Introduction
If we want to avoid becoming enmeshed in materialism, we not only need to cultivate a lifestyle of spiritual growth and ministry; we also need to cultivate a godly manner of dealing with our money and material possessions. The Bible describes this as a habit of consistent, sacrificial financial giving to God's work.
HERBERT KANE: "The last part of the person to convert is the wallet." How true we've seen this to be! Therefore, we need to form deep biblical convictions about this area as soon as possible in our Christian lives.
Remember the connection between our perspective on material things and spiritual things.
Matt. 6:21 "...for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
The main text for tonight's study is 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. The historical setting had Paul taking up a collection for the Jerusalem church (1 Cor. 16:1-3). It was most likely for famine relief.
(1 Cor. 16:1-3) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. {2} On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. {3} And when I arrive, whomever you may approve, I shall send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;
The Corinthians had evidently pledged a certain amount to this (2 Cor 8:10). . .
(2 Cor. 8:10) And I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it.
. . . but now they were not coming through on their commitment. This is one more symptom of the carnality that had plagued the Corinthian church.
Therefore, Paul writes this reminder which is designed to motivate them to give. This passage contains many important principles of giving for the Christian. The first, and perhaps most important biblical principle is...
1. Giving is motivated by grace ( 2Cor. 8:1-4,9; 9:15)
(2 Cor. 8:1-4) Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, {2} that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. {3} For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, {4} begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, {9}For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
(2 Cor. 9:15) Thanks be to God for His [emphasis ours] indescribable gift!
Paul holds up the Macedonian Christians as an example. They viewed giving as a privilege which they begged to have even in the midst of great persecution and poverty--because their motivation was "the grace of God." Why does grace motivate giving?
They were so thankful for Christ's sacrifice for them (8:9), and so vitally aware of what they had received in Christ (forgiveness, eternal life, growth, new family, etc.) that they were motivated out of gratitude to give as much as they could (e.g. Scrooge - someone who eventually saw what he could be rescued from and responded with generosity; Lk. 7:47). This is the foundational motivation for all forms of Christian giving (e.g. O.T. Thank-Offering >> Rom. 12:1 >> Phil. 4:18). This is probably why Paul "bookends" the imperitives of the section from 2 Cor. 8:1 through 9:15 with grace.
(Rom. 12:1) I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
(Phil. 4:18) But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
Attitudes toward giving under grace vs. under law
Under law: "I give in order to be accepted by God." This motive is characteristic of other religions. They usually make giving one of the good works by which we earn God's acceptance (ISLAM: alms as one of 5 PILLARS; CATHOLIC INDULGENCES IN THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH; MASSES FOR THE DEAD TODAY). In other words, we give in order to be accepted by God.
INDULGENCES in the medieval Catholic church...
Medieval people had a very real dread of the period of punishment they faced in purgatory... The church taught that before they reached heaven they had to be cleansed of every sin committed in mortal life and they feared purgatory's pains. Indulgences were a way of shortening the punishment in purgatory.
Luther and others charged that indulgences turned men away from God's forgiveness.
John Hus and others (e.g. John of Wesel) were persecuted (in Hus' case, burnt at the stake) for opposing the sale of indulgences and other unbiblical practices.
In other words, we give in order to be accepted by God.
Under grace: We give because we have been accepted by God.
Under law: "My giving is a duty which I resent." This is the natural consequence of a works-righteousness mentality.
Under grace: "My giving is a privilege which I enjoy."
Under law: "I give the least I can to keep God and others off my back." Stinginess always flows from law-living. Warning signs include hearing yourself ask AND focus on, "What's the right amount to give?" "I don't want to be irresponsible toward my obligations to the family!" C.S. Lewis gave about two-thirds of his income away. (introduction to Letters to an American Lady).
Under grace: "I give as much I can to express my gratitude to God for his love."
Qualification: Many Christians misinterpret or misapply 2 Cor. 9:7 (Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.) Misinterpretations include the following ideas:
The second biblical principle of financial giving is...
2. Christians Are Stewards (2 Cor. 8:5)
Blue defines stewardship as "the use of God-given resources for the accomplishment of God-given goals." (Ron Blue, Master Your Money (New York; Thomas Nelson), p. 23.)
(2 Cor 8:5) and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
Paul emphasizes that the Macedonians "first . . . gave themselves to the Lord . . . " They recognized that their entire lives belonged to the Lord and then were generous with their money. Often times the stingy person has not given himself completely to the Lord.
(Rev. 5:12) saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."
The Lord is worthy of our commitment. Our stewardship should be our response to what he's done on our behalf.
Paul urges this type of commitment in Romans.
(Romans 12:1) I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Giving should be an expression of our identity as God's stewards. When the biblical affirmation of private property is not tempered by this truth, the result is autonomous materialism (Acts 5:4; 2 Thess. 3:12-- both demonstrate recognition of private ownership in the NT).
Biblical implications of stewardship
(Psa. 24:1) The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.
(1 Cor. 4:7) For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
NOTE: The matter of stewardship extends to spiritual gifts, family, and all earthly possessions.
(Luke 14:33) So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.
(Luke 16:9-11) And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon (money) of unrighteousness; that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. 10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 11 "If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon (money), who will entrust the true riches to you?
The context of this passage is the parable of the unrighteous steward. Jesus makes the point that one can use temporal resources to advance God's kingdom.
(Mat. 25:19, 21) Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them...21 "His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.'
(1 Cor. 3:13) ...each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work
(Rom. 14:12) So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Attitudes toward giving as an owner vs. as a steward
As stewards, God has all the rights; we have all the responsibilities. There are key distinctions to know and understand:
> Stewards ask "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?"
It is appropriate for the steward to have enough to live on and provide for his family--but never to live luxuriously while the owner's affairs are neglected. Yet statistics reveal that as most Christians' income goes up, their percentage of giving goes down.
This mentality often results in big debt with the availability of consumer credit. A substantial debt burden often limits a Christian's ability to give and/or minister more. Married couples cite money issues as one of the most common reasons for marital problems.
> Stewards ask "How will this purchase affect my ability to advance God's purposes?"
Certainly, being able to afford something is a necessary but not sufficient reason for buying something.
We may give up an affordable purchase so that we would not tempt others who don't have the financial means to live at the same level.
We should also consider the affect that our purchases have on shaping our children's perspective on materialism.
We should consider our motivation in providing for our children. Our society tells us that we are good parents if we give the "best" stuff to our children, but we must realize that we are teaching them to derive their identity from what they own. They feel better about themselves because they wear the right label. I don't want my kids to grow up thinking that way. When we give all "the best" to our kids, rather than providing them freedom and a good self image, we enslave them to the opinions of others.
This is why stewards are committed to spending less than they make.
When we live with a grace-motivated attitude and a steward mentality, we are able to enjoy our giving and the possessions and pleasures God grants us.
(1 Chr. 29:6-22) Then the rulers of the fathers' households, and the princes of the tribes of Israel, and the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with the overseers over the king's work, offered willingly; (7) and for the service for the house of God they gave 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, and 10,000 talents of silver, and 18,000 talents of brass, and 100,000 talents of iron. (8) And whoever possessed precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in care of Jehiel the Gershonite. (9) Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the LORD with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly. (10) So David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, "Blessed art Thou, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever . . .(12) Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone . . . (14) For all things come from Thee, and from Thy hand we have given Thee . . . (16) and all is Thine . . . (20) And all the assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers, and bowed low and did homage to the LORD and to the king. (21) And on the next day they made sacrifices to the LORD and offered burnt offerings to the LORD, 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams and 1,000 lambs, with their libations and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. (22) So they ate and drank that day before the LORD with great gladness . . .
> Stewards say "I will seek wise counsel so I can be faithful with God's resources."
Instead of viewing our finances and giving as our private business, we will begin (as with all important decisions) to see what God's Word says about it, and ask counsel from other more mature Christians (light from Word; unforeseen implications).
Each of us is ultimately responsible for the use of our finances. Therefore we should approach financial decisions with a spiritual perspective and with sobriety. If we find ourselves troubled in this area, we may need to ask ourselves if we have truly given ourselves fully to God as in Romans 12:1 and 2 Cor. 8:5.
The third biblical principle of financial giving is...
3. Our financial giving is an index of our spiritual vitality and maturity (2 Cor. 8:7).
How would you respond to someone who insists they are spiritually mature because they tithe despite the fact that they don't know the Word, rarely pray, and aren't in fellowship? We recognize that the absence of any one of these robs us of spiritual vitality. We need to recognize also, that the absence of a sacrificial giving ministry robs us of spiritual vitality.
(Luke 12:34) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Xenos Christian Fellowship has had the opposite problem historically: For example one might say, "Since I know some scripture and I'm busy with God's work, I am spiritually mature even though I don't give sacrificially." Paul's point in 2 Cor. 8:7 is that giving is just as much a part of the profile of spiritual maturity as the other things they boasted about.
(Ron Blue) "Your checkbook reveals all that you really believe about stewardship . . . A person who has been a Christian for even a short while can fake prayer, Bible study, evangelism, going to church, but he can't fake what his checkbook reveals. Maybe that is why so many of us are so secretive about our personal finances.
(1 Tim. 3:3,8) [Elders must be] . . . free from the love of money . . . (8) Deacons likewise must be men of dignity . . .
4. Give according to what you have (8:12).
(2 Cor 8:12) For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have.
Because our financial situations vary widely according to many factors (earning power, family size, previous money management, etc.), it is impossible and unscriptural to set a monetary standard for what constitutes significant giving. God sets a different standard. 2 Cor. 8:12 says it is our readiness to give, not the amount we give, that God prizes. It is our willingness to sacrifice for him that pleases God more than the actual amount. This is what Ron Blue calls the "could give" level. This is why Paul holds up the Macedonians as models, just as Jesus holds up the widow in Mk. 12:41-44. We may give significantly no matter how little we may have.
(Mark 12:41-44) And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the multitude were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. (42) And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. (43) And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; (44) for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on."
(Oswald Sanders)"This is. . . the new mathematics, the arithmetic of heaven. God estimates our gifts not so much by their financial value, as by the sacrifice involved, the love that accompanies it, and the amount that is left. The supreme value of the widow's gift lay in the fact that she `out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on' - while the others gave `out of their surplus' (Mk. 12:44). Here is a searching test of our giving, but that incident should greatly encourage those who have only a little to give, but give it gladly." (Oswald Sanders, Enjoying Intimacy With God (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980), p. 155.)
Applications: What does this look like?
A. Start giving now.
Many Christians do not give because they think what they can afford to give right now is so small it doesn't matter (e.g. students; adults digging out of debt: "I'll wait until I'm making more, get out of debt, fund my retirement, etc., then I'll start giving.").
However, unless we take specific measures, we will tend to spend our disposable income on ourselves, whatever it is. Those who do not start giving when they have little left never seem to have anything but little left!
Even if the amount can only be very small initially, establishing this habit will begin to bring you joy and motivate you to get in a position to be able to give more.
B. Choose an amount that affects your lifestyle.
If you can't feel it, it isn't sacrificial--and this is a reflection of our view of God. This is why God rebuked Israel for only offering crippled animals (Mal. 1:6-14). They weren't really thanking God; they were going through a tokenistic religious show. Remember too that in giving the "best" of the flock that they exercised faith, trusting God to provide more.
(Mal. 1:6-14) "'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?' says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, 'How have we despised Thy name?' (7) You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, 'How have we defiled Thee?' In that you say, 'The table of the LORD is to be despised.' (8) But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?" says the LORD of hosts. (9) "But now will you not entreat God's favor, that He may be gracious to us? With such an offering on your part, will He receive any of you kindly?" says the LORD of hosts. (10) "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you," says the LORD of hosts, "nor will I accept an offering from you. (11) For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations," says the LORD of hosts. (12) "But you are profaning it, in that you say, 'The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised.' (13) You also say, 'My, how tiresome it is!' And you disdainfully sniff at it," says the LORD of hosts, "and you bring what was taken by robbery, and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?" says the LORD. (14) "But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock, and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King," says the LORD of hosts, "and My name is feared among the nations."
An excellent mindset to have is that you want to live NOW in such a way that if the Lord called you to full-time ministry, you could do it.
Although the tithe is no longer in force, 10% is a good rule of thumb and feasible for many of us as a starting point. We can give that off the top, and then if we prosper more at the end of the month/year, we can give more. Certainly, since the tithe was given under the Law, grace should out-produce the Law in its giving!
Make this a matter of family discussion. Parents shouldn't automatically answer kids' financial requests with "We can't afford it." Rather, we should say, "We could do/buy that--but we have chosen not to so we can serve the Lord and others . . . or because we would have to work so much more that we couldn't spend enough time with you as a family."
C. Incorporate your giving as a definite part of your budget.
Give "off the top" (like our bills) at the beginning of the month, pay-period, etc. (Prov. 3:9; 1 Cor. 16:2). Do not view your giving commitment as disposable income, but rather like your rent/mortgage, food and utility bills, etc. "Wants" should always wait until this commitment has been honored.
(Prov. 3:9) Honor the LORD from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce . . .
(1 Cor. 16:2) On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
Giving sporadically according to dramatic needs is inadequate, because ministry needs are very regular. Big needs require financial preparation. Church leaders need to plan financially, which requires regular income. Our giving will also be lower than if we commit ourselves to a regular amount. This is Paul's point in 9:5--good giving intentions are often sabotaged by covetousness.
Be faithful to this commitment even when unexpected needs arise (unless impossible). This gives God the opportunity to show you his faithfulness (PERSONAL EXAMPLES).
Some may object to a pledge with the statement, "But it seems so impersonal." But the Bible insists that we can and should give regularly and with the right heart attitude, just like we should assemble with other Christians regularly and with the proper attitude (Heb. 10:24,25). If you give regularly but heartlessly, the solution is not to cease giving, but to get before God and change your heart! Those who wait until their heart attitude is right to start regular giving never seem to get there.
"What about windfalls (bonuses; gifts; inheritances)?" Unless we plan in advance how we will deal with unexpected income, our flesh just takes over and we will spend it selfishly. We must remember that financial abundance is not necessarily a blessing and in fact, may lead to one's spiritual demise. On the other hand we could bless others with our riches and receive a blessing from God.
Shouldn't we expect to give more than 10% of windfalls?
"What about faith giving?" Individuals are free to give even "beyond their ability" if they believe God wants them to and can trust him to meet their financial needs in extraordinary ways. The Macedonians did this (8:3), and Paul holds them up as an example much like Jesus did the widow. If you choose to do this, you should accept full responsibility for the outcome and look to the Lord for your help, not expecting other Christians to make up the short-fall.
5. The needs of others should have a moral bearing on our finances (2 Cor. 8:13-15).
2CO 8:13-15 For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality-- 14 at this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality; 15 as it is written, "HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK."
"Equality" here means that every Christian has sufficient resources. God gives me an excess of money (in part) so I can make up for the lack of another Christian (Eph. 4:28). The situation may well be reversed at another time. God has a special concern for the poor (Prov. 14:31).
(Eph. 4:28) Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.
(Gal. 6:10) So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
(Prov. 14:31) He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.