Remember-
- Our commitment is first to God then to others (church).
- Commitment is not automatic.
- Commitment always begins somewhere.
The very essence of worship is to return to God what he has entrusted to you.
- He knows what we have to give.
The Lord knew the wealthy and the poor
Our faith is revealed in our giving, whether we have much or little.[1]
- He knows what we give.
The woman was known for the amount and percentage of her giving.
Our generosity represents us and the Lord.
- He cares about our giving.
He knows what we do from surplus and from sacrifice.
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Scriptural Generosity is living and giving as Christ has been generous to me.
4 Levels of Giving
- Obligation
- Convenience
- Generosity
- Sacrifice
Why Should I live and give Generously?
Example of the Old Testament
Tithe/Tithing
10-23.5%
Before Abraham
Before Law
The tithe is the floor and not the ceiling.
It is a numerical starting place to begin my grace giving journey.
Example of Christ
David Jeremiah says about 2 Corinthians 8:9
- He sacrificed a spiritual existence for a fleshly existence[2]
- He sacrificed the presence of God for the presence of men.[3]
- He sacrificed the beauty of heaven for the streets of earth.[4]
- He sacrificed His blood for my sins! * Rodney Holloman!
I will live generously
Commit to Give God the First of My Time
Daily Bible Reading and Prayer, Faithful church attendance, priority of family, finding a place of service
Commit to Give God the First of My Talents
God gave me abilities, I will use them for Him.
Commit to Give God the First of My Treasure
God gave me everything I have, I am just managing it for Him.
I will live and give generously.
[1] Jeremiah, D. (2001). Giving to god: Study guide (p. 37). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[2] Jeremiah, D. (2001). Giving to god: Study guide (p. 59). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[3] Jeremiah, D. (2001). Giving to god: Study guide (p. 59). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[4] Jeremiah, D. (2001). Giving to god: Study guide (p. 59). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.