Notes to accompany "Discipleship, Week 7"1) GIVING Malachi 3:8-10, Luke 6:38 "We give Thee but Thine own Tithing is to do with the heart of a disciple. Everything we have comes from God. 1 Chronicles 29:14 Tithing is a protection against materialism and idolatry. God promises to bless those who give generously. It's a Kingdom principle. We're made in God's image so we were created to give. But sin turns our giving into taking. Can't afford to tithe = Won't take that step
The tithe is designed to support the ministry of the church. Anything over that is an offering. 2) The power of sacrificial giving. "The only thing we ever have is what we give away"....Louis Ginsberg
3) Giving without limits "The world will never be won to Christ with what people can conveniently spare." ...Bernard Edinger The Church by and large gives from its leftovers, and the world notices. 4) Money, Passion, Heart "The workshop of character is everyday life. The uneventful and commonplace is where the battle is lost or won." ...Maltbie Babcock The Holy Spirit puts people and situations in front of us. This is where the formation of Christian Character occurs. This community needs to experience the love of God through the care of God's people. Such love is an expression of who we are in Christ, not of what we expect others to be or do. 5) Investing in Eternity "Where has Scripture made merit the rule or measure of charity."... William Law A Christian needs to have an eternal perspective. This is not our final home. Daily you and I have an opportunity to reflect and act upon our relationship with God, and with others. 2 Corinthians 13:13 Whenever we reach out and give, love grows. We cannot grasp Heaven and cling to the things of the world. Giving as a part of our discipleship is investing in forever. So we should give a tithe and beyond in obedience to God's commands and in response to His giving love for us. |