THE JOYFUL OF GIVING

IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE: Acts 20:35

And what is the greatest sin of giving? 

Perhaps one of the greatest sins against God is to give to Him, then boast of how much we have done for God or others. 

What is proper giving?

·        Proper giving is sacrificial giving.

·        Proper giving is joyful giving.

·        Proper giving is willing giving.

·        Proper giving is humble giving.

How should we give?  Bible teaches us that the value of proper giving

·        It is more blessed to give than to receive.

·        He who lives to give is happier than he who lives to get”.

·        When we give properly, it is blessing.

Psalm 37:25: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” This is because of humble giving

Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

The Bible tells us over and over that God wants us to be gracious givers.

·   Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that God is pleased when we give to others. “And do not forget to do well and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

·    “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce March 16, 2006 Page 2 of 7 wealth . . .” (Deut 8:18)

·  Malachi 1:8, 14 . Plan to give your best, not your castaways or culls.

·        "Honor the LORD from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10. Plan to give off the top, the firsts, not what is left over, if there is anything left over.

·     “1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Plan to set aside a proportionate amount on a regular basis. Let the proportion be in keeping with your income.

No one can take credit for himself concerning the riches he has gained.  

·        Luke 12:48, “Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given.”

·        So if you make good money remember that it was God who graciously and sovereignty puts you in that position to make the income you’re earning right now.

·        It was God who providentially put you in strategic positions to attain the proper education, training, wisdom, skills and experience to succeed in that field you’re in. Everything that is good comes from God.

Therefore “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for your selves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” (Mat 6:19-21)