Alternate Tuesday

7.00 pm to 8.00 pm

Bible Study Time

HOW GODS SEES OUR GIVING

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Mark12:41

41And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.^f 43And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

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Notes:

What we give to God’s work is great but how and why we give is greater

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Jesus’ observation was not just on the amount, but on the heart behind the giving.

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The Widow's Offering:

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two small copper coins—the smallest currency of the time, equivalent to about a fraction of a penny.

Despite its small value, it was everything she had – 100%

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His evaluation was not based on the amount, but on the sacrifice and faith it demonstrated.

Why 10% - The Tithe

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1. A token of faithfulness and trust.
2. substantial enough to reflect sacrifice but manageable enough for consistent obedience.
3. Support for the Levitical Priesthood:
• The tribe of Levi had no land inheritance; their portion was the tithe (Numbers 18:21-24).
• The tithe allowed them to serve in the temple full-time.
4. Meeting the Needs of the Poor and the Stranger:
• Every third year, the tithe was stored up for the poor, the fatherless, and the widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
5. Spiritual Discipline:
• It disciplined Israel to be generous, faithful, and dependent on God.
• It prevented greed and materialism by constantly redirecting wealth towards God’s purposes.

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During the reign of unfaithful kings, the practice was neglected, and Israel paid a great price.

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1. Temple neglect & Service: Levites abandoned the temple and went out to their own field – Neh. 13:10-11
2. Spiritual and Moral Decline. Led to a strained relationship with God – Mal.3:8-9
3. Economic Hardship: poor harvests, drought, and general economic distress – Hag.1:6-11
4. No provision for the needy: the foreigners, orphans, and widows, Levites suffered. It led to social injustice & inequality – Deut.26:12-15

Practical Application for Today

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• Regular Giving: The 10% principle can serve as a starting point for consistent generosity.
• Beyond the Tithe: New Testament believers are encouraged to give sacrificially and cheerfully—beyond the 10% where possible.
• Mission Support: Just as the tithe supported the Levites, our giving supports pastors, missions, and community outreach.
• Kingdom Investment: Giving is an investment in eternal things—lives transformed, communities reached, and the gospel advanced.

Various form of giving played out –

• Offerings, Alms, Apostolic support, Sacrificial

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Acts 2: 44

44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

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Acts 4:36-37

36Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Giving in The Early church