Money Matters Part Three

a. Christian, do you give cheerfully? II Cor. 9:7 declares: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” If you look at the Gk for the word we translate as “cheerful” we would see a word that even if you don’t read Greek you can understand: “hilarios” – hilarious! God loves a hilarious giver!

b. Illust – Now, I am not sure that this is a proper application. However, wouldn’t it be something if after the service, we would run to the offering boxes…giddy with delight at what we were able to give to the Lord!? You say: “Chris, that’s a little strange!” Yes, I am sure it may seem that way, but think of the blessing we would be and have if that was our attitude in giving. Most offerings have all the hilarity in the pews of a dentist’ chair. We were visiting in a church in Texas past weekend. Deacons pass the plates near end of service. We always like to give an offering when visiting in another church. Interesting phenomenon. Plates begin to pass people clam up! Serious and quiet. People looking straight forward. Acting almost invisible! Ushers looking past me and had to wave to them. Smile on usher’s face.

C. Applic: What is your and my attitude when it comes to giving? Begrudgingly or joyful?

II. Advantages of Giving (4 Advantages in Giving Consistently)

A. There is an inherent Blessing (Advantage) in Giving to the Lord.

1. It’s obvious that a gift benefits the recipient. The church’s bills are paid. The hungry are fed, the missionary is sent or stays on the field… No one denies that a gift given helps the recipient. However, do you realize that there is more to it than that when God is involved?

2. In God’s divine economy, the Gift benefits the giver more than it does the recipient.

a. Acts 20:35 “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Now how does that looks? How does that play out in real life? Many different ways. Illust: Recently I was talking with w/a ministry leader of a mission. In the past year received a gift of ¼ of million $ from a 90 yrs old lady who lives in very unpretentious circumstances. Lady always drives to participate in their outdoor camp days! Running around on their camp. Helping with children. Working. Involved. Did you hear the inherent blessing? She is alive and active at 90yrs! She has strength and vitality and joy!

b. “When we let go of money, we are letting go of part of ourselves and part of our security. But this is precisely why it is important to do it. It is one way to obey Jesus’ command to deny ourselves.… When we give money, we are releasing a little more of our egocentric selves and a little more of our false security.… Giving frees us to care. It produces an air of expectancy as we anticipate what God will lead us to give. It makes life with God an adventure in the world, and that is worth living for and giving for. (Richard J. Foster, quoted in "Reflections," Christianity Today (6-12-00)