Passage: Spiritual Disciplines | Lesson 10
Spiritual Discipline of GivingKevin Chan, Ph.D. | May 24, 2015
Opening Questions:
1. Should FCBC LA accept online giving for tithes and offering? List pro's and cons.
2. If online giving becomes available, how should FCBC LA implement it?
1. Review – Godliness and the Spiritual Discipline of Serving
Godliness is the personal attitude towards God that results in actions that pleases Him. Spiritual Discipline of Serving is the spiritual practice (habit) towards God of Christ-modeled service to others.
“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” -Mark 10:43-45
a. I am expected to serve God
b. I should understand, embrace and use my God-given SHAPE (i.e. Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities,
Personality, Experience)
c. I will commit to improving my service to God (through the habit of serving)
2. What is Biblical Stewardship?
a. Steward - Greek:”oikonomos” – a manager of a household (Lk 12:42-44; Tit 1:7; 1 Pet 4:10)
b. Definition
“The RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT of all the resources of life for the glory of God.”
c. Resources of life
Tangible: Finances (e.g. Money, Property), Families, Our Bodies, Our Environment
Intangible: Time, Influence, Opportunity, Energy
3. What is Financial Stewardship?
• Tithes and Offering (it starts here!)
• Working, Earning & Investing
• Spending and Saving
• Borrowing and Lending
• Budgeting and Risk-Management
• Family Finances
• Partnerships & Business Practices
• Estate Planning
4. What is the difference between Tithes and Offering?
a. Tithe – “Tenth” or 10% (a regular practice instructed by God)
i. Old Testament
1. Abraham (Gen 14:17-20) & Jacob (Gen 28:18-22)
2. Mosaic Law: 3 different Tithes,
1) Levitical support - Lev 27:30-32; Num 18:21-24;
2) Celebration of Harvest - Deut 14:22-27;
3) Levites, Orphans, Widows, Immigrants every 3rd year - Deut 14:28-29, Deut 26:12
Other Sacrifices - Sin, Guilt, Freewill (dedication), Peace (thank, vow, freewill), Grain & Drink (first fruits) Offerings
ii. New Testament
1. Jesus taught using it, Mk 12:41-44; Lk 21:1-4; Matt 6:2-4
2. Early church took support, Acts 2:44-45; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 1 Tim 5:9,17-18
b. Offering – Beyond a Tithe (special, moved by the heart)
i. Old Testament - Freewill offering, Ex. 35:29, cf. v.20
ii. New Testament: Early Church gifts, Acts 11:27-30; Phil 4:15-18
5. What is the purpose of Tithing?
Deuteronomy 14:23 (NASB)
“You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow, …, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.”
Tithing teaches us to put God first (Jesus is Lord of my life) and grows our love and trust in Him.
6. How can Tithes and Offerings be pleasing to God?
Proverbs 3:5-10 – WITH HONOR, GIVING THE BEST, ACT OF TRUST
Matthew 6:1-4 – SECRETLY (HUMBLY)
Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4 – SACRIFICIALLY
Luke 16:10-13 – TRUSTWORTHINESS AND FAITHFULNESS
Acts 2:43-45; 4:32-35; 11:27-30 – UNSELFISHLY AND COMPASSIONATELY
1 Corinthians 16:1-4 – SYSTEMATICALLY AND PLANNED; INTENTIONAL
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 – WILLINGLY AND CHEERFULLY
Philippians 4:15-20 – ACT OF WORSHIP TO GOD
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – FAITH IN GOD’S RICHES, GENEROUSLY, PREPARED
1 Corinthians 13-3 – OUT OF LOVE
a. It expresses your heart of GRATITUDE (Past)
b. It expresses your heart of PRIORITY (Present)
c. It expresses your heart of FAITH (Future)
7. How does my giving please Godly?
a. What is your challenge to Godly giving?
b. Where can I improve in Godly giving?
c. How can I improve in Godly giving?
d. What can help me improve in Godly giving?
8. Conclusion – The Promise to the Godly giver (Mal 3:8-12, cf. Matt 6:19-21; 1 Tim 6:18-19)
• God desires to bless His people in abundance, Mal 3:10
• His blessing is influenced by the practice of tithing (giving)
• He withholds His blessings to the unfaithful giver
• He extends His blessings to the faithful giver
• God challenges His people to “test” Him on the practice of Godly giving
• HEAVENLY GUARANTEE
No matter the results in this world, God promises heavenly blessings and treasures to the
Godly giver that will never rust or be stolen.
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