. Picking fruit only once, leave forgotten sheaves, not harvest corners of fields, tithe for the poor every third year. In N.T., most of the passages that deal with giving are in the context of helping needy saints. 1 Cor 16:1-3, 2 Cor 8, 9, Acts 2, 4. People generally do not have much trouble with these passages. Usual problems is when some want to help those the Bible does not authorize the church to help. a. Individuals may help anyone who is in need unless they are unwilling to work when they are able to. b. Churches are limited to needy saints. Qualifications of widows indeed indicate this. Woman is not to be considered as a widow indeed unless she meets very strict requirements (1 Tim 5). Helping to provide for the teaching of the Gospel General authority under the command to teach is to provide whatever material needed to accomplish this. Buildings, class material, various supplies and equipment are all optional and our Lord expects us to exercise wisdom in what we use. Many times brethren want to skimp and get the smallest, cheapest equipment. Sometimes, budget restrictions require this. Haggai 1:4-5 Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?" Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways!" Also included is the support of preachers and elders. (1 Tim. 5:17) Very few congregations support elders and a preacher but this would be the ideal situation. Much controversy within local congregations comes from support of preachers. How much should they be supported? Varying ideas, varying guidelines offered. Very few would say that preachers should not be supported. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. Charlatans are possible, but whose fault is it that they continue? Don't support them! Like Diotrephes. No excuse for any one to be a Diotrephes, but congregations also allow it. No excuse for charlatans, but we are not to support them either! Are there any guidelines in the Bible? New Testament simply says those who preach should be paid but does not say how much. Letters were addressed to many who understood the principles found in the O.T. and this is where we must turn to have an idea. Numbers 18:8-13 And the Lord spoke to Aaron: "Here, I Myself have also given you charge of My heave offerings, all the holy gifts of the children of Israel; I have given them as a portion to you and your sons, as an ordinance forever... All the best of the oil, all the best of the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits which they offer to the Lord, I have given them to you. Whatever first ripe fruit is in their land, which they bring to the Lord, shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. Numbers 18:21-23 Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting... throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Deuteronomy 12:19 Take heed to yourself that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land. Deuteronomy 14:27-29 You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you. At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do. Deuteronomy 26:12-15 When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be filled, then you shall say before the Lord your God: `I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them... I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that You have commanded me. Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us... 2 Chronicles 31:4-5 Moreover he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. Nehemiah 13:10-12 I also realized that the portions for the Levites had not been given them; for each of the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone back to his field. So I contended with the rulers, and said, "Why is the house of God forsaken?" And I gathered them together and set them in their place. Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the storehouse. Preaching of some who also work at other jobs is many times lacking, although some have exceptional ability. There is simply a limit to how much a person can do. Malachi 2:7 For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. (He must be allowed to have the time to learn the Law) The tribe of Joseph was divided into Manasseh and Ephraim. Levi became tribe of priests with no inheritance. 12 tribes giving 10% to support one tribe. Levites received 120%. Their income would be 20% above the national average. They would not have the opportunities to get wealthy like others would, neither would they be living in poverty like some would be. Good guideline for support for preachers. Preaching will not make anyone rich. In our economy, many expenses involved that any self-employed person is familiar with. Books, computer, generally moving more often than average, little equity buildup. End up with no inheritance in the land but dependent on the brethren for support. We must support the local congregation. When on vacation, leave money or make up. Our obligation is to the congregation we belong to. Visitors should not be expected to give. We may give a free-will offering in addition to our regular giving just as the Jews could do, but this is optional and not a requirement. May be sick on Sunday but work rest of the week. If prospered, we should still give. We Must Give Ourselves Before We Give Money Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Luke 11:42 But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Luke 18:11-12 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank You that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. `I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' Our Calling as Children of God Malachi 3:3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. 1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc