Joy in Generosity

We give because we are commanded to give.

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.1 Corinthians 16:2

From the beginning of time, God has expected the tithe.

The tithe existed before the law.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.Genesis 14:18-20

The tithe was not optional, it was mandatory.

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.Malachi 3:8

While there is no New Testament mandate for the tithe, there is a mandate for

Regular “Upon the first day of the week…” All-Inclusive “every one of you…” Proportionate “as God hath prospered…” Giving “lay by him in store…”

We give to God first, not last.

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:Proverbs 3:9

We give God the best, not what’s leftover.

And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.Malachi 1:8

How much is our proportionate giving under the New Testament?

Jesus calls New Testament believers to a higher standard than the Law.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.Matthew 5:21-22

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.Matthew 5:27-28

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.Matthew 5:31-32

We that have received God’s grace, are indwelled with the Holy Spirit and live in one of the wealthiest civilizations in all of human history should desire to do more, not less. There is never an indication in Scripture where someone gave less than the tithe where it wasn’t considered theft.

Zacchaeus 50% & 400%

And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.Luke 19:8

The Widow in the Temple 100%

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.Mark 12:44

We give because we are moved by a need for the Gospel. (v.16)

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.2 Corinthians 8:1-5

The need of the Gospel in our city is great. The need of the Gospel around the world is great.

We give because He is worthy.

Our giving is an indication of our heart.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Matthew 6:19-21

God isn’t looking for donors, but disciples.

God has given you His resources to advance His kingdom. His blessings are simply a collateral benefit.

We must steward God’s resources in accordance with His guiding principles.

God promises to provide all of our needs according to His riches. (v.20)