(part 1) (part 3)

Basic principles of stewardship and giving.

Paul laid out general principles of stewardship and giving in 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8-9.

From 1 Corinthians 16

• Each believer responsible to give–”each of you” 16:2
• Planned and given regularly 16:2
• Proportional giving 16:2
• This process would prevent the need for an ineffective collection or for a “pressured” appeal to the givers. 16:4

From 2 Corinthians 8-9

8:1-5

• Sacrificial giving
  • Proportional–”according to their ability”
  • Sacrificial–”beyond their ability”
• Joyful giving
  • Their poverty no more impeded their generosity than their tribulation diminished their joy.
• Key–not the size of the gift but the attitude of the giver

• Summary
  • Generous beyond their means
  • Acted on their own initiative
  • Gave not only financially but gave themselves

8:9-12

• Willingness to give should be evidenced by actual giving
• Paul had challenged them to give in 1 Corinthians, they had stopped because of a conflict, now that the conflict was solved, it was time for them to finish what they started.
• When the giver is willing–heart attitude–than the proportional gift is acceptable.

9:5-15

• Give Generously 9:5-6
• Give freely (without compulsion) 9:7
• Give cheerfully 9:7
• Giving is an act of faith 9:8
  • God provides for the giver.  So give liberally, and live on what is left by God’s supply.
• Giving results in praise and thanksgiving to God 9:11-15
  • Their gift would supply the needs of the needy 9:12
  • Their gift would cause the recipient and others to praise God 9:11b, 12b, 13, 15
  • Notice that praise is offered less for the gift itself than for the spiritual virtues of the donors expressed in the gift.
• Giving is an acknowledgment that what we have is God 9:15

Key Point: The focus of New Testament giving is not on a percentage but proportional to income.

Summary

From Andy Stanley “Fields of Gold”

1. Priority giving — Giving to God before anything else
2. Percentage giving — 10% is a good start
3. Progressive giving — Keep growing as a giver
4. Prompted giving — Additional spontaneous giving as God leads
5. Purposeful giving — Giving to where it can make a difference