Faithful Giving: Unlocking God's Blessings Through Stewardship
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound connection between faith and finances, emphasizing the biblical principle of giving. We began by acknowledging that everything we possess—our time, talent, and treasure—belongs to God. This understanding forms the foundation of our approach to finances, particularly in the context of giving and tithing. The heart of giving is not about the church needing money, but about aligning ourselves with God's desire to bless us. By teaching on giving, we aim to unlock the blessings that God has in store for us.
I shared a personal story from my time in Haiti, where I observed a church that did not encourage giving due to the perception of poverty. This experience highlighted the importance of teaching the principle of giving as an act of worship and a means to break the cycle of poverty. The Bible consistently shows that God multiplies what is given, as seen in the stories of Jesus feeding the multitude and Elijah with the widow. The act of giving is a demonstration of faith, trusting that God will bless and multiply what we offer.
We also discussed the spiritual and practical aspects of giving. Spiritually, giving is an act of worship, a reflection of our heart towards God. Practically, it is a way to put God first in our lives, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. The principle of sowing and reaping is timeless, transcending cultural and economic boundaries. By participating in this divine principle, we position ourselves to receive God's blessings.
Furthermore, we addressed common misconceptions about giving, such as the idea that the church is solely after money. Instead, the focus is on the spiritual growth and blessing that comes from faithful giving. We encouraged everyone to start where they are, emphasizing consistency and agreement in giving, especially within marriages. The goal is to cultivate a heart of generosity, trusting that God will honor and bless our faithfulness.
Key Takeaways:
- Ownership and Stewardship: Recognize that everything we have belongs to God. Our role is to be faithful stewards of the time, talent, and treasure He has entrusted to us. This perspective shifts our approach to finances from ownership to stewardship, aligning our hearts with God's purposes. [27:36]
- Giving as Worship: Giving is an integral part of worship, reflecting our trust and faith in God's provision. It is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act that invites God's blessing and multiplication. When we give, we participate in a divine exchange that transcends earthly limitations. [29:12]
- Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Teaching and practicing giving can break the cycle of poverty. By understanding and applying the principle of sowing and reaping, we open ourselves to God's provision and abundance, regardless of our economic circumstances. [30:54]
- Faith and Financial Miracles: Financial miracles often serve as powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness. When we trust God with our finances, we position ourselves to experience His miraculous provision, strengthening our faith and deepening our relationship with Him. [32:06]
- Practical Steps in Giving: Start where you are, and prioritize consistency in giving. Engage in open conversations within your family to find agreement in your giving practices. Remember, the goal is not the amount but the heart behind the giving, trusting that God will honor and bless your faithfulness. [35:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction and Prayer
[2:00] - Series Overview
[3:15] - Ownership of Time, Talent, and Treasure
[5:00] - The Heart of Giving
[10:00] - Personal Story from Haiti
[15:00] - Biblical Examples of Giving
[20:00] - Spiritual Significance of Giving
[25:00] - Practical Aspects of Giving
[30:00] - Misconceptions About Church and Money
[35:00] - Encouragement to Start Giving
[40:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith and Finances
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 4:3-5 - The story of Cain and Abel's offerings.
2. Malachi 3:8-10 - God's challenge to bring the whole tithe.
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - The principle of sowing and reaping.
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Cain and Abel, what was the key difference between their offerings that led to God's favor on Abel's offering? ([50:29])
2. According to Malachi 3:8-10, what does God promise to those who bring the whole tithe into the storehouse?
3. How does the sermon illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping with the story of the widow and Elijah? ([29:12])
4. What personal story did the pastor share to demonstrate a financial miracle, and how did it impact his faith? ([38:20])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of giving as an act of worship challenge or affirm your current understanding of financial stewardship? ([29:12])
2. In what ways does the principle of sowing and reaping transcend cultural and economic boundaries, as discussed in the sermon? ([30:54])
3. How might the story of Cain and Abel's offerings inform our understanding of giving God our first and best? ([50:29])
4. What are the potential spiritual implications of viewing giving as a way to break the cycle of poverty, as mentioned in the sermon? ([30:54])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current approach to finances. How can you shift your mindset from ownership to stewardship, recognizing that everything you have belongs to God? ([27:36])
2. Consider a time when you gave out of faith rather than obligation. How did that experience affect your relationship with God and your understanding of His provision? ([32:06])
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you can start practicing consistent giving. What steps can you take to ensure that your giving is intentional and worshipful? ([35:20])
4. Discuss with your spouse or a close friend how you can find agreement in your giving practices. What challenges might arise, and how can you address them to maintain unity? ([21:56])
5. Think about a financial challenge you are currently facing. How can you apply the principle of sowing and reaping to trust God for a breakthrough in this area? ([30:54])
6. Reflect on any misconceptions you might have had about the church and money. How has this sermon changed your perspective, and what actions will you take as a result? ([59:46])
7. How can you cultivate a heart of generosity in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to align your finances with God's purposes? ([46:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship Over Ownership
Recognizing that everything we have belongs to God shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. This understanding calls us to be faithful stewards of the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to us. By acknowledging God's ultimate ownership, we align our hearts with His purposes, allowing us to manage our resources in a way that honors Him. This shift in mindset encourages us to use our resources not for personal gain but for the advancement of God's kingdom and the well-being of others. [27:36]
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers." (Psalm 24:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice stewardship over ownership in your daily life, particularly with your time, talents, and finances?
Day 2: Giving as an Act of Worship
Giving is more than a financial transaction; it is an integral part of worship that reflects our trust and faith in God's provision. When we give, we participate in a divine exchange that transcends earthly limitations, inviting God's blessing and multiplication. This act of worship demonstrates our reliance on God and our willingness to put Him first in our lives. By giving, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express gratitude for His provision. [29:12]
"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 incorporate giving as an act of worship in your life, and what steps can you take to ensure it reflects your trust in God?
Day 3: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Teaching and practicing the principle of giving can break the cycle of poverty. By understanding and applying the principle of sowing and reaping, individuals open themselves to God's provision and abundance, regardless of their economic circumstances. This principle transcends cultural and economic boundaries, offering a path to spiritual and material prosperity. By giving, we demonstrate faith in God's ability to multiply what we offer, trusting that He will provide for our needs. [30:54]
"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: What is one area of your life where you can practice generosity to break the cycle of scarcity and invite God's abundance?
Day 4: Faith and Financial Miracles
Financial miracles often serve as powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness. When we trust God with our finances, we position ourselves to experience His miraculous provision, which strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. These miracles remind us of God's ability to provide beyond our expectations and encourage us to rely on Him in all aspects of our lives. By trusting God with our resources, we open the door to His supernatural intervention and blessings. [32:06]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you experienced God's provision in a miraculous way? How did it impact your faith, and how can you trust Him with your current financial situation?
Day 5: Practical Steps in Giving
Starting where you are and prioritizing consistency in giving is crucial. Engaging in open conversations within your family to find agreement in your giving practices fosters unity and purpose. The goal is not the amount but the heart behind the giving, trusting that God will honor and bless your faithfulness. By taking practical steps in giving, you cultivate a heart of generosity and align your actions with God's desires. [35:20]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to cultivate a consistent and joyful giving practice, and how can you involve your family in this journey?
Quotes
1) "Your time, your talent, your treasure, who do they belong to? Come on, they belong to God. How many of you believe that? All right. I believe that with all my heart. And this week, we're going to attack the idea of treasure, all right? Your time, your talent, and your treasure. And I'm going to be real specific. I'm talking about your money. So guard your wallets, all right? I'm talking about money." [03:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If I don't teach on tithing, to me, I'm robbing you of what God wants to do in your life. I really believe that." [27:36] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Everywhere in the Bible, everywhere, there's not a place where it's in the Bible where God multiplied something people did not give. Think about it like this. When Jesus fed the multitude, he asked them, what do you have? They said, we got a Happy Meal. Bring it here. God took the Happy Meal. Come on. That's Charlie Riley's version of it. All right? He took the two fish and five loaves. He blessed it, multiplied it, and handed it back. And guess what? The multiplication happened once it was given." [29:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Nothing is more life applicable than faith and finances coming together. It is so real to us because every one of us are very aware of our faith. Okay, that was partly cloudy at best. Everyone's aware of our faith and our finances for sure. Nothing impacts you every day like those two, faith and finances." [32:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "If you don't think a miracle in your finances won't get your attention, you're wrong. God can do great things with your finances if you will trust him in that area. Can I get an amen?" [40:51] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Three great principles. Three principles of money I want you to understand. John Wesley said these and here they are. Earn as much as you possibly can. Save as much as you possibly can so you can give as much as you possibly can. You can never give big until you have big. You can't. You can't." [46:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "In everything God does or gives, everything, there's always a portion that He says belongs to me. Think about it like this. God gave Jesus. Would you agree with that? Guess who He belongs to? God. He is the firstborn among many brethren. He is the firstfruits. Fair? Watch this. Just everything God does, God says there's a portion that belongs to me. He can give you it all. But He says, now that one, that one's not yours. That belongs to me." [46:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "The window you give to God through is the window you receive from. The window you give through is the window you receive through. So get this. Four by four. All right? Because listen, if you give through this, you're going to receive through this. If you give through this, you're going to receive through this. How many of you know you can get a lot more through this than this?" [57:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "The kingdom of God is not subject to the world system. The world system is subject to the kingdom of God. Can I get an amen on that? So even when you're giving doesn't work in the earth, you can give into the kingdom and still be blessed and still multiply and increase." [01:01:13] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "Giving to God is biblical. Giving to God is spiritual. Here's the part. Giving to God is the most practical way of putting God first in your life. It's the most practical way." [01:12:55] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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