How Should I Give?
I Cor. 16:1-2, II Cor. 8:1-3, 9:6-8
I. We Should Give Systematically (I Cor. 16:2)
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside storing up as he may prosper....”- v. 2
A. There is a call for setting aside
1. Each one means everyone
2. We are to set aside God’s first
B. There is a call for measuring the gift
“..storing up as he may prosper…” v. 2b
1. Looking back before Calvary the minimum is 1/10
2. Looking forward from Calvary we give as God prospers
• This may mean that for some the tithe is all they can do
• This may mean that some of us need to be giving beyond the tithe
C. There is a call for consistent giving
“On the first day of the week…” v. 2a
1. Biblical giving is a discipline
2. Biblical giving is something to be done regularly
II. We Should Give Sacrificially (I Cor. 8:1-3)
“For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes and beyond their ability…” v. 3
A. It Comes From Recognizing God’s Grace
“…we make known to you the grace of God…” v. 1
B. It comes from a willing heart
“..they were freely willing…” – v.3b (Ex. 35:20-21)
C. It comes from going beyond abundance
“…beyond their ability…” v. 3a
• The widow – Luke 21:4
• Mary – Mark 14:3
III. We Should Give Cheerfully (II Cor. 9:6-8)
“..for God loves a cheerful giver.” V. 7
A. Cheerful giving is worshipful giving
1. Worshipful giving involves recognizing God as our source
2. Worshipful giving involves giving of our whole self to God
B. Cheerful giving produces joy
C. Cheerful giving pleases God
IV. We Should Give Expectantly (II Cor. 9:6 & Mal. 3:10)
A. We should expect God’s blessing on the gift
B. We should expect God’s blessing to be returned (v. 6)
“…he who reaps bountifully will also reap bountifully..” v. 6
C. We should expect God’s blessing to be abundant
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” – Malachi 3:10
