CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH - GIVING

by Dr. David H. Davis
(Jacksonville, AR 72076)

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH
Fruitful Ministries
Adult Bible Study Lessons Compiled by Dr. David H. Davis

We desire that you have a better understanding of the some of the basic aspects of our giving to the Lord through our church. Over the years, many have learned the importance of being faithful givers. Too, some of the members of good Bible believing churches have not grasped the importance of being a consistent, faithful giver to the work of God.

In some cases there has been a lack of knowledge in the area of giving. Sad to say, some even have a negative mindset towards giving. If a person will truly be honest with God, they will realize that God has chosen this way of supporting the the work begun to reach souls for Christ.

It takes money to operate. To do the job that the Lord has called us to do, we must have Christian believers sold out in this matter of giving. There must be the realization that the Lord wants YOU to have a vital part in bringing souls to the Saviour!

To be very honest, I cannot give you the name of a church in our area that is doing as much as we are in reaching the lost. There are other good churches, but side-by-side we, by God’s grace, are doing an outstanding job. This is because of the GRACE OF GOD, and the giving attitude of our folks found in many of our our local Baptist Churches.

I. BY FAITH WE MUST REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF MONEY.

A. Some folks are member of the P.B.P. Society—the Pocket Book Protectors’ Society.
B. People are sensitive about money for it represents time, energy, strength, training and talents.
C. Matthew 6:19,20 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: v.21 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust , and where thieves do not break through and steal.” What you do with your finances is important to you and God!

II. BY FAITH, WE CAN KNOW WE ARE CORRECTLY FOLLOWING THE SCRIPTURE FOR OUR GIVING.

A. Malachi 3:8-11. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In ______________ and _____________.” v.9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. v.10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
v.11 And I will _____________ the _____________ for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.”
B. Giving tithes and offerings to the Lord has long been a characteristic of Bible believers.
1. Abraham practiced it before the law.
2. Jacob continued it after Abraham.
3. Moses confirmed it.
4. Malachi commanded it in his book.
5. The Lord Jesus commended it in the New Testament.

III. BY FAITH, WE CAN BE ORGANIZED IN OUR GIVING.

We know the importance of giving, and when we give in an organized way we can know that we are following God’s plan for correct giving.

A. “Let everything be done __________ and in ____________.”
1 Corinthians 14:40.
B. A certain day was designated. 1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the
________ ________ ________ _______ _______ let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit calls us all to a spirit of giving. He said, “everyone!”

Practical Thought: I have known several folks who have a supply of offering envelopes “at the ready” at home. When each Sunday rolls around, they will have already filled in the amount and have their offering ready to go for that Sunday. They don’t have to worry about getting things together at the last moment. This also a good way to train your children in the habit of giving. They need to have their very own envelope as well.

IV. BY FAITH, WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR GIVING.

A. Giving reveals our Gratitude! Yes, Clyde, we can have an “attitude of gratitude!” 2 Corinthians 8:7 “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see ye abound in this grace also (This “grace” was the grace of giving).”

B. The Genuineness of our love is also revealed. 2 Corinthians 8:8,24
“I speak not by commandment, but by the occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”

v.24 “Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the
_____________ _____ _______ __________, and of our boasting on your behalf.”

APPLICATION:

1. Do you realize the importance of giving to the Lord?
Yes____No____

2. Are you handling your money scripturally?
Yes___No___

3. Are you organized in your giving?
Yes___No___

4. Have you learned the spiritual side of giving?
Yes___No___

Remember we are:

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH!

This is intended to be a four page lesson outline for a Sunday School Class. Here's the "bones," put some meat on them!