The Do's And Don'ts Of Giving Series

The Do’s and Don’ts of Giving – Acts 4:32-5:11

The only thing that will make a Church more upset at a Pastor than talking politics from the pulpit is preaching about giving. Let’s look at two examples of giving from the early Church and identify the Do’s and Don’ts of giving.

First let’s look at the DO’s. (Barnabas)

1. DO GIVE GENEROUSLY

Barnabas gave the entire proceeds of the sale of his land.

2. DO GIVE EARNESTLY (for the right reason)

He gave it so that the needs of the Church might be met as determined by the Apostles.

3. DO GIVE HONESTLY

He gave sincerely and therefore had no motivation to decieve anyone.

Now lets look at the DON’Ts. (Ananias and Saphira)

1. DON’T GIVE GREEDILY

They retained a portion of the sale of their land for their own personal gain.

2. DON’T GIVE NEEDLESSLY (that you may gain something)

They gave so that they might receive some sort of recognition. Perhaps they knew of Barnabas gift and wanted people to look at them favorably.

3. DON’T GIVE DECEITFULLY

They lied to the Apostles and the Holy Spirit to appear to be something they weren’t. Scripture makes clear that they were under no compulsion to give anything and if they did they could have given a portion and been honest about it.

Having the right attitude and motives in giving are more important than the amount given. However when our attitude and motives are right I think we will find that generous giving will not be an issue.