Financial Giving

Bible Passage: 1 Chronicles 29:1-19

I. David’s view of God

1. Kingdom belongs to God (29:11)
2. God is supreme over the earth and sky (29:11)
3. God is the source of wealth and honor (29:12, 14)
4. The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate giver

II. David’s view of himself

1. Nothing and no one is comparable with God (29:14)
2. Resident alien and nomad (29:14)

III. David’s view of wealth

1. God is the source of wealth (29:12)
2. God owns all that belong to David and nation Israel (29:16)
3. Therefore, the best of materials and efforts must go to God

IV. David’s teaching about giving

1. All wealth belongs to and come from God—thereby, men cannot in any real sense give materially to him (29:14)
2. Not only do men not possess anything independently of God, but they have no natural right to do so—because strangers and sojourners (29:15)
3. The use of the terms “strangers” and “sojourners” emphasizes the lack of entitlement to the wealth that he possesses

V. Giving is motivated by the “bigness” of God for (purpose clause) making Him “big”

1. David and the people of Israel gave freely

(a) “As far as I was able” (verse 2)
(b) “Because of the devotion that I have towards the house of God, I give all that I have” (verse 3)
(c) The people made freewill offering (verse 6)
(d) The people rejoiced because they gave willingly with a whole heart (verse 9)

2. Building the Temple for God was a joyful, willing team work
3. When they give willingly, they reflect God—particularly when they give and rejoice

VI. Jesus does not legislate giving, but He demonstrates giving (Mark 10:46)

VII. Jesus appreciated voluntary giving

1. Widow (Mark 12:41-44)
2. Unnamed woman (Mark 14:1-6) alabaster jar of pure nard
3. Paul teaches willing cheerful giving by taking God’s work and need into consideration (2 Corinthians 8 & 9)

VIII. General notes on “stewardship” (The position of the Crossroad Church)

1. The New Testament does not teach “tithe” for Christians
2. Believers do not relate to God by means of the Law which includes “tithe”
3. Believers must not give to God out of compulsion (it’s not the tax or a violation bill)
4. Giving is never legislated or forced upon, but it is spontaneous and the barometer of one’s love for God
5. A third party (pastor or elder) must not impose it on the believers. However, believers must be taught about it
6. Giving ought to be proportionate to the grace one receives from God
7. Believers must know that their Savior is God, not the wealth
8. It is an intentional imitation of the Father and the Son

Take Away

Give your resources willingly to take care of the ongoing ministry of this local church