“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” Psalms 19:1-2. Read also verses 3&4.
From this psalm, we learn that God’s Creation (the heavens and the earth)
a. Declare the glory of God
b. Proclaim the work of His hands
c. Pour forth speech
d. Display knowledge
By closely observing God’s Creation, we can gain valuable insights. Similar to the physical laws that create order from chaos in the universe, God has established spiritual laws that guide our lives. One such law is the Law of Generosity.
This teaches us that
“whoever sows generously will also reap generously” 2 Corinthians 9:6
A. PARTNERSHIP
As co-laborers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 6:10), it is crucial for us to recognize the distribution of responsibilities.
1. Ownership Is With God
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it; the world, and all who live in it” Psalms 24:1.
See also Psalms 89:11; Job 41:11; 1Chronicles 29:10-14.
We are not owners, but caretakers. God holds ownership over everything. Every created entity, whether living or inanimate, belongs to Him – encompassing all material and immaterial aspects of our lives, such as our belongings, careers, and families.
He has provided us with these gifts for our enjoyment. As stated in 1 Timothy 6:17, acknowledging that these things ultimately belong to God allows us to find peace in the knowledge that He bears ultimate responsibility for them.
2. Stewardship Is With Us
We aren’t owners; rather, we are stewards. A steward is someone who oversees and looks after what belongs to another. God is the true owner of all things, and as stewards, it is our duty to manage and care for His creation. We are responsible for being faithful in this stewardship.
The Lord expects us to be accountable for the important task of managing the blessings He has entrusted to us (see Matthew 25:14-30). Understanding this relationship between the Owner and the steward regarding God’s possessions makes it easier for us to give.
Before God, stewardship covers every single thing that belongs to us:
a. Our Life. Acts 17:25; 1Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 2:20; Job 33:4
b. Our Time. Psalms 90:12; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5
c. Our Talents and Abilities. 1Peter 4:10; 1Corinthians 12:4-7,11
d. Our Possessions. Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-2
e. Our Finances. 1Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Matthew 6:24
f. The Message of the Gospel. 1Corinthians 4:1; 9:16-17; 1Timothy 6:20
Nonetheless, numerous Christians continue to find it challenging to give or tithe, regardless of their desire to do so. The key action that enables a believer to fully experience the blessings of responsible stewardship is SURRENDER—completely yielding one’s life, possessions, and aspirations to God’s will and purpose.
It is only when we offer OURSELVES that we truly understand the significance of giving a portion of the resources (or finances) that God has entrusted to us.
B. GIVING IN THE EARLY CHURCH
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need … No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had” Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32
The fundamental mindset of the early Christians established a groundwork for all future forms of giving. As the Christian population grew, various approaches to generosity emerged.
Nevertheless, every act of giving reflected their belief in STEWARDSHIP—that ultimately, everything is God’s.
1. The Church Supported The Needy
In the early Church, certain individuals were selected to act as deacons—assistants—responsible for distributing offerings and gifts to widows and those in need, as described in Acts 6:1-3.
These men dedicated their ministry to ensuring that all contributions were directed to areas of genuine necessity.
2. Churches Gave Sacrificially To One Another
During a period of famine in Jerusalem, the impoverished and struggling Gentile church extended their support to the Jewish Christians in need.
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 See also verses 1,4.
3. The Church Supported Travelling Ministries
The apostle Paul journeyed from one location to another, founding new churches along the way. At times, he engaged in manual work to sustain himself, as noted in Acts 18:3 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9.
In other instances, the church in Philippi exemplified the generous spirit that God praises by providing support for itinerant ministries like Paul’s.
“I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received … the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” Philippians 4:18. Read also verses 15-17.
4. Christians Worked To Be Able To Give
“he who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” Ephesians 4:28
5. Giving Was The Proof Of Their Love
“At this time, your plenty will supply what they need… Therefore show [by giving] … the proof of your love … ” 2Corinthians 8:14, 24. See also verses 7-15; 1 Corinthians 16;1-2; 1John 3:17-18.
C. GOD’S PRINCIPLES OF GIVING
In 1Corinthians 10:11, we are told to learn from Israel’s example. We are told to apply the principles given them by God. At the same time we are told to avoid the mistakes Israel (and the leaders) made in the wilderness.
In the area of giving, we find some excellent guidelines that can help us in our giving:
In 1 Corinthians 10:11, we are encouraged to take lessons from the experiences of Israel. We are instructed to embrace the principles bestowed upon them by God while also steering clear of the errors made by Israel and its leaders during their time in the wilderness.
When it comes to the topic of giving, we can discover valuable guidelines that can assist us in our generosity:
1. God Expects Us To Begin With A Percentage
“’Bring the whole tithe (10%) into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, “says the Lord Almighty,’ and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it’” Malachi 3:10.
2. We Are To Give Systematically And Regularly
“Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the Lord, and this was done. Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts..” 2Chronicles 31:11-12
3. We Are To Give The First And The Best To The Lord
“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” Proverbs 3:9-10.
“But you are a chosen people, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” 1Peter 2:9.
