Crazy Rich Giving
Money is a sensitive topic and some don’t like lessons aimed at their pocketbooks. I believe that one indicator of growth in the new life in Christ is in the area of giving. Giving is more of an issue of the heart. It is an act of worship. There are things in the Christian life that we can do yet we can do them for the wrong motives. In giving, motivation is crucial. There are many …
A. WRONG MOTIVES FOR GIVING:
- Pride. If you give to be honored by men for your great generosity, you are giving for the wrong reason. Giving is to be done in secret before God (Matt. 6:1-4)
- Greed. Many fall into this category, it is when we give to get something in return from God.
- Pressure. We are not to give “under compulsion” (2 Cor. 9:7).
B. RIGHT MOTIVES FOR GIVING:
- I give because I want to glorify and honor God. This is the very purpose of our existence (Revelation 4:11).
- I give because God has given to me. He gave His Son to provide for our salvation. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Because He has given so abundantly to us, we should respond by giving generously back to Him.
The Scriptures instruct us in Proverbs 3:9, “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first fruits of all your crops.” No greater example was ever set forth than the brothers and sisters in the Macedonian Churches when it comes to giving. They are neither crazy nor rich yet God has commended them for their crazy rich giving. Their example teaches us that we glorified and honored God when we…
“Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first fruits of all your crops.”
Proverbs 3:9
Give in Spite of Circumstances (2 Cor. 8:1-2)
The Macedonian churches that Paul was using as an example had experienced severe difficulties, and yet they had given generously. Their circumstances did not hinder them from giving in fact, they gave joyfully and generously.
When We Give Enthusiastically (2 Cor. 8:3-4)
It is possible to give generously but not give enthusiastically. The Macedonian churches needed no prompting or reminding, as did the church at Corinth. They were more than willing to give. Their giving was voluntary and spontaneous. It was of grace, not pressure. They gave because they wanted to give and because they had experienced the grace of God. The grace of God will open your heart and your hand.
When We Give as Jesus Gave (2 Cor. 8:5-9)
Jesus Christ is always the preeminent example for the believer to follow, whether in service, suffering, or sacrifice. Like Jesus Christ the Macedonian Christians gave themselves to God and to others (2 Cor 8:5). Jesus Christ gave Himself for us (Gal 1:4; 2:20). Should we not give ourselves to Him? Our giving must be motivated by love (2 Cor 8:7-8).
