Giving In Honour Of The Lordship Of Christ

GIVING IN HONOUR OF THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 3:9-10

"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

Supporting Texts: Malachi 1:6-8, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Matthew 2:11, John 12:3, Colossians 1:16-18

INTRODUCTION:

Honour is a deep expression of value, reverence, and esteem shown towards someone or something considered worthy. In the Kingdom of God, honour is more than words—it is demonstrated through our actions, choices, and sacrifices. One of the clearest ways we show that Christ is truly Lord over our lives is through our giving, especially when it is done with reverence and love. The Bible tells us to “honour the Lord with our substance,” indicating that giving is a sacred act of worship, not a mechanical duty.

In the world today, people give for many reasons—charity, visibility, or reciprocity. However, the believer gives primarily in honour of Christ’s Lordship. When we give, we declare that all we have belongs to Him. We recognise that our resources come from God, and we return to Him the best of what He has blessed us with. True giving is not about the amount but the heart and the motive behind it.

Jesus is not just Saviour—He is Lord. When we say He is Lord, it means He is Master over every area of our lives, including our time, talents, and treasures. To withhold from Him is to deny His Lordship in our finances. But to give with joy and honour is to acknowledge His ownership and Lordship over all. This sermon will explore what it means to give in honour of the Lordship of Christ, the blessings attached, and examples of those in Scripture who gave reverently to the King of kings.

1. GIVING IS AN ACT OF HONOUR TO THE LORD

Giving is not just about charity—it is about honour. When we give to God, we are placing value on Him and acknowledging His worthiness.

a) Giving expresses reverence

Malachi 1:6 – “If I be a Master, where is my fear?” Giving with dishonour is a sign of disregard for His Lordship.

b) Giving shows gratitude

Psalm 116:12 – “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”

c) Giving acknowledges ownership

1 Chronicles 29:14 – “Of thine own have we given thee.” God owns it all.

d) Giving requires the right attitude

2 Corinthians 9:7 – God loves a cheerful giver, not a grudging one.

Biblical Example: Abel (Genesis 4:3-5)

Abel honoured the Lord by bringing the first and best of his flock, and God respected his offering.

2. GIVING DEMONSTRATES THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST OVER OUR RESOURCES

Christ’s Lordship is proven when He reigns over every aspect of our lives, including our money and possessions.

a) He is Lord of all, not just some

Colossians 1:18 – That in all things, He might have the preeminence.

b) Submitting finances to Christ shows total surrender

Matthew 6:21 – “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

c) Withholding from God is a sign of divided loyalty

Malachi 3:8 – “Will a man rob God?”

d) Giving establishes God as our source, not money

Deuteronomy 8:18 – “It is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.”

Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16)

She gave to the prophet in obedience to God, proving God’s Lordship over her little resources—and received supernatural provision.

3. GIVING HONOURS CHRIST’S SACRIFICE AND KINGSHIP

When we give sacrificially, we mirror the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and we acknowledge His eternal kingship.

a) Christ gave everything for us

2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor…”

b) Giving sacrificially aligns us with Christ’s heart

Romans 12:1 – Offer yourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable.

c) Giving honours Christ as King

Matthew 2:11 – The wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honour baby Jesus.

d) Giving shows that Christ rules over our hearts

Luke 12:34 – “Where your treasure is…” implies where your allegiance lies.

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany (John 12:3)

She anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, a year’s wage in value, honouring Him before His burial.

4. GIVING INVITES GOD’S BLESSING AND FAVOUR

There are rewards for honouring God in our giving—not because we earn His love, but because obedience always brings blessing.

a) Honour attracts abundance

Proverbs 3:9-10 – Your barns shall be filled, your vats shall overflow.

b) Giving opens doors of divine provision

Philippians 4:19 – “My God shall supply all your need…”

c) The generous soul shall be made fat

Proverbs 11:25 – He that waters shall be watered also himself.