Purpose Driven - Generosity
Purpose Driven - Generosity
Purpose Driven - Generosity
As we have covered last week, God’s vision for His church is to be a base church
that reaches out with the gospel of Jesus Christ to the cities and nations of the
world. The big question then becomes how we do that, there is a practical
element to the going of the gospel and chief among many of them is our
generosity.
Exodus 12:35
35 Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they
had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. 36
And the LORD had given the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that
they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
When children of Israel where leaving Egypt God made sure they got silver and
gold from the Egyptians. As we would find out later, it was for the building of the
temple, Exodus 25.
TITHING
WHAT IS A TITHE?
This is when a proportion of at least a tenth or ten percent of your income is given
to your church.
◾ It is a Biblical requirement and pattern that PEOPLE who are involved in full
time ministry be financially supported by those who receive the ministry. In
the Old Testament God commanded that the Levites should receive the tithe
because they were special servants of the Lord. Numbers 18:21-24.
◾Malachi 3:10
So that there may be FOOD / BREAD in my house. That word BREAD have two
implications. Firstly food or bread in its PHYSICAL form and BREAD in the
SPIRITUAL form which is the WORD of God.
◾ In the NEW TESTAMENT for word of God to be there, we have people that
are committed to it. Paul makes it clear that the Lord’s money should be
shared with those who are teaching and preaching the Word of God. He
argues that it is his right to reap a material harvest from those he serves
spiritually. The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should
receive their living from the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14.
I Timothy 5:17-18
◾JESUS was SUPPORTED by grateful people such as women in Luke 8:2-3 and
Matthew 27:55. He did not provide for His and His disciples needs by
supernatural means. Judas was His treasurer and looked after gifts given to
Jesus and His ministry.
◾ The tithe was given on an annual basis in the Old Testament while on a
weekly basis in the New Testament. It depends on when you are paid and
should be the first fruits (that is, the first deduction you make).
Exodus 23:19a, Numbers 18:12, Nehemiah 10:35-38.
“90% with the blessing of the Lord achieve much more than 100% without the
blessing of the Lord.” Bruce McAlpine
Protection over their lives, wealth and resources. Malachi 3:11
◾ To HOUSE of the Lord. There's bread in the house, hence the GOSPEL is
preached to the nations. The Great commission to be fulfilled. Malachi 3:12
🔸The Kingdom of God advanced.
OFFERINGS
Exodus 25:1, also known as FREEWILL OFFERINGS. This is when a person gives as
they feel in their heart.
II Corinthians 9:6-8
You are to give as you have decided, make a decision. Don't give
reluctantly.
Tithing demonstrates OBEDIENCE to God but offerings demonstrates LOVE
FOR GOD. Generosity is an expression of love. John 3:16.
It’s about the heart not the amount (Mark 12:41-43).God sees your heart.
In a modern day setup that's what you use to pay your bills, buy equipment or
furniture as well as maintenance.
In summary
◾The Bible teaches that God demands our tithes whereas He deserves our
offerings.
◾We use offerings for “THINGS” while tithing is used for “PEOPLE.
ALMS GIVING
Alms giving is giving specifically to the poor or to meet a need.
Almsgiving can be administered through the church (Acts 2:45, Acts 11:27)
or through directly to individuals. (Luke 3:11)
We don't do it to SHOW OFF but as expression of our FAITH. Matthew 6:1-
2, James 2:14-17, I Timothy 5:8
Its a demonstration of love for people and ultimately for God. Remember,
we show our love for God by loving His people. I John 3:17-18
APOSTOLIC GIVING
This is giving our money towards the extension of God’s kingdom into the
nations. We should contribute generously to His purpose of world evangelism.
We are co-workers with God (1 Cor 3:9). We are to be helping Him carry out
His plan of redeeming the world. We should see our giving going out all over
the world, carrying the truth to the nations. Paul, the apostle, received gifts
from various churches
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PRACTICAL HINTS
• Tithe 10% of your gross salary to your local church.
• The tithe must be first-fruits. Tithe when you receive your salary, wages
or other income.
• Never give out of manipulation, but rather out of conviction.
• God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:6-8). Don’t give reluctantly.
• Think before giving a pledge as this should always be honoured.
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IDEAL CHURCH
◾ Able to support those who serve.
◾ Able to run its affairs, is debt free and continues to grow and develop.
◾ Remembers the poor and the disadvantaged. Widows, orphans etc.
◾ Fully committed to the preaching and spreading of the gospel.