I. Introduction
A. Money, Money, Money
1. When we examine Scripture, it is evident that God understood that money and material possessions would matter to us.
a. Jesus understood the effect that money has on a culture and the individual.
b. While finances are not always the focus, He does include financial matters in many of the parables He teaches (11 of 39 parables are at least set in a financial context).
2. Money is neither evil nor good; it’s what we do with it that shapes whether it influences us (and others) for good or bad.
3. Sometimes, our stuff can be a struggle for us to steward as God would desire.
B. Background of the Text
1. The saints in Jerusalem were struggling, and various congregations had pledged money to help them.
2. Paul provides practical instructions for them concerning how and when to collect the money.
3. Later, in 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9, he has to remind the Corinthian church to fulfill their pledge.
C. The Offering in Worship
1. This morning, I want to examine what we often call the collection or the offering during our time of worship.
2. That the church included giving in its time of worship is evident from Paul’s statement, “on the first day of every week.”
3. It was also something that Paul was universally teaching (“as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.” See also 1 Timothy 6:18-19).
4. We often insert time and energy as a substitute for the giving of our earnings during this time of worship. While all of those things are meant to be part of our living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), Paul focuses on money when addressing such matters.
5. Why did God design this portion of worship, and how do we approach it in spirit and in truth?
II. As We Have Prospered
A.
1. Our gifts to God should be a part of our to serve Him.
a. Our giving should be planned, not haphazard.
b. When we decide to give, we make a to God.
c. 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. When we are not intentional about what we give to the Lord, we are tempted to give from the , not our first-fruits (Exodus 23:19; 34:26).
a. There are a lot of distractions that begin demanding our resources.
b. Proverbs 3:9
3. When we are intentional with our gifts, we can become cheerful givers.
B.
1. God designed this aspect of worship to the way we view our possessions.
2. It’s not wrong to have possessions; it’s what we do with them that demonstrates whether we are good stewards or selfish.
a. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
b. Illustration: I’ve seen prosperous people do wonderful things to advance the Kingdom in their communities and across the world. When was the last time you invited a brother or sister in Christ into your home just to spend time with them? Some of our women rode together this weekend just to spend time with one another.
3. When we view our possessions with the right perspective, we are more , generous, and .
C.
1. Giving is a reflection of our in God. It’s truly a matter of the .
2. God does not set forth a specific amount that we are required to give in the new covenant, as He did under the old covenant. There is no teaching requiring tithing, although it is a great place to start when budgeting for your offering.
3. Examples
a. Last week, Matt Ward read the account in Scripture we often call The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4). Jesus draws attention not to how much the widow gave, but to the trust she has in the God she follows.
b. The narrative of the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-23; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23)
c. The problem wasn’t that he was evil. The problem was that he wasn’t willing to sacrifice his power, position, and possessions to follow Jesus.
d. God wants us to practice giving so that we don’t focus so much on ourselves.
4. When we store up treasures on earth, we spend a lot of resources protecting our stuff. When we store up treasure in heaven, we view our resources as something to bless others with.
5. When we offer our possessions to God to use, He expands the beyond what we can imagine.
a. 2 Corinthians 9:10-12
b. 2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6. This kind of giving can be life-changing
III. Conclusion
A. What money can’t buy
1. You can’t buy your way to heaven.
2. God doesn’t care how much stuff you have; He cares if He has you.
B. Invitation
1. Have you made your life a living sacrifice?
2. If not, today is the day.