Bible Studies
Giving Among the People of God (Lk. 11:13)
Series: Additional StudiesIntroduction:
1. Giving has always been a prominent feature of the children of God. It rests squarely on God’s own character as a giver. 2. But God is not just a giver He is a lavish giver. He has given His son for the forgiveness of our sins and He gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. 3. How does God’s giving affect us? How does it affect our giving in the church? How does it affect our personal willingness to give? What does the Bible say?Discussion:
I. Giving is always commended in Scripture while self-centeredness, covetousness and greed are condemned.A. The biblical term that refers to providing relief to the poor is the Greek “eleemosune.”
1. In the English it is often translated with the word “alms” or its cognates.
2. It is the word used in Matt. 6:2 where Jesus says that when we “give to the poor” we should not sound a trumpet in order to be honored by men.
3. He makes no argument here that we should give to the poor, merely assumes that this is done and regulates the motive and thus the manner of such giving.
B. Although almsgiving is not explicitly mentioned in the O.T. the duty of compassionate aid to the poor is strongly emphasized.
1. Deut. 15:7-11 teaches being open handed and generous to the poor of your brothers.
2. The regulations about gleaning were designed with the poor in mind (Lev. 19:9-10; 23:22; Deut. 24:19-22). Note also Deut. 23:24-25.
3. Every third year 10% of their produce was to be given to the Levite, to the sojourner, the fatherless and the widow (Deut. 14:28-29).
4. Every 7th year the fields were to be left fallow “that the needy of your people may eat” (Ex. 23:10-11).
5. At the end of every 7 years loans from brethren were released (Deut. 15:1-6).
6. Character is reflected in kindness to the poor (Prov. 14:21; 19:17; 28:27). Cf. Job 29:12-17; 31:16-23.
C. Oppression of the poor was regarded as a cause for judgment (Isa. 3:14; 10:2-3; Amos 8:4-8). While private ownership is honorable (Ex. 20:15) stealing, covetousness and greed are condemned (Ex. 20:17).
D. In the N.T. the basic principles are the same. (Although there is no Sabbath year.)
1. Jesus commended liberal giving (Lk. 6:38).
2. For Jesus giving could be used to determine one’s dependence upon God (Matt. 19:21-27ff).
3. He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
4. The early church was given to helping those in need amongst them (Acts 2:45-46; 4:32-35; 6:1-6; 24:17; Rom. 12:13; 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8; 9; Gal. 2:10; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:9ff; 6:18).
5. The N.T. teaching about giving is well summarized in 1 Tim. 6:17-18.
II. The Bible presents God as the master giver and thus our model in giving.A. He gives from His good nature (Lk. 11:13).
B. He gives good and perfect gifts and does not change (James 1:17). He is constant in His gift giving.
C. He gave Israel the land of Canaan (Deut. 2:29) and the power to make wealth (Deut. 8:18).
D. He loved the world and gave His only begotten Son (Jn. 3:16).
E. Jesus calls on us to be like Him in our giving (Matt. 5:44).
III. Giving occupies a prominent place in the Lord’s church as a manifestation of the grace of God. There is a great deal of teaching about giving and the Bible’s regulation of giving is fairly explicit.A. There are multiple examples of those in the church who gave. The fact that they have a place in the N.T. revelation as givers highlights the place of giving among Christians.
1. One of the most prominent examples of a giver is Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37).
a. But he seems to be only one example of what the Jerusalem Christians were doing generally (Acts 4:34-35).
b. The incident with Ananias and Sapphira notes just how honorable the Christians viewed giving (Acts 5).
2. The same is true of the example of Dorcas (Acts 9:36ff). The fact that the people are showing the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made reflects how much they exalted giving and this giver in particular.
3. We are not to think that their giving was limited to the poor. Nor are we to conclude that this was the primary responsibility of the church (Acts 6:2-4; cf. Deut. 8:3; Jn. 6:27).Some seem to see the church primarily as a benevolent organization to the world.
a. The Philippians gave to the preaching of the gospel (4:15).
b. This is the instruction in Gal. 6:6-10.
B. Giving was a universal practice among the churches.
1. It crossed cultural lines (Acts 6:1ff). It was practiced by Gentile churches to Jewish churches (Acts 11:27ff; Rom. 15:25ff).
2. Collections were made on the first day of every week in the churches of Galatia and at Corinth (1 Cor. 16:1-2). The churches of Macedonia also collected funds for the same purpose (2 Cor. 8:1) and Achaia also (2 Cor. 9:2).
3. There is no evidence of churches collecting funds any other way than the first day of the week contributions. No evidence of them running businesses. No evidence of them soliciting contributions from other congregations for some project that they had come up with. No evidence of them creating another organization to which first day of the week funds were sent whether that be a benevolent organization, evangelistic organization, or a school.
C. 2 Cor. Chapters 8 and 9 provide abundant information about giving in the early church.
1. It was considered as an outgrowth of the grace of God (8:1, 9; 9:13-14).
2. The churches of Macedonia were commended because of their enthusiastic desire to help (8:2-4). No hesitation. No foot dragging. This was motivated by their first “having given themselves to the Lord and to us.” Their actions were consistent with their theology.
3. Such giving reflects faith, earnestness, and love (8:7-8).
4. It follows the example of Jesus Christ (8:9).
5. It is to be done according to ability (8:11-12).
6. It is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality (8:13-15).
7. They were careful with the administration of the gift (8:16-24).
8. They encouraged one another (9:1-5).
9. Covetousness was not to affect their gift (9:5).
10. Such gifts should be bountifully given, as purposed in the heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, but cheerfully (9:6-7).
11. God gives us abundance so that we might use it in doing good (9:8).
12. Giving is associated with righteousness (9:9). Cf. Psa. 112:9.
13. God will multiply our seed for sowing (9:10-11a).
14. It results in thanksgiving to God (9:11b-13) and tightening of relationships between God, the givers and the receivers (9:13-15).
Conclusion:
1. Giving is always commended in Scripture while self-centeredness, covetousness, and greed is condemned. 2. God as the Master giver is the model for our giving. 3. The early church provides a pattern for us in giving.
