Title: “Money Matters Part 4” Scripture: Various
Type: Series Where: GNBC 11-21-24
Intro: Henry Parsons Crowell contracted tuberculosis when a boy and could not go to school. His Father and brother died of tuberculosis, and he should have died of it too. He made a contract with God. If he were spared he would use his abilities to amass large sums of money for evangelism. For the next 50 years he dedicated 70% of his income to kingdom causes. He bought a bankrupt mill in Ravenna, Ohio in 1881. He believed that God endowed him with bold ideas and the success of the company he founded, Quaker Oats. He was one of the wealthiest men of Chicago when he died in 1943. Crowell viewed all things as a stewardship from God, including influence. Over the years, one businessman after another would comment on how he came to know Christ personally because of the life of integrity lived by Henry Parsons Crowell. Henry Parsons Crowell was a man who gave with a purpose. Today the Quaker Oats company that Henry Parsons Crowell started has been sold to Pepsi. The brand exists but the company is gone. But nearly a century after his death in 1943 his giving continues through the trust he established. The trust purpose statement reads: Founded in 1927, The Crowell Trust is dedicated the teaching and active extension of the doctrines of Evangelical Christianity through approved grants to qualified organizations. Henry Crowell has been dead for nearly 80 yrs and yet his money is still being used today for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is an amazing stewardship story.
Prop: Final message in series on Stewardship we will examine 4 A’s of Giving.
BG: 1. Hope has been a helpful series. REW had wonderful message last week.
2. What is “stewardship”? Recognize God’s ownership of all my resources and His desire for me to manage them well on His behalf.
Prop: Let’s examine 4 A’s of Giving as we wrap up our series on stewardship.
I. Attitudes in Giving
A. God Evaluates our Actions on the Basis of Our Attitudes.
1. Did God demonstrate a specific Attitude in His acts of Giving?
a. Jn. 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” The sequence here is intentional. Because God loved, He gave. Because God is love, He is a Giver. In sending the most precious gift of all, Jesus Christ, God set the example of giving being motivated by love.
b. I Cor. 13:3 says: “If I give all my possessions to feed the poor…but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” Now think about that statement. What could be more noble than to give to the poor? Yet, Paul states that even if we give to the most needy and do not have love, it counts for nothing
2. God is more concerned about our attitude in giving than the amount we are giving.
a. Jesus addressed this attitude in giving in one of His confrontations with the Pharisees. Mt. 23:23. The Pharisees were careful to tithe…right down to their spices mint, dill, cummin. However, Jesus said that in spite of their doing this they neglected more weighty matters of the law including, justice, mercy and faithfulness. Their attitudes were negating their actions in the whole realm of giving.
b. Illust – I have told before the true story of Billy and Ruth Graham visiting a church in the early 1970’s. Collection of offering. Billy reached in pocket, pulled out a $20. Stuffed back into pocket. Fished around. Again! Ushers getting closer. Fished around 3rd time. $20! Offering plates passing. With a frown tossed the $20 into the plate. Ruth leaned over: “Don’t worry dear, God gave you credit for the $5!”
B. Our Attitudes are Improved when we Realize to Whom we are Giving.
1. We can give in love when we realize our gifts are ultimately given to the Lord Himself.
a. Num. 18:24 – “The tithe of the sons of Israel…they offer as an offering to the Lord.” If we are simply giving to a church, or mission, or needy individual, we are simply giving charity. If, however, we are giving as unto the Lord, to that same church, mission, or needy individual, it becomes an act of worship! It’s normal that Christians give to the Lord in acts of worship because He is our Creator, Savior, Sustainer, Provider…
b. Our love of giving can take place in spite of our circumstances. II Cor. 8:1-2 the Macedonian churches gave cheerfully, even though they existed in extreme poverty. However, because of their attitude in realizing to Whom they were giving, God supernaturally blessed that extreme poverty and caused it to well up into rich generosity!
2. In addition to giving with a loving heart, we are to give with a JOYFUL heart.
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)
B. There are Specifically 4 Advantages of Giving.
1. There is an Increase in Our Spiritual Intimacy. – Joyful giving directs our attention to the heart of Christ. Mt. 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This is why it is so very necessary to give each gift ultimately to Christ.
a. When we give in such a way, we are automatically drawn more and more to Him. Not only that, our heart begins to beat in line with the things that He values and desires. As we learned a couple of weeks ago, giving is one of the responsibilities of a steward, and the more faithful we are in fulfilling those responsibilities, the more we can “enter into the joy of your Master” (Mt. 25:21). The reason many Christians don’t have joy is because we are not appropriately stewarding the resources God has put us in charge of and we are simply spending them on ourselves rather that finding what moves the heart of God.
b. Illust: I have a confession. I really like Hallmark chick flicks, movies in which Mr. Right meets Miss Right, they fall in love, experience a crisis that rips their relationship apart, then make up with a kiss. I like these movies because they speak to a place deep inside every individual that longs for romantic love. However, I also know that the romantic love of the movies is not the highest aspiration of mankind or the zenith of fulfillment. If it were, then a scriptural command to love romantically would be our greatest calling. Instead, it’s to love God most (Matt. 22:37-40). In His love, we can find fulfillment that no human can provide. That intimacy with God matures and develops and grows and often through our being a conduit of blessing to others.
2. There is an Increase in the Development of Our Godly Character. Rom. 8:29 tells us that we have been “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” This grand restoration process begins when God’s Spirit regenerates our hearts. Raising us from spiritual death, He gives us faith to trust the sacrificial death of Christ for our salvation. At that point, God declares us just (holy) in His eyes. The righteousness (holiness) of Christ is reckoned to our accounts, so that we are holy in God’s sight. But we are not yet able to live perfectly holy lives, as Christ did. We are, as Martin Luther put it, Simul justus et peccator — “At the same time just and sinner.” A strong inclination to sin remains within us and must be put to death. So God begins the work of sanctification, which is growth in Christlikeness, or holy living. The character of Christ is that of an unselfish giver. Unfortunately, we are all selfish by nature. One of the keys to becoming more conformed to the character of Christ is thru regular giving. Illust: “It’s been said that giving/tithing is not God’s way of raising money; it’s God’s way of raising people into the likeness of His Son.”
3. There is an Increase in Our Heavenly Treasure. – Do you realize that you and I can store up treasure in heaven? Yes! A few years ago I hired a financial manager to help us attain some basic retirement goals. Quarterly we get a statement and can track how good of a job we/he is doing in helping us to attain those goals. Let me ask you, if God printed out a heavenly asset sheet for us, would your account be growing? Stagnant? Or Non-existent? Don’t try to over spiritualize it either. Mt. 6:20 Jesus said: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves cannot break in or steal.” Although it’s true we cannot “take it with us” when we die. However, we certainly can send it ahead!
4. There is an Increase in Our Faith. – Because of the excesses of many in the Charismatic movement’s “Prosperity Gospel”, many in the conservative evangelical world have a hard time believing that giving results in material blessings flowing back to the giver, however, passages certainly do affirm this truth. (Read Prov. 11:24-25 and II Cor. 9:6-11) God honoring giving with God honoring intentions results in material increase. Yet, listen to some of the highlights of the verses: “will also reap bountifully”, “having all sufficiency in everything”, “may have an abundance”, “will supply and multiply your seed”, “will be enriched in everything”.
C. Applic: In part, God wants us to give so that we might recognize that He is the One behind it. Even though He is invisible, thru His provision we can experience His reality.
III. Amount of Giving
A. Amount of Giving
1. The Tithe is the Minimum a Follower of Christ Should Give. Again, as we saw in our 1st week- “tithe” means 10%. Tithing preceded the OT Law by 100’s of years. Illus: In Gen. 14:20 Abraham gave a tithe to Melchezidek after the successful rescue of his nephew, Lot. In Gen. 28:22, Jacob promised to give the Lord 1/10th of all his possessions if God brought him safely through his journey.
2. Illust – The OT was replete with opportunities for various offerings. Every 7 years all debts were forgiven. Every 50th year the land was returned to original families. There were special rules that allowed the poor to glean during harvest. In Dt. 15:7-8 there was provision made for the poor. The people were told by God to be generous and not to “harden their hearts or close their hands” towards their brother or sister who was poor. Even under the law one’s giving was not limited by a fixed percentage but was dictated by the needs of others and the Spirit’s leading in the lives of His saints. As NT saints we should minimally tithe and be led by the Spirit to give to needs of others as He directs.
B. Approach to Giving (REW mostly covered last week.)
*On his 3rd Miss. Journey Paul was to take up a collection for the suffering church in Jerusalem. There are several practical applications from his instructions concerning this collection that we can still apply today. (Read I Cor. 16:2)
1. Giving is to be periodic – “on the first day of the week”. Essentially, we should give with the same frequency we are paid. I.e. – weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. It is helpful for us to build consistency in our life of giving. It helps to directly correlate our earning, tithing, and watching God’s provision extending the 90% with His blessing further than the 100% w/o.
2. Giving should be personal – “each one of you is to…” Regardless of age, it is important that if we are earning money that we give personally. The advantages of giving are to be received by both young and old. Also, might as well begin to build faith from an early age.
3. Giving should come from our private deposit. “put aside and save”. Again, our tithe should be the first “bill” we pay each month and not the last…and if we have money left. Designate the tithe in your paycheck.
4. Giving Should be a Priority. Pr. 3:9 – “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce.” Illust – About 10-15 yrs ago had an African family in the church who literally brought the first of their summer garden to the church as an offering. Beautiful demonstration.
5. Giving should be premeditated. “Each one must do just as he as purposed in his heart.” (II Cor. 9:7). Our giving should be done prayerfully with at least as much consideration in the selection of where we are going to give our money as we do when we consider where we will invest our money.
6. Giving should be without pride. Be careful that we don’t give because we want to impress people. I sometimes wonder how many people would give to colleges and universities and how much they would give if they didn’t get to have their name on the building! Illust – Jesus warns us in Mt. 6:1-4 not to do our acts of righteousness before men so as to be seen by them…” Over the years been at GNBC 1 or more individuals have anonymously given money every Christmas to be used on needs in our local church family or specific needs in the community. Over the years this has added up to between $60-75k! Literally 100’s have been blessed, and the individuals have remained absolutely anonymous.
C. Applic: The basic amount Christians should give to 10% of their income as a tithe.
IV. Avenue of Your Giving.
A. We Should Give to the Local Church and Christian Ministries.
1. The Bible focuses on funding ministry.
a. OT priesthood was to receive financial support (Num. 18:21). In the NT we are told to support those in fulltime Christian ministry in (I Tim. 5:17). The Bible tells us to financially support those who are directly impacting your life spiritually: “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Gal. 6:6)
b. Besides tithing to our local church, we should also ask the HS to direct us in the support of Christian missionaries and various other types of ministries. (
2. Illust: Comedian Flip Wilson told a story about a preacher and his church. A preacher was trying to get his people to be more enthusiastic about their church. The preacher said in his sermon: "If this church is going to get anywhere, it has to learn to crawl." The people shouted, "Let it crawl, Rev., let it crawl!" Then he said, "And after it learns to crawl, it has to learn to walk." And the people yelled, "Let it walk, Rev., let it walk!" The preacher got so excited and said, "After this church learns to walk, it has to learn to run!" The elated people shouted back, "Let it run, Rev., let it run!" Preacher said, "And if this church is going to run, it’s going to take money!" And the people calmy stated, "Let it crawl, Rev., let it crawl.” There’s a lot of truth in that story! We like the idea of running as a church. We like the idea of making an impact; of being a people of faith. But when you find out that there’s a cost that comes w/it, we start finding out how bad we really want to run. -It’s like exercise. I like the idea of being in shape. I like the idea of having 6 pack abs. But when I find out the cost that comes w/it I start thinking, “You know, it’s really not that bad having a marshmallow body.”
B. We Should Give to the Poor.
1. The Church is to be on the front lines of giving to the Poor.
a. May I tell you that our church is known in this community for giving to the poor. Very few churches give to the poor in our community and we have a good reputation. May ask if ever taken advantage of? (We have a former police chief w/ 42 yrs of experience in law enforcement overseeing!) To answer your question…yes. ( “This is God’s money and if you are trying to scam me you are actually scamming God and He will take it out of your hide! 2x in 36 yrs refused the money!)
b. Mt. 24:34-45 – Time doesn’t allow me to read the passage. However, fantastically interesting passage. In some mysterious way that we cannot fully understand, Jesus, the Creator of all things, personally identifies with the poor. We must never lose sight of the fact that when we share with the poor, we are sharing with Jesus Himself. And this is the terrifying flip side of that same spiritual coin: When we do not give to those who are needy (Especially in the household of faith.) we leave Christ hungry and thirsty! (Doesn’t mean you are to always give in every single instance, we can trust the HS to lead us.)
2. Giving to the needy was a consistent part of the life and ministry of Jesus. We see the same in the example of Paul. After meeting with disciples
C. What About Secular Charities? – Yes, with caution. For 12 yrs I was on the board of a local charity. Did wonderful work in the disability community. Know how these use the money. Know what their values are. Also know that their message is not redemptive. Also know that your resources are limited and need to make greatest impact for the kingdom as can in lifetime.
D. Applic: When Anthony Rossi immigrated to NY in 1921 from Sicily, he had about $20 to his name and didn’t speak a word of English. Worked as cabby, restaurant, machinist. At 45 yrs of age moved to Florida where bought very small fruit packing company that would grow to be the biggest orange juice company in the world: Tropicana. Began attending a Bible preaching church and got converted at 47 yrs of age. With no formal education developed a system of pasteurization and refrigeration that provided 1000 gallons a week to Waldorf Astoria in NYC in late 1940’s. By 1970 shipping 1 million gallons a week! Rossi began to tithe and then as the Lord blessed took greater steps of faith until eventually was living on 10% and “tithing” 90%! Sold the business in 1978 at $500 million! Started Aurora Foundation has given $10s of millions. Started Bradenton Village for retired missionaries over 200 today. No telling what God can do in and thru you and me if we commit to being stewards for His Kingdom.
