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Commentary on "Stewardship"
Day 5: Wednesday, June 10, 2009
This lesson argues that God owns everything, but He expects us to give tithes and offerings of at least 10%. Blessings will follow our faithfulness in giving.
Problems
In all of Paul's letters, he never taught a formula for giving. Instead,the New Testament teaches generosity and honesty:
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, 'He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God" (2 Cor. 9:6-11).
Now let's look at what Luke records about Jesus' comments on giving,
"Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box,and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, 'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on'" (Luke 21:1-4).
Jesus was not establishing a formula for giving. The woman in the passage was a widow; she had no man responsible for her. She was trusting God as her Provider, and in her total devotion to Him, she trusted Him with everything she had. This devotion and trust and dependence on God were what Jesus commended to His disciples.
Finally, the story of Ananias and Sapphira demonstrates a new covenant principle of honesty with God concerning one's finances and giving.
"'But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.' When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.…After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, 'Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.' And she said, 'Yes, for so much.' But Peter said to her, 'How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.' Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband" (ACTS 5:3-10).
This story illustrates God's authority in His church. His presence is realized by the Holy Spirit's indwelling of each born-again member. Each member must be honest regarding his own commitments to the church because a commitment to Christ's church is a commitment not merely to church leaders or an organization but to God Himself. One cannot think he can deceive the Holy Spirit.
Summary
Important Resouces
Be sure to watch this sermon: "Generous Living" by Gary Inrig. This is an excellent study on the Bible's teaching on giving. More of Gary's sermon's in the series "Dollars and Sense" are found here.
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