A Sacrifice of Faith
Theological Proposition/Focus: God invites his people to join with him through the act of giving.
Homiletical Proposition/Application: A key part of living a disciplined life is determining to regularly tithe.
Introduction:
Image:
Need:
Subject: Tithing, giving
Preview: Today we are going to talk about generosity as a spiritual discipline. We will begin with what, move to why, and conclude with how.
Text: 2 Cor. 9:7
Setting the Stage:
What is a Spiritual Discipline.
We are in the middle of a series focusing on spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are the regular practices that when systematically practiced can help an individual nurture their relationship with God and grow in Christ likeness. None of the Spiritual Disciplines are new ideas but the label Spiritual Discipline makes it clear that these practices should be should b a regular and purposeful part of the Christian life. The term Spiritual Discipline also acknowledges that these practices are not necessarily easy or something that comes naturally to every Christian. It takes work energy and effort to live a disciplined life.
There are several examples of Spiritual Disciplines, some we have talked about, and some we still need to talk about.
Prayer
Bible study
Meditation
Fasting
Today we are going to talk about generosity as a Spiritual Discipline.
Generosity, or giving, is an important discipline. Generosity requires faith and selflessness, should be purposeful, and can have amazing benefits.
Body
What does it look like to make giving a spiritual discipline?
Regular, systematic giving, is the standard in Scripture. (1 Cor. 16:2)
In 1 Cor. 16:2 we see that there are some important guidelines for giving.
Paul never used the word “tithe” when he discussed giving but that does not mean he does not have tithing in mind.
According to Paul, giving should be systematic
Giving should be regular (practiced every Sunday in a culture that was paid on a daily basis.)
Giving should be proportionate with one's income.
The tithe (10%) is a good minimum standard.
There is a strong biblical precedent for a tithe consisting of 10%.
Abraham tithes 10% to Melchizedek who was described as a priest of God Most High in Gen. 14:18-20
Jacob vowed to give God 10% after dreaming of a ladder reaching to heaven in Genesis 28:12-22.
The Israelites were commanded to give 10% to the levites for their service to God in Numbers 18:20-32.
Tithing was reinstated as part of the reforms of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31:2-12.
In Nehemiah 10:32-39 the people vow to reinstate the tithe.
Since the first-fruits belong to God I would recommend that you calculate your 10% before taxes.
But don't let that stop you from tithing, just get things going!
Generosity should be shone through offerings above and beyond a tithe. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Everyone is commanded to tithe.
Those who have the capacity to be more generous should be more generous.
Money can cause several problems and giving above and beyond the is commanded by Paul.
Arrogance in wealth should be replaced with generosity.
Confidence in one's money should be replaced with steps of faith through sacrificial giving.
Image: There are so many examples of money destroying people's life
Lifting writes,
The alluring but vain and plastic substitutes for life, supplied by an unhealthy attachment to material things, pale into worthlessness when compared with that life which is found in Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 16:24–26), who is Himself the Life (John 14:6) and whom to know is life everlasting (John 17:3). [1]
Monetary giving is expected but should not replace giving of oneself. (Romans 12:1)
Why should I make giving a spiritual discipline? (2 Cor. 9:6-15)
God chooses to connect the size of the harvest with the scope of sowing (a natural and spiritual principle). (6).
God loves generosity. (7)
Image: The joy of giving the right gift. Emily and my Christmas Eve shopping competition.
God provides the gift. (8-11)
Image: Dad giving a quarter every Sunday for the offering.
God receives further glory through your giving. (12-14)
How can I make giving a spiritual discipline?
MTR: Determine to regularly and systematically give. (1 Cor. 16:2)
MTR: Look and ask for opportunities to give above and beyond your tithe. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
MTR: Give freely of your most valuable resource, time. (Romans 12:1)
- ↑ A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 748.
