Embracing Generosity: The Spiritual Habit of Giving

 

Summary

Developing spiritual habits is crucial for growth as disciples of Jesus. Today, we focus on the spiritual habit of giving, a topic that is often considered taboo in church discussions. The Bible emphasizes giving more than many other subjects, including heaven and hell, and Jesus frequently addressed it in His teachings. This emphasis is because our spiritual lives are deeply connected to how we handle money and possessions. John the Baptist's responses to different groups in Luke 3 illustrate that a transformed life is evident in how we manage our resources. Our relationship with Jesus should impact every aspect of our lives, including finances.

Giving is an act of worship and a demonstration of putting God first in our lives. The Bible teaches us to honor God with the first and best part of our income, promising blessings in return. Tithing, which means giving 10% of our income, is a biblical principle that predates the law and continues into the New Testament. Jesus affirmed the practice of tithing, emphasizing that it should not overshadow other important aspects of faith like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Tithing is not the ceiling but the floor of generous living. It is the starting point for a life of generosity. The tithe belongs to the local church, the place where we worship, and should be given consistently. Offerings, on the other hand, are freewill gifts given above the tithe, determined by how God has blessed us. Giving reminds us that everything we have comes from God and is a cure for materialism. It strengthens our faith, as God uses our finances to test and grow our trust in Him.

Generosity is the antidote to materialism, and giving is a way to break free from the grip of greed. It is a demonstration of faith, as God promises to bless and protect those who honor Him with their resources. Giving also blesses us in return, as it aligns with God's economy where generosity leads to prosperity. The happiest people are not the takers but the givers, as giving is an indicator of good mental health and spiritual well-being.

Key Takeaways:

- Holistic Christian Living: Our relationship with Jesus should impact every part of our lives, including how we handle money and possessions. This holistic approach ensures that our faith is not compartmentalized but integrated into all aspects of life. [04:01]

- Tithing as Worship: Tithing is an act of worship, giving the first 10% of our income to God. It is a biblical principle that predates the law and continues into the New Testament, demonstrating our commitment to putting God first. [13:51]

- Generosity vs. Materialism: Giving is the cure for materialism, as it shifts our focus from accumulating wealth to sharing and blessing others. Generosity breaks the grip of greed and aligns us with God's heart for the needy. [27:38]

- Faith and Finances: God uses our finances to test and strengthen our faith. By trusting Him with our resources, we open ourselves to His blessings and protection, experiencing His faithfulness in tangible ways. [31:12]

- Blessings of Giving: Giving blesses us in return, as it aligns with God's economy where generosity leads to prosperity. The act of giving is not only a spiritual discipline but also a pathway to experiencing God's abundant provision. [40:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Spiritual Habits
- [04:01] - Holistic Christian Living
- [06:30] - The Importance of Giving
- [08:41] - Understanding Tithing
- [13:51] - Where and When to Tithe
- [20:00] - Offerings and Freewill Giving
- [24:12] - Everything Comes from God
- [27:38] - Generosity vs. Materialism
- [31:12] - Faith and Finances
- [34:28] - God's Protection and Provision
- [37:55] - Sowing and Reaping
- [40:38] - Blessings of Giving
- [43:23] - Breaking the Spirit of Materialism
- [45:10] - Cheerful Giving and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Spiritual Habit of Giving

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 3:10-14
2. Malachi 3:8-10
3. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 3:10-14, how does John the Baptist respond to the different groups asking about evidence of their transformation? What does this suggest about the connection between spiritual transformation and financial behavior? [04:01]

2. According to Malachi 3:8-10, what are the consequences of withholding tithes and offerings, and what promise does God make to those who bring the full tithe into the storehouse? [08:41]

3. How does 1 Timothy 6:17-19 describe the attitude and actions that those who are rich in this world should adopt? What is the ultimate purpose of these instructions? [27:38]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between giving and experiencing God's blessings and protection? [31:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the significance of tithing as an act of worship, and why is it important to give the first 10% of our income to God? [13:51]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that generosity can serve as an antidote to materialism, and how does this align with the teachings in 1 Timothy 6:17-19? [27:38]

3. The sermon mentions that giving strengthens faith. How does this concept relate to the idea of trusting God with our finances, as discussed in Proverbs 3:5-6? [31:12]

4. What does the sermon imply about the role of offerings beyond the tithe, and how should individuals determine the amount they give as offerings? [20:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current financial habits. How does your spending reflect your priorities, and what changes might you consider to align more closely with the principle of putting God first? [20:00]

2. The sermon suggests that giving is a way to break free from materialism. Identify one area in your life where materialism might have a hold, and discuss a practical step you can take to practice generosity in that area. [27:38]

3. Consider a time when you felt compelled to give sacrificially. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith and trust in God? [37:55]

4. How can you incorporate the practice of tithing into your financial planning if you haven't already? What steps can you take to ensure consistency in your giving? [13:51]

5. The sermon emphasizes the blessings that come from giving. Share a personal experience where you witnessed the blessings of generosity, either as a giver or a recipient. [40:38]

6. Discuss the concept of cheerful giving. What mindset or attitude changes might be necessary for you to give with joy and gratitude? [45:10]

7. How can you encourage others in your community or church to embrace the spiritual habit of giving? What role can you play in fostering a culture of generosity? [47:52]

Devotional

Day 1: Integrating Faith into Finances
Our relationship with Jesus should permeate every aspect of our lives, including how we manage our money and possessions. This holistic approach ensures that our faith is not compartmentalized but integrated into all areas of life. When we allow Jesus to influence our financial decisions, we demonstrate a commitment to living out our faith in practical ways. This means viewing our resources as tools for God's kingdom rather than merely personal gain. By aligning our financial practices with our spiritual values, we reflect a life transformed by Christ. [04:01]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21, ESV)

Reflection: What specific financial decision can you make today that reflects your commitment to integrating your faith with your finances?


Day 2: Tithing as a Declaration of Trust
Tithing is more than a financial transaction; it is an act of worship and a declaration of trust in God. By giving the first 10% of our income to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our commitment to putting Him first in our lives. This practice, which predates the law and continues into the New Testament, serves as a tangible reminder of our dependence on God for provision. Tithing is not about legalism but about prioritizing our relationship with God above material concerns. [13:51]

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make tithing a regular and intentional part of your worship, and what steps can you take to start or continue this practice today?


Day 3: Generosity as a Counter to Materialism
Generosity is the antidote to materialism, shifting our focus from accumulating wealth to sharing and blessing others. By giving freely, we break the grip of greed and align ourselves with God's heart for the needy. Generosity is not just about financial giving but also about a lifestyle of open-handedness and compassion. It reflects a heart transformed by God's love and a desire to reflect His character in the world. [27:38]

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, resources, or talents, and consider how this act can help you combat materialism.


Day 4: Trusting God with Our Resources
God uses our finances to test and strengthen our faith. By trusting Him with our resources, we open ourselves to His blessings and protection, experiencing His faithfulness in tangible ways. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to step out in faith and rely on God's provision. As we surrender our financial concerns to Him, we grow in our understanding of His character and His ability to meet our needs. [31:12]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your finances where you struggle to trust God, and how can you take a step of faith to surrender this area to Him today?


Day 5: Experiencing the Blessings of Giving
Giving is not only a spiritual discipline but also a pathway to experiencing God's abundant provision. As we align with God's economy, where generosity leads to prosperity, we find that giving blesses us in return. This principle is not about receiving material wealth but about experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of generosity. The act of giving reflects a heart that is open to God's work and a life that is aligned with His purposes. [40:38]

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent opportunity to give. How did this experience impact your understanding of God's provision and your own sense of fulfillment?

Quotes


There are also more promises in the Bible related to giving than any other subject. And I just want, I'm really excited to have the opportunity today to talk about giving because that's one of those taboo subjects in the church, right? So I really want to teach on this and help us maybe have a better understanding of why it's so important. Why did the Bible put such an emphasis on money and possessions? Well, I think the most obvious answer that we could all agree on is that so much of our lives revolve around our money and our possessions, right? Making money, earning money, figuring out how to save money, so important. But there's also a fundamental inseparable connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and how we handle our money. [00:01:29] (51 seconds)


In other words, one of the things that really is an indicator that your life has been changed is how you handle your money, your possessions. You know, some people say, well, you know, if you're a Christian, you mainly follow Jesus in the spiritual areas of your life. You pray, you read the Bible, you go to church, you know, you do those spiritual things, and then you go out into the real world Monday through Saturday and you live your life, and God is maybe not necessarily as involved in that. But, folks, that's not what the Bible says. That's not how it works. [00:03:28] (34 seconds)


What I mean by that is our relationship with Jesus should impact every part of our lives. Amen. Every part of our lives. It impacts your relationships. It impacts what kind of employee you are at work. It impacts how you pay your bills. It impacts everything. It impacts your money management, how we raise our kids, how we treat other people. Well, everything is affected by how our relationship with Jesus governs every area of our life. And in regard to giving, God promises that if you will honor Him with the first and best part of your income, He will bless you financially. And I'm going to unpack this today. [00:04:07] (41 seconds)


Financial giving can be divided into two simple categories, tithes and offerings. And I'm going to break these down into some detail. But the Bible teaches us that we worship the Lord with our tithe, which is 10 % of our income contributed to the church on a regular basis. And when we feel called or led to give over and above our tithe, that's called an offering. So let's look first at the first area of giving. And what I want to do, I want to teach this by answering some common questions about these areas of giving, okay? So let's start with the first most obvious one. What is a tithe? [00:05:38] (35 seconds)


The word tithe means a tenth part. It's a word that God used all throughout Scripture. And the principle of tithing is this. Give the first 10 % of your income back to God. Now, some people think that giving any amount is tithing, but that's really not the case. Giving less than 10 % is not tithing. Giving more than 10 % is more than tithing, because tithing literally means 10 or a tenth. Giving a tithe is when you give 10 % of your income. Malachi 3, 8 through 10 says, Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, In what way have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed me even this whole nation. Verse 10, Bring all the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you such blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it. [00:06:13] (67 seconds)


Honor God with everything you own. Look at Proverbs chapter three, verse nine and 10. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops, then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine. I like these verses from the Good News translation. It says honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income. Then your barns will be full and your vats will overflow with fresh wine. Amen. Honor God with everything you own. Give him the first, give him the best. Amen. The tithe is still the minimal measure of those first fruits. So the question really, folks, we should be focusing on is not was tithing just for God's Old Testament people. The real question should be why would God expect his new covenant children to do less? Amen. Jesus never said we should do less. Why would God? Because think about it. Do you really expect less of me who is full of the Holy Spirit? [00:10:41] (67 seconds)


Giving demonstrates that God has first place in my life. That's one of the main reasons why we give. Deuteronomy 14, 23 says, The purpose of tithing, look at this scripture, is to teach you to always put God in first place in your life. Amen? It teaches me to put God in first place in my life. Amen? I can say that God is first place in my life, but did you know there's a couple of ways that you can look and a couple of things you can look at that will really tell you what is first place in my life. You know what they are? Look at my calendar and look at my bank statement. Amen? Look at your calendar and look at how you spend your money. That tells you what's first place in your life. Your schedule and the way you spend your money. [00:20:16] (52 seconds)


No matter what I might say, the way we use our money, the way we use our time really indicates what's first in our life. And by the way, let me say this. God doesn't need your money, but He wants what it represents. Your heart. Amen? Now, 9 o 'clock, had y 'all be, y 'all should be wide awake. You need to throw a brother a gratuitous amen every so often. Amen? Come on now. Hallelujah. See, God wants your heart. He wants you to learn to trust Him. And when you give, especially if your finances are lean or if you're in a season of struggle in your life, you are proving that God is still first in your life. You know why? Matthew 6 .21 says, where your treasure is, there your heart is also. Amen? Amen? Wherever I put my money shows my priorities. [00:21:34] (55 seconds)


If I put all my money in my house, that's where my heart is. If I put all my money into eating out every night, that shows where my heart is and my stomach, amen. If I put all my money into going on trips every weekend, if I put all my money into clothes or into my hobbies, that's where my heart is. So the question that we have to wrestle with is, where do you want your heart to be? And wherever you want your heart to be, that's where you need to put your money. Where your treasure is, there your heart is also. See, the fact is, every time you give back to God, you are drawing closer to Him, and you're remembering that He's first in your life. Here's the next reason why we give. [00:22:41] (42 seconds)


Number two, giving reminds me that everything I have was given to me by God. Woo, hallelujah. Deuteronomy 8 .18. People say, no, I worked for everything I got. Well, I got a scripture for you. Deuteronomy 8 .18. Instead, remember that the Lord your God gives you the strength to make a living. That's how He keeps the promise He made to your ancestors, amen. Thank God for the strength to earn a living, amen. Now, I'm going to tell you right now, giving reminds me everything I have comes from the Lord. When I sit down every week on my payday, and I try to always do it on payday, it's important to me, and I write out my check. Yes, I'm a dinosaur. I still write checks. How many other people are in the dinosaur club with me? [00:23:14] (52 seconds)


Thank you for the food on my table. Thank you for the soft chair that I'm sitting in. Thank you for the heated building that we're worshiping in. Thank you for good music and good musicians. Thank you for kids. Thank you for family. Come on. Thank you, God. Everything we've got comes from you. Thank you, Lord, that I live in a country where I can get a job and can make a living. Thank you that I can go to college or I can go into a trade and still make a good living. Thank you, Lord. Amen. Thank you, Lord. We're grateful. Here's another reason why we give. Are you ready? Giving is the cure for materialism. [00:25:33] (43 seconds)


It's the cure for materialism. 1 Timothy 6, 17 says, Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. The best way to kill greed is generosity. Amen. We live in a materialistic get -all -I -can world. [00:25:57] (49 seconds)


Giving strengthens my faith. Giving strengthens my faith. Proverbs 3 and 5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Faith is like a muscle, and God so often uses your finances to test your faith. Amen. God says that one way we prove our trust, the way we demonstrate our faith is by giving the first part of our income back to Him. Luke chapter 6, when you read it, it's a chapter about giving. And it's talking about giving mercy to others, and forgiveness to others, and material blessings to others, how you love others. But there's a principle in there, and it's in verse 38. It says, give and it will be given to you. [00:31:13] (49 seconds)


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Transcript
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