#1understanding: Giving Series

#1Understanding GIVING

This is #1 of a 5 part series

By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr.

Kyfingers@aol.com

Let us ponder GIVING!

Many TV ministries and popular ministers need to raise money for their budgets and the vision of GIVING is often distorted.

TEXT:

2 Cor. 9:7 Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so LET HIM GIVE, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

Gen. 4:7. IF THOU DOEST (gives) WELL SHALT THOU BE NOT ACCEPTED? And if thou does not well, sin lies at the door?

Gen. 4:4 And Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock --- And the Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering...

James1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: TO VISIT THE FATHERLESS AND THE WIDOWS in their affliction, and to KEEP SELF UNSPOTTED from the world.

Gen. 4:3, And in the process of time it came to pass, that CAIN BROUGHT OF THE FRUIT of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

We need to develop an understanding of giving.

Giving takes two forms -- Giving to God and Giving to man.

The sad story about giving is that many think giving is just a story about money.

Yes, giving is about money, but it is about time, hugs, study, preparation, growth, development, forgiveness, and paying attention.

To understand giving we must study several areas.

1. What is real Godly religion?

Many give religion down the road and say it is bad.

This is not what the Bible says.

James1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: TO VISIT THE FATHERLESS AND THE WIDOWS in their affliction, and to KEEP SELF UNSPOTTED from the world.

We have many ministries today that have super programs that are self-ministry and self-feeding programs.

Maybe, there is nothing wrong with this, but there has to be more.

If this Biblical definition be true, we have to reach out of the walls of the sanctuary to GIVE.

I can raise money easier than I can get people to visit the rest home and the widows.

We need to understand what is important to God.

What breaks our hearts? What breaks God’s heart?

Are they the same?

2. We have many TITULAR OFFICES in the church.

TITULAR MEANS existing in title only.

We have the title and the honors of the office without the duties, functions or responsibilities.

We have Sunday School Superintendents and teachers that never visit their class members, never study in depth, are unfaithful to attend other services, or never fast over the office in which they serve.

We have Royal Ranger, Missionette leaders, youth leaders, musicians, singers that OFFER GOD SLIP SHOD MINISTRY.

I call this GIVING THE LEFT OVERS, NOT THE FIRST FRUITS.

Slip shod means loose, shabby, careless, slovenly, lazy service ---

then we ponder where is the blessings?

What is the Biblical purpose of deacons?

To take the FULL load of other leaders often physically drains the pastor, to free their pastor to study and pray more?

Do you see this?

Real effective ministry cost many tears, prayers, study, and works.

When I address this titular attitude in our giving, the first cry is ---

I WILL JUST QUIT?

Sure, that is a demonic answer seeking the easy road.

Quitting is not the answer, correcting the problem in giving is the only way.

3. One of the first lessons on giving comes from Cain and Abel.

Gen. 4:3, And in the process of time it came to pass, that CAIN BROUGHT OF THE FRUIT of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

I have heard this debated, that God rejected Cain’s offering because there was no blood.

This is not logical, giving is based on ability.

Cain was a gardener, you can’t give what you don’t have.

Beside this, Leviticus 2, clearly shows God accepted the oblation offering of the first fruits, flour, oil, etc.

The real offering principle Cain missed was "OF THE FRUIT,"

Cain gave seconds, leftovers, not HIS BEST, not first fruits..

Because of not understanding giving, many sad baser (weak) areas will develop in Cain’s heart.

Gen.4:6 The Lord ask Cain: Why are you mad? Why is your countenance fallen?

The answer returns to the root of the problem ---

NO UNDERSTANDING OF GIVING.

Read vs. Gen. 4:7. IF THOU DOEST (gives) WELL SHALT THOU BE NOT ACCEPTED? And if thou does not well, sin lies at the door?

The beauty of GIVING is expressed by ABEL!

Gen. 4:4 And Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock ---

And the Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering...

Abel is remembered in the Heroes of the Faith chapter, Hebrews 11:4

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,