November 17, 2019
DANIEL 7: A Lesson of Giving for a Lifetime of Living
November 17, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Have you ever moved someone you love, and wondered how they could accumulate so much “stuff”? Has it taught you any lessons?
Open:
Today we want to focus on God’s concern over our giving—which starts with our money, but should also include our time and available material possessions. So much of the world is suffering from poverty, while we in America are drowning in “things!” As we study God’s word for lessons on tithing, let’s ask Him to open our hearts as we see Brothers and Sisters in need of food or clothing and be willing to supply their lack.
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Focal Passages: Malachi 3:8-10; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 9:7; Deut. 16:17; 1 Cor. 4:2; 2 Cor. 9:6; 1 Tim. 6:10; Matt. 6:21.
God wants us to give
- Read 1 Cor. 16:1-2. Paul established guidelines from God as he visited the churches. What does he say he expects in verse 1? How should they lay aside their tithe? In verse 2, who is to lay up the tithe?
- Read Matt. 23:23. Why did Jesus rebuke the Pharisees? What was the phrase in the second half of the verse that indicated Jesus expected them to tithe?
God wants us to give properly
- God loves faithfulness in His children. How is it demonstrated in 1 Cor. 16:2?
- Read Matt. 6:3. What is the principle laid out here? What was Jesus saying?
- How are some ways we can be manipulated into giving that would not be pleasing to God?
- Read Mal. 3:10. How can this verse be twisted to mean something different?
God wants us to give with the right heart
- Read Deut. 16:17. Although the law of the children of Israel stipulated tithe to be 1/10th, what did God say in this verse?
- Read Exo. 25:1-2. Who did God desire to give gifts for the Tabernacle? How does 2 Cor. 8:12 tie in with the verse from Exodus?
- Besides a willing spirit, what else does God want from His children as they give (key verse today)?
God’s response to our giving
- Read 2 Cor. 9:6. What does this verse mean to you?
- Read Matt. 6:19-21. How can this passage be taken as an admonition not to hoard “stuff”?
Take Away: Think about this week: do you own your possessions, or do they own you? Are you able to relax when chores are not completed, or do the unfinished tasks reflect a slavery to your lifestyle?
Close:
Few things will underscore the lesson of hoarding “things” as much as moving from one house to another! As you move, unpack, categorize, organize, and discard items that have been carried through decades of family life, you finally get to the question, “What do I intend to do with these things?” We all hope sentimental items will be passed to children and grandchildren, but the truth is, a new generation is coming on the scene that does not desire the fine china, the heirlooms, or the sentimental relics of by-gone days that once surrounded the establishment of homes.
In the olden days, a newly married couple were the recipients of gifts given out of the treasury of a settled family: not unlike tithing mentioned by Paul in 2 Cor. 8:13-15, where the ones who were blessed helped those who were not living with extras, and in the end they were all taken care of—so, too, the new family was given gifts that began a home in love and warmth.
How does this illustrate God’s ideal of giving? We give from a heart of love to God, who wiped out of the entire debt of sin against us. At the same time, many live with the bad choices of a life that continues to control our finances* and leaves little room for tithing any amount. In those cases God counts you to be giving what your heart desires to give, rather than what it is able. Or—God may give you more, testing you to see if you will really tithe the tenth! In any case, your giving should be a joyful experience, bringing you into a richer relationship with Him. You also have your time, as well as your abundance of “things” as in the families of yesteryear. One hour for a Sunday morning worship service is not a title of your time. Let that be between you and God. The giving of “things” is in accordance with James 2:15-16. If you are aware of a need, especially within the “household of faith,” where a family is genuinely in need, and you say, “I hope someone helps that family,” while adding up your 401K, 403B, etc., have you not made a mockery of your faith? Let’s give our money, our time, and our possessions from a heart of cheerful joy, praising God that we have more than we need!
* Search out the Life Group, “Financial Peace,” at your church.