Christian attitudes concerning givingLast week: attitudes toward moneyCentered on purpose and motivationCan’t serve both riches and God – Matthew 6:24Prosperity is good and has purpose – III John 1:2; Ephesians 4:28Actively seeking after riches is dangerous – Luke 18:24We must understand the difference.Giving depends on an established need, desire, prosperity, planning, and following through.NeedCommunicated by leadership – Acts 11:22-30Recognized by individuals – Luke 7:12-15; 10:33Results - Exodus 36:2-6DesireWe should want to follow the example of JesusWe should want to be like God – Acts 14:15-17We should desire the fellowship of giving – II Corinthians 8:3-5ProsperityOur giving is out of our prosperity – I Corinthians 16:2We need to recognize when we have prosperedIt is sufficiencyIt is not necessarily richesPark of sufficiency is “sufficient to give”We should not make ourselves needy by our giving – II Corinthians 8:12-13Prosperity is as much attitude as amountWe should desire excellence – II Corinthians 8:7We should recognize such excellence comes from God – II Corinthians 9:8-10We should be cheerful to give of or share our prosperityPlanningGiving is not haphazard – II Corinthians 9:7Giving demands thought; premeditation; intentWhat to put into the collectionWhat to give to charitable causesWhat balance to strike – II Corinthians 8:13-14Giving requires consideration of the giftIt’s ours – Acts 5:3-5God put it into our careWe should remember it is a gift from GodWe should consider how God would have us use itFollowing throughWhen we purpose, we determine to do what we purposedWe’re called to be steadfast – I Corinthians 15:58A sign of maturity – Ephesians 4:14Individual charitable givingWho is needy? Psalms 41:1-3Where do we find them?What are they in need of? Isaiah 58:6-11How much to we give?Could vary according to need.The rule is within your heart. II Corinthians 9:6-11Remember Matthew 25:32-46Don’t let your faith die a lonely death – James 2:15-17Fun facts on Old Testament givingHow much did Israelites give under the Law of Moses (Hint: it was not 10%)What giving was there besides the tithes? How about Leviticus 19? How big were the corners and how hard did they strike the trees? Deuteronomy 24:19-21How much was given in the form of sacrifices? Start looking with Leviticus 7. Much more to follow.What gifts were shared between the giver and the receiver? Deuteronomy 12:17-18; 14:22-29What was a votive offering? How often was it offered? Trick question!Giving under the law of Moses is not quantifiable. There was more free will than specified amounts. It was easily over the commonly accepted 10%.
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