Core Foundations - Lesson 9

W9 Core

  1. SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES OF STEWARDSHIP

    1. Principle of ownership

      • God owns everything, we are simply managers or stewards acting on his behalf. Psalm 24:1

      • Stewardship is the commitment of one’s self and possessions to God’s service, recognizing that we do not have the right of control over our property or ourselves. Deuteronomy 8:17- 18

    2. Principles of accountability and responsibility

      • We are commissioned and accountable to all the Lord Jesus has given to us. Matthew 25:14-29

        His desire is for us to bring profit and increase!

    3. Principle of reward

      • Faithful stewards who do the Master’s will with His resources can expect to be rewarded. Matthew 25:21

      • Faithful stewards understand that their work, whether ministerial or secular, is done unto the Lord and will be rewarded with an inheritance. Colossians 3:23-24

        We may not see the complete reward until Heaven.

    4. Principle of service

      • Faithful stewards use spiritual and material gifts to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10

      • Faithful stewards serve their children and future generations with resources. Proverbs 13:22

  2. STEWARDSHIP INCLUDES THAT WHICH HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED

    God has entrusted many things to mankind, including finances, our bodies, ministry activity, and dominion over earth and creation.

    1. Finances Luke 6:38, Deuteronomy 28:12, Ecclesiastes 5:10

    2. Our bodies 1 Peter 4:1-2, Hebrews 10:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:19

    3. Ministry 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:4-6, 1 Corinthians 7:17

    4. Earth and creation Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1

  3. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES AND PRECEDENTS OF GIVING

    The Bible has over 2,000 scriptures that deal with money—that is a LOT!

    1. God is the ultimate giver. There is no way you can out give God.

      2 Corinthians 9:15, John 3:16

    2. Giving is a matter of the heart. Your heart will follow your treasure. Matthew 6:21

    3. Sixteen of the thirty-eight parables are about giving.

    4. Every Christian must excel in giving and generosity.

      2 Corinthians 8:1-4

    5. God desires to bless His people with true riches. Luke 16:11

    6. God desires His people to be generous with and beyond finances.

    7. There is blessing for those who are generous toward God’s chosen

      people (Israel). Genesis 12:3

    8. There is blessing and provision for being a blessing to others.

      Genesis 12:2

    9. Being a giver and blessing others allows the blessing and provision of God to permeate all aspects of our lives.

      2 Corinthians 9:8, Romans 8:32, Deuteronomy 8:18, James 1:17, Psalm 37:4

  4. THE TITHE

    The word “Tithe” literally means, “Tenth”.

    1. God established the tithe with Israel as a method to teach His people that everything we have belongs to God. Leviticus 27:30,

      Proverbs 3:9

    2. The tithe is sometimes referred to as first fruits, as the Lord’s

      portion is set aside first.

    3. The tithe often is practiced by Christians as giving God the first 10% of their income.

    4. In Old Testament times there were three distinct tithes. Some believe the actual amount tithed in total was between 23% and 30%. There are arguments for and against this larger percentage based on how you calculate the giving of the three tithes.

      • The Levitical Tithe Numbers 18:21,24

      • The Tithe of the feasts Deuteronomy 14:22-27

      • The Tithe for the poor Deuteronomy 14:28-29

    5. The tithe is not just about a percentage or dollar amount but

      giving back to God a portion of what He has already given to us.

      Deuteronomy 8:17-18

    6. Abraham set the precedent by tithing 430 years before the law.

      Genesis 14:17-20

    7. Tithing and giving are one of the ultimate proofs for the believer. Malachi 3:8-10

    8. Tithing and giving requires faith and obedience and therefore it releases the blessings of God upon our lives.

    9. God gave unto us His firstborn, the Lord Jesus, who has redeemed us. Psalm 89:27, Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15

    10. The purpose of giving tithes and offerings to the “storehouse”, (Malachi 3:8-12) is so that the local church and universal church will be self-sustaining, self-governing, and self-perpetuating.

    11. Scriptures that encourage believers in giving. Luke 6:38, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, Acts 20:35, Proverbs 11:24-26, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

  5. HOLY SPIRIT LED GIVING

    1. Basic Principles found in 2 Corinthians 8-9:

      We give by

        • The Spirit

        • His Purpose

        • His Timing

          • The Holy Spirit tells believers when, how, and how much to give.

          • Believers are not limited to only 10%, instead this is a starting place.

          • Believers learn to listen to the still small voice and subsequently obey.

          • Believers learn to give first and before any return or reward may come.

          • Believers give without excuses.

          • Believers give in faith and not fear.

          • Believers need a liberal attitude in all areas of giving, not just finances.

          • "What way, then, (I ask again) can we take, that our money may not sink us to the nethermost hell? There is one way, and there is no other under heaven. If those who 'gain all they can,' and 'save all they can,' will likewise 'give all they can;' then, the more they gain, the more they will grow in grace, and the more treasure they will lay up in heaven."

            John Wesley

    2. The churches of Macedonia were led by the Spirit in giving, even when it did not make sense in the practical. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

      • They gave while experiencing great trials of affliction.

      • They gave out of their deep poverty.

      • They gave beyond their ability.

      • They gave with an abundance of joy.

      • They gave willingly and not under compulsion.

      • They implored or begged Paul with urgency to receive the gift.

      • They first gave themselves to the Lord, which is the hallmark of giving.

    3. Paul desires this grace of giving to be active in the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 8:6

      • Believers are to abound in this gift as in other matters of love, faith, speech, knowledge. 2 Corinthians 8:7

      • The spirit and activity of giving must be accomplished, not just spoken of or wished for. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11

      • Believers should give out of a willing mind, not concerned about lack or abundance. 2 Corinthians 8:12

      • Giving in faith is a great equalizer. “Your abundance will supply their lack, and their abundance will supply your lack.” 2 Corinthians 8:14

      • The willingness, zeal, and generosity of the giver will stir up and activate others to give. 2 Corinthians 9:2

    4. The plan of giving Paul uses a farmer as an example to describe the plan. The farmer should sow bountifully to ensure a great harvest, but if he sows sparingly his harvest will be sparce.

      2 Corinthians 9:6

      • Give as you purpose in your hearts. 2 Corinthians 9:7

      • Don’t give grudgingly or of necessity. 2 Corinthians 9:7

      • God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

    5. The prosperity and purposes of giving 2 Corinthians 9

      • Sow bountifully and reap bountifully.

      • When you have a lack, God will release your provision through others’ giving.

      • Giving proves your love for God.

      • God makes all grace to abound towards you.

      • You will have sufficiency in all things and abundance for every good work.

      • God supplies seed to the sower and gives bread for food.

      • God supplies and multiplies the seed you have sown; however, you must sow it.

      • God increases the fruits of your righteousness, and you will reap a harvest.

      • You are enriched with all liberality; you live to give, and you’re giving supplies the needs of the saints. Giving becomes a natural lifestyle.

      • Giving proves your ministry and will glorify God.

      • Giving stirs people to pray for you, and also to be generous themselves.

EN
ES EN