Biblical Generosity
In a recent sermon, we looked at what the Bible has to say about generosity. Jesus talks a great deal about giving in the Gospels, more than any other subject (other than himself). When Jesus talks about money and generosity he is not actually after our money, he is after our discipleship and formation in Him.
We began by looking at how everything we have is a gift from God. It is all given to us by God to steward (Gen 1:28, Deut 10:14, Ps 89:11). Understanding this helps us have the posture to be open-handed with everything we have.
As a part of this overview of giving, we looked at what the whole Bible says about giving, especially as it relates to the tithe. There is often confusion as it relates to the tithe. Most theologians believe there were three primary tithes in the Old Testament: The Levite Tithe (Numbers 18:23-26), The Festival Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-27), and The Charity Tithe (Deuteronomy 26:12). The average Israelite was probably giving between 20-25% of their gross income to God.
On the other hand, the New Testament does not refer to the tithe. The New Testament tends to exhort Christians towards sacrificial giving. We see this clearly in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels and in the life of the church in the book of Acts.
What does this mean for us? It means we are to remember that all we have belongs to God and when deciding to give we should ask ourselves, “How much of God’s money should I keep to live on?” rather than “How much should I give?”
The tithe (or 10%) can be helpful as a starting place in giving to the church – if you are new to the church or are starting to give for the first time. However, the Bible teaches us that we should work towards giving beyond 10%. This follows the idea that all we have belongs to God and we are called to give sacrificially.
This is a high calling and takes work, which is why I believe Jesus taught on this topic so much. He knew it would be hard for us. The good news for us is that Jesus modeled what giving looks like, and in Him, we are given the power to also become people who give sacrificially. Listen to Paul’s teaching in a letter to the Corinthian church.
2 Corinthians 8:7–9 - [7] But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. [8] I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. [9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (ESV)
Paul doesn’t use coercion or manipulation to get the church in Corinth to give, he goes back to the Gospel. He reminds us that Jesus was rich in everything but became poor so that we might be rich spiritually. We are united to Christ so that we can then turn and give up our riches for the sake of others.
The Bible couldn’t be more clear on the connection between the Gospel and giving. It says that we are spiritually rich, new creations, who have an inheritance in the new heavens and new earth awaiting us. Because of this, we can be open-handed with our money. We can hold the stuff God has given us loosely. Jesus gives us the model for sacrifice and giving, and he has enabled us to be cheerful and generous givers through the power of His Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 9:7-8)
So, what are our next steps? If you are a member of Providence Road or are a regular attendee, we would ask that you would start by giving 10%. If you are already giving 10%, we ask that you would consider giving more.
We understand that there are potential barriers to giving more and we would love to help with those. You may need help setting up a budget or getting out of debt. Whatever the obstacle is, it is probably not only keeping you from giving but could also be getting in the way of you experiencing freedom and joy in other areas of your life as well.
There are plenty of people in this church who are really good in the areas of financial wisdom and if this describes you, we would love to get you connected with them. Please don’t hesitate to ask a pastor or your GC leader for help.
Here are two questions to ask to apply what the Scriptures have to say about giving.
Where am I now?
What would be the next steps?
Please use these questions to pray. Talk about these questions with your spouse (if married). Process these questions with people in your GC. The topic of money doesn’t have to be private in the context of brothers and sisters in Christ.
