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Should we only give if we have much?
In "Doctrinal Discussion" Jason Lindahl writes:
Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). Human nature being what it is, if people are led to believe that certain circumstances excuse them from tithing, they will tend always to find themselves in those circumstances! Instead of encouraging people to withhold more because they are poor, we should encourage them to step out in faith and trust a never-failing God to bless them for keeping His commands. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10).
Source: Building Christian Relationships: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 38.
The Practice of Tithing
In "Biblical Perspective" Larry Grile writes:
There are perhaps several important things to be said about this passage as well as the general issue of tithing, giving offerings, etc. Tithing was a practice long before the Old Testament Law was given (Gen. 14:20; 28:22). It was enlarged and required under the Sinai Covenant. Still in Jesus' day it was practiced by the adherents of the Law and was commended by Jesus (Matt. 23:23). After the inauguration of the New Covenant at Calvary, no more reference was made to tithing. The concept of tithing is found in only one place where Paul asked the Corinthians to lay aside money according to their financial profit during the week, to be given as an offering on the first day of the week when they gathered together for worship. Since tithing preceded the Law, was commanded as a worthy part of the Law, and was commended by Jesus, it has been generally considered by devout people as a proper way to honor God with our substance. Many have proven God's promise and found Him true to His word. As for offerings, Malachi was referring to special required offerings of animal sacrifices, etc., and to freewill offerings as mentioned in the Law.
Source: Building Christian Relationships: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 35.
The Attitude of Giving
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (v. 7).
Giving — proportionately, purposefully, willingly, even exuberantly: there is nothing like it. It is true that we are commanded to care for our own; I doubt that anyone disputes that. Watch for the needs of your family, those that are closest to you. When you are incapable of helping a particular need, ask God for the faith to believe in His unending care for His own. Then set your eyes on heaven and eternity; keep in mind the “recompense of the reward” to those who are faithful. Ask God to help you see, really see, needs. We have a special obligation to the local church — the “storehouse.” Give consideration to the outreach to the Native Americans, the inner cities, overseas missions, our Christian day schools, and Bible colleges. Joyously support traveling evangelists; give to local charities, those who are working with addicts, in prison ministries. Help sponsor a scholarship to a local Christian school or a Bible college. Don't be a grouch about giving back to God, for He loves a hilarious giver. (Leonard Sankey)
Give of your sons to bear the message glorious;
Give of your means to speed them on their way. — Mary A. Thomson
This devotional is the Sunday, April 9, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Small group discussion and reporting
Another effective learning technique is to divide the class into smaller groups who will spend time studying, researching, and debating a smaller aspect or issue, and then reporting to the whole group their findings and conclusions.
For example, in studying Lesson 6, the class could be divided into three groups. The first group could be given multiple scriptures that speak of tithing and giving offerings to God, with the question: “What are patterns we see about giving in God’s Word?” The second group could be tasked writing a list of 5–10 principles for giving from the primary text and supporting scriptures. The third group could compile a list of the many blessings God promises for those who have a giving, sacrificial heart.
These three groups would report to the whole group their findings. The main points could be listed on a whiteboard, and you as teacher could then spend time emphasizing the most important issues, leading the class in relevant discussion and consideration of practical application steps.
Christian Principles for Giving Money
Lesson 6 - April 9, 2003
Focus Text: Malachi 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:5-15
Central Truth: Proper biblical stewardship includes giving as God directs.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify ways in which their stewardship of money could be improved.
Lesson Outline:
- The Pattern for Giving (Malachi 3:7-12)
- The Principles of Giving (2 Corinthians 9:5-7)
- The Privileges of Giving (2 Corinthians 9:8-15)