BIBLE WAY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
DR. W.G (WILL) JACKSON, II, SENIOR PASTOR
BIBLE STUDY- September 11, 2024
STEWARDSHIP EMPHASIS MONTH
“God's Plan for Giving!”
Matthew 6:24 NKJV
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches).
2 Corinthians 9:6,7 NKJV
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Money is a good barometer on spirituality, because the way you handle your money is an indication of your Christian stewardship of life. Money is a constant thing. And the stewardship of money is a critical area of life.
The Christian is faced with many decisions regarding money. Basically, they fall into four categories.
Number one, how we feel about money. Number two, how we earn money. Number three, how we spend money. And number four, how we give money.
Also in regarding money, we are not to regard money as our own; It is God’s. We are stewards of it. Giving is never to be by coercion. It is never to be by fundraising. It is never to be by compulsion. It is - any gimmick is offensive to God.
The freewill giving was something again; it was always spontaneous, voluntary, no amount was ever stipulated, no frequency was ever stipulated.
Why does God want your money? It can’t be because He needs the financial help—He owns everything and has no need for anything, including your cash or your loose change.
Yet God gives to us, then requires we give in return for specific and important reasons—far loftier reasons than you may ever have imagined.
So what is the point behind placing your hard-earned money in the offering plate at church? If God doesn’t need money, why does He ask for it? What is the relationship between your possessions and your worship? And what about tithing?
God’s Plan for Giving explores God’s own thinking behind giving you financial resources and explains how the simple act of giving not only has eternal consequences, but also brings blessings to your life here and now. Giving to the Lord can and should be thoughtful, faithful, and joyful— God’s Plan for Giving shows how to make that a reality.
Giving in the Bible goes beyond simply donating money or material possessions.
It is a powerful expression of love, compassion, and gratitude towards others and towards God.
Giving Builds the Church
Giving to support the work of the Church is a fundamental principle that we should embrace wholeheartedly.
By giving generously, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our commitment to His work on earth.
It is not simply an act of financial support, but a reflection of our gratitude and obedience to God's commandments.
As we give, we become part of something greater than ourselves, contributing to the growth and impact of the Kingdom of God.
The act of giving is rooted in the character of God himself.
He is the ultimate Giver, freely bestowing His blessings upon us.
When we give, we reflect His nature and channel His provision to those in need.
It is an act of love and compassion towards our fellow brothers and sisters, extending the grace and mercy that we have received from God.
Giving is not only about monetary contributions but also includes sharing our time, talents, and resources for the benefit of others.
Giving is an act of trust in God's faithfulness and provision.
It challenges us to rely on Him for our needs and to view our possessions as gifts from Him.
When we give sacrificially, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that He is ultimately in control.
It breaks the grip of materialism and opens our hearts to the abundant blessings that God desires to pour out upon us.
By giving, we also participate in the work of the Church and the advancement of God's purposes.
It enables ministries to flourish, outreach to happen, and communities to be transformed.
Our contributions have a tangible impact on the lives of others, spreading the message of hope, love, and salvation.
Giving is not just a financial transaction.
It is a spiritual act of worship that connects us to the body of Christ and aligns us with God's mission.
What Are the 5 Benefits When We Give:
Giving is a foundational principle in the Bible that is advocated for by the Holy Spirit.
The act of giving is not only a reflection of our gratitude and obedience to God, but it also comes with several benefits that impact our lives and the lives of those around us.
1. Purpose
Giving provides us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When we give selflessly, we are able to contribute to a greater cause and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
This gives us a deep sense of satisfaction and joy, knowing that our actions have made a difference.
2. Cultivates the heart
When we give it cultivates a generous and compassionate heart within us.
As we consistently give of our time, resources, and talents, we develop a mindset of abundance and learn to prioritize the needs of others.
This helps us to grow in empathy and kindness, mirroring the character of Christ.
3. Builds trust
Giving builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
When we give to others, we communicate our care and concern for them.
This fosters a sense of trust and builds deeper connections with those around us.
As we sow seeds of generosity, we are also more likely to receive support and help in times of need.
4. Financial wisdom
When we give, it promotes financial wisdom and stewardship.
By willingly parting with our possessions or money, we learn to detach ourselves from the materialistic mindset that can consume us.
Instead, we prioritize investing in eternal treasures and become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.
5. Sowing and reaping
Giving activates the principle of sowing and reaping in our lives.
The Bible tells us that when we give generously, we will reap a harvest in return.
This does not necessarily mean financial gain, but rather a harvest of blessings, favor, and spiritual growth.
As we sow seeds of generosity, we open ourselves up to receiving God's abundant provision in every area of our lives.
What Are the Principles of Being A Giver?
The principles of giving are rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the example He set.
It is crucial for every believer to understand and practice these principles in their lives to experience the blessings and fulfill the purpose of giving.
1. Giving should be done willingly and cheerfully.
The Bible teaches us that "God loves a cheerful giver."
When we give with a joyful heart, we reflect the nature of our loving and generous God.
It is not about how much we give but the attitude behind our giving that matters.
A generous heart is a thankful heart, and it opens up doors for God's blessings to flow abundantly.
2. Giving should be done sacrificially.
Jesus Himself exemplified sacrificial giving when He laid down His life for us on the cross.
In the same way, we are called to give sacrificially, not just from our abundance, but from our very selves.
It may require us to give up our comfort, time, or resources for the sake of others.
When we choose to sacrifice, we align ourselves with the heart of God and become conduits of His love and provision.
3. Giving should be done with intentionality and wisdom.
We are instructed to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
This means that we should give thoughtfully, considering the needs of others and seeking God's guidance in how to best utilize our resources.
It is important to give to causes and individuals that align with God's purposes and values, ensuring that our giving has a lasting impact.
4. Giving should be done in faith.
As believers, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness and provision.
When we give, we demonstrate our reliance on Him as our ultimate provider.
Giving in faith means stepping out of our comfort zones and allowing God to work in and through us.
It is a recognition that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him, and it is our privilege to participate in His kingdom work.
