TEXTUAL SOURCES: Matthew 6:2, Luke 6:38, John 3:16, Rom 12:8, Ezra 2:69.
MEMORY VERSE: “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”. “Luke 6:38”
INTRODUCTION
Giving is a natural expression of our love and obedience to God (Jn.15:13). It is a default attitude that is being demonstrated by a man that has encountered God, for by this act (giving), we reflect the light of God in us. God also demonstrated this act by giving every spiritual blessing to us (Eph. 1:3), and also giving us all that pertains unto life and godliness (2Pet.1:3).
As partakers of Gods divine act of giving, we must operate in this consciousness that we are His chosen vessels by the election of His grace. For this reason we must shun every act of a selfish life but instead, live a selfless life (1Jn. 3:17). As believers, we must understand that our act of giving is not to show to world that we have in abundance, but instead it should be an act that spring forth out of Gods love (Acts. 2:5). Also, we must know this that giving as a kingdom culture is not only to be done by those that are rich in material possessions alone, but instead it is a spiritual action that demands loyalty of both the rich and the poor who have been called into the fold (1Kings.17: 10-15, Mk.12:43-44).
God is the source of all gifts (Jas. 1:17) and for this reason, no man receives anything except it been given from above (Jn.3:27). Hence, giving is also a means of extending Gods blessing unto others.
We pray for more light from God as we proceed in this teaching in Jesus name.
STUDY EXPOSITION
SACRIFICIAL GIFT OF GOD
All through the scripture, we see how God demonstrated His love to us, that even while we were yet slaves unto darkness(sin), He gave us His son to redeem us through His blood (Jn.3:16, 1Tim.2:6), and also gave us His Holy Spirit. As men of light, this understanding must be in us that giving is a sacrifice that is been carried out by the help of the Holy Spirit through us and not by mere human capacity. Being a sacrifice, it must always stem forth from a heart of love that even in a mans state of inconvenience, the love of God will propel him/her to give (2Cor.8:1-3). We walk in this light that God gives to display His nature(love) and for this reason our sacrificial act is not an avenue to manifest pride (self-exaltation, grudges) but should be done willingly which is also a way to display the kingdom character which can also draw men unto God.
THE NEED FOR GIVING.
Every act is a product of a particular reason, as Christians our giving is a bidding by God which is a way of manifesting the kingdom tradition (lifestyle), our encounter with God open us to this understanding of the need of giving. Below are certain reasons why we need to cultivate the habit of giving.
God commanded it. (Luke 6:38, Deut.15:11)
It is pleasing to God. (Heb.13:16)
It opens the portals of blessing. (Acts 20:35, Ps 112:5-6)
To help the needy. (Rom.12:13, Matt.5:42).
It is a demonstration of Gods love (Matt.25:14)
THOUGHT: Is my giving a demonstration of Gods nature (love)
DISCUSSION: Why do we find it hard to give willingly?
GIVING NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES
There is laid down pattern by God for believers to trend upon which is hidden to the world; this is the operation of light which is the root of our giving. Jesus commanded us not to give as the world gives, this is because giving in the worlds pattern is a platform by which men generate self-exaltation, fame in the world which birth forth pride in a men (Matt.6:2).
As men of the kingdom, giving is one of the ways we reveal of our identity as light, this consciousness bring us to a pedestal where the root of selfishness, pride are being shed off and consume by the interest of the Father which is to give generously by the measure of grace that has been given unto us. God is our exceeding reward and for this reason, every act of giving done by us should be centered on the kingdom benefit which can be carried out through different means such as.
Tithe and Offering (Gen.28:21-22, Mal.3:10)
Our time(Jn.9:4,Acts.6:2)
Our possessions (1Chr.29:6-9, Ezra.3:7)
Our life (Rom.12:1)
D. BENEFITS OF GIVING
As believers when we give, we must know that our giving is actually a spiritual investment that produces overwhelming joy in us (2Cor.8:1-2), this is because it is an act that pleases the Father.
Below are some of the benefits of giving.
Giving opens the door of prosperity (Pro.11:25)
Overflowing joy. Proverbs14:21
God prosper our works. (Deut15:10)
We can be sure of the abundance of Gods blessing (Lk.6:38,
We lack nothing good (Pro.28:27, Mal.3:10)
It is an evidence of Gods love (2Cor.8:7)
CONCLUSION
Giving is one the attributes of God, for this reason as believers we must inculcate this habit for the world to know that we belong to God.
Thanks for reading..
