EQUIPPED: Giving As A Gift
“…if it is giving, then give generously…”
Romans 12:8
Introduction
In our series on the spiritual gifts found in Romans 12 one gift that we often overlook is giving.”: the gift of giving. Paul writes, '...if it is giving, then give generously.' Let's explore what that means.
Romans 12:6-8, NLT “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
This might seem like an odd way to say it, but the Spirit of God has EQUIPPED some with the gift of giving. I don’t know if you have considered giving as a gift. We like to be given a gift, but how is giving a gift?
I had a friend who is now with the Lord who told me once that he was not very capable in the ways of service that so many others in the church were. But he said something I always thought was impressive. “I can work. My kids are grown and away from home. I have time and opportunity to work overtime. That allows me to give more to the church than I have ever done before.” You might not look at this guy and think he was all that spiritual, but in my mind he was gifted to give.
At the end of the day, you have a decision to make each week (or some give monthly, in relation to their income). And that decision relates to the question of blessing. Has God blessed me to be able to exercise the gift of giving? The question is YES … the amount, though, is between you and the Lord.
At its core, giving is a matter of the heart.
1. The Heart of a Giver (Our Attitude)
The heart of a giver is focused on Jesus. The Lord said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Money and how we spend it are very personal issues. We come to realize that we have been blessed to bless.
The heart of a giver is focused on eternal values. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is easy to be focused on finances and possessions to the degree that we forget that this is not the main emphasis of life. Wisdom is needed in how we view our possessions.
The heart of a giver is focused on the joy of helping. The attitude God wants us to have is to be excited to give.
2 Corinthians 9:5-7 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” The word “cheerful” in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is the Greek word hilaros, from which we get our English word “hilarious.” In Paul’s time, the word meant joyful, glad, and eager—not just “funny.” God calls us to give with a willing and glad heart.
A poem that was found in the December 24, 1910 issue of The War Cry, an official publication of The Salvation Army, expressed it this way:
“It's not what you'd do with a million,
If riches should e'er be your lot;
But what are you doing at present;
With the buck and a quarter you've got?”
2. The Model of a Giver (Christ’s Example)
A story in Mark 12 tells us that Jesus honors sacrificial giving. Mark 12:41-44 "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." The widow gave all she had - two mites. In economic terms, she didn’t give much. In the eyes of Jesus, she gave everything. No offering to God is wasted!
In Contrast…Giving is often in Conflict with our desires. Jesus also told a story about a rich man in Luke 12.
Luke 12:16-21 says, “Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” He thought he had it made - "I will just keep expanding." This parable probably expresses what we consider success in our world today - and probably in the ancient world as well. But he was called into accounting that night. Jesus does not criticize having possessions, or being successful in life. He does criticize the one who neglects his relationship with God.
Benjamin Franklin said, "He does not possess wealth that allows it to possess him."
3. The Practice of a Giver (Our Actions)
In 1 Cor 16 Paul gives his most specific teaching on giving. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 "Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once."
Paul is specific in his instructions:
-A definite time - "upon the first day of the week"
-A definite person - "let every one of you"
-A definite proportion - "as God has prospered"
-A definite reason - "that there be no gathering when I come.
I don’t know how you decide how to give. Many Christians have used 10% as a baseline for giving—not as a law, but as a way to discipline their hearts toward generosity. That’s not necessarily a law in the New Testament as it was for the Jews in the Old Testament, but I don’t think Christ came to this earth, established the church, paid for it with his blood, and thought we might give less!
Conclusion
1. But all of our giving is just a response to the biggest giver this church has ever known. He has enabled all of our ministries to continue over a long period of time. He has given us information that will lead us to success if we will follow it. His influence cannot be calculated, and without it we would not be here. Not one good thing has been done in this church – and nothing could have been done – without his contribution. Without a doubt, the biggest giver in this church is …. God!
2. God has given us so much that all of our gifts together do not even come close to showing the level of contribution that God has given.
3. Christianity is a giving religion! We are called upon to give our time, our efforts, and our possessions for the will of God. Giving is an act of worship to our heavenly Father.
4. The greatest example we have is God himself! John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
5. Jesus talked much about money. This is why we must study His teaching on this vital subject. We must also put into practice what we see that Jesus taught.
6. What can we do?
-Commit to examining spending habits with my spouse if applicable.
-Pray about my financial participation in the Forsythe ministry
-Pray for God’s guidance in helping me better manage my money
-When we give each week, we thank God for the privilege of being a part of the Kingdom of God and seeking its growth and effectiveness.
7. Keep your eyes looking toward the future when you give. Continue to imagine what Forsythe could do if everyone leaned into this gift together - missions, benevolence, community blessing - honoring God above all!
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Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Paul includes giving in his list of spiritual gifts? In what ways might “the gift of giving” be just as important as teaching, serving, or leadership?
2. Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Do you believe this is true in your own experience? Why or why not?
3. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). What does the way we handle money reveal about our priorities?
4. The Macedonian Christians gave out of poverty with joy (2 Cor. 8:1–6). What does this example teach us about the attitude behind giving??
5. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says God loves a cheerful giver. What are some ways we can cultivate joy in giving??
6. What strikes you about the widow who gave two small coins (Mark 12:41–44)? What does her example teach us about sacrificial giving??
7. In contrast, the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21) stored up wealth for himself. What’s the danger in that mindset today??
8. Jesus is the ultimate model of generosity (John 3:16; Rom. 8:32). How does His example shape the way we think about our possessions?
9. According to 1 Corinthians 16:1–2, what principles should guide our giving? (time, proportion, purpose, etc.) Do you think giving 10% (a tithe) is a helpful starting place for Christians today? Why or why not?
10. What are some practical steps families can take to be more intentional and consistent in their giving?
