Simple Studies in Christian Essentials

 

                             Lesson 6

 

                     The Grace of Giving

 

   Introduction: Our relation to God in the matter of

giving is called "Stewardship." It is required of stewards

to be faithful, - 1 Cor 4:1-2. There are three facts which

reveal our stewardship:

 

I. God is owner of all things, - Ps 50:10-12.

 

     A. He owns by three rights:

 

         1. Creator, - Gen 1:1; Jn 1:1-3.

 

         2. Priority, - He was before all things, -

            Ps 90:2.

 

         3. Supremacy, - Ps 10:16; Ps 47:2,7-10.

 

     B. He has never relinquished that right of

        ownership, - Note the reservation He makes

        in the following pasages, - Gen 2:15-17;

        Gen 9:1-7; with Lev 17:11; Gen 17:5-8

        with Lev 25:23.

 

II. As Christians we belong to God.

 

     A. By natural creation, - Job 33:4.

 

     B. By recreation, or the New Birth, - 2 Cor 5:17.

 

     C. By redemption, - 1 Cor 6:19-20.

 

III. God has made provision for us to acknowledge His

     ownership.

 

     A. By returning a tenth of our increase to Him. -

        Lev 27:30; 1 Cor 9:12-14; Matt 23:23; 1 Cor 16:1-2.

 

     B. Free-will offerings above the tenth - 2 Cor 9:6-7.

 

     C. He has promised blessing upon the ones who honor

        Him in their giving, - Prov 3:9-10; Mal 3:8-10.

 

   Conclusion: Study 2 Cor 8:1-15 and note: Giving is called a "grace," vs 1-2; that the giving of ourselves should

precede money gifts, vs 5; that Christians may abound

in other graces and lack this, vs 7; that willing giving

proves the sincerity of love, vs 8; that our giving is

based upon Christ's sacrifice for us, vs 9; that a willing heart is accepted where there is no ability to give, vs 12;

that giving is to be on the grounds of equality, vs 14;

and this kind of giving leaves no lack, vs 15.

 

                               Questions

 

1. What is our relationship to God in the matter of giving

   called?

 

2. What is the chief requirement of stewards?

 

3. Who is the owner of all things?

 

4. By what rights is God the owner?

 

5. How did God manifest this ownership in dealing

   with Adam?

 

6. What did God tell Israel was His?

 

7. Name the three ways we as Christians belong

   to God.

 

8. Give a New Testament reference which shows

   that we should give a tenth to God.

 

9. When we have paid our tithe is that all that

   is required of us?

 

10. Give two promises of blessing to those who

    honor God in giving.