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.
d) Giving stores up treasures in heaven
Matthew 6:20 – Lay up treasures where moth cannot corrupt.
Biblical Example: The Macedonian Churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)
Though in deep poverty, they gave generously, and Paul commended their faith and love.
5. GIVING BUILDS GOD’S KINGDOM ON EARTH
When we give, we become partners in God’s work—funding missions, saving souls, and spreading the Gospel.
a) Giving supports the work of the Church
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 – Those who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel.
b) It provides for the needy and the poor
Acts 4:34-35 – Believers sold possessions and shared as anyone had need.
c) Giving fuels kingdom advancement
Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore…” requires financial support for missionaries and ministries.
d) We become stewards, not owners
Luke 16:10-11 – If we’re faithful in little, we’ll be trusted with much.
Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:44-47)
They sold their possessions and shared all things in common, and the Lord added daily to the Church.
CONCLUSION:
When we give in honour of the Lordship of Christ, it is not a loss—it is a gain. Giving reflects our faith, our heart, and our recognition of God's sovereignty. Every act of true giving is a declaration that Jesus is Lord over our lives, and that we trust Him to supply, bless, and multiply what we surrender to Him.
Today, make it your aim not just to give, but to give with honour, reverence, and worship. Let your offering speak of your love for Christ and your commitment to His Lordship. When we place Him above our silver and gold, we become candidates for supernatural favour and kingdom advancement.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for all You’ve given me and the grace to give back to You.
2. Jesus, reign over every area of my life, including my finances.
3. Father, help me to give with honour, joy, and faith in Your Lordship.
4. Let my giving become a gateway to kingdom impact and eternal reward.
5. May I never hold back what belongs to You, Lord—make me a faithful steward.
