Sermon on giving to God

INTRODUCTION:
A. Psalm 96:8-9
B. It should be the desire of every child of God to want to know the whole truth on any subject.
1. What is important to realize in this regard is that “the reception of any truth depends upon the attitude that one has toward it.”
2. We often tell our friends and neighbors that they do not understand God’s truth on baptism or grace because they do not manifest the right attitude toward God’s word of these subjects.
3. Sadly, there are thousands upon thousands of Christians who have closed their ears to what God has said on the subject of giving.
4. There are some who even have an ugly attitude on this subject.
C. Here are statements that I have heard brethren make concerning giving: “I get so tired of hearing sermons on giving.” “Can’t the preacher talk about anything but money?” “O, he just gives to be seen of men.”
1. Statements like these are an index into a man’s character .
2. If many told the truth, it might sound like this:
a. “I am too selfish to give generously.”
b. I am too extravagant with my money to be able to give generously.”
c. “I spend too much money foolishly to give generously.”
D. It is essential that we manifest the proper attitude on this vital subject.
1. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
2. Giving as we have been prospered is a command of God, and we will be lost if we disregard those commands.
3. Someone once said attitude is just as important as truth, for truth is never understood with the wrong attitude.
4. Free-will offerings are commanded on the first day of the week – NOT bake sales, etc.
5. Let us now consider a variety of attitudes that many have toward giving.
DISCUSSION:
A. SOME HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF THE RICH YOUNG RULER
1. Mark 10:18-22
2. This ruler wanted to go to heaven and he lived an upright and moral life – he had a desire to follow Christ, and no doubt he thought he was ready from any standpoint
a. It never entered his mind that his money, or how he viewed it, was a hindrance to him
b. His wealth had blinded him.
c. This rich young ruler thought was doing well in keeping the commands of God – BUT, there was something he was overlooking
3. Jesus said go sell what you have! WHY? Jesus knew this man had the wrong attitude toward money.
a. The young man turned and walked away. HOW SAD!
b. He loved his money more than he loved the Lord.
c. Beloved, if we have this kind of attitude we will loose our soul!
B. SOME HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF JUDAS
1. John 12:3-6
2. It has been said that “temptation commonly comes through that for which we are naturally fitted.”
a. If a man is fitted to handle money, the temptation comes to regard money as the most important thing in the world.
b. Judas was evidently gifted at handling money – that is why he was chosen to take care of the money.
c. Judas, though, became so fond of money that he became a thief.
d. Judas saw this woman anointing Jesus’ feet – an act of surpassing love, but Judas saw it as a waste.
3. You see, a man’s sight depends on what is on the inside of him. What he sees depends on the condition of his heart.
a. For example, if we like a person we seldom see his faults, but if we do not like an individual – his faults increase.
b. When I hear one is opposed to a good work because it costs too much – I wonder about their attitude … Judas?
C. SOME HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA
1. Acts 5:1-2
2. The very fact that these two people lied about their giving shows beyond all doubt that they had the wrong attitude toward money.
a. Every time a person leaves the impression that he is giving as God has prospered him and then refuses to give liberally, he is just as guilty as Ananias and Sapphira.
b. Why should we think it is worse for them to lie about their giving than for us to lie about our giving?
c. One may say, “I don’t lie about my giving, I just do not give liberally.”
d. Let me ask you this question, “Which is worse, to lie to God or to rob God?” … Malachi 3:8
D. SOME HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF BARNABAS
1. Acts 4:36-37
2. It is not difficult to understand why Barnabas was called a good man (Acts 11:24). This is the kind of man we should strive to imitate.
a. Think of all the good that would be done if all people in the church were free-hearted, liberal givers and good like Barnabas.
b. The contrast is striking between Barnabas and the rich young ruler, Judas, and Ananias and Sapphira.
3. Why did Barnabas do this good deed? He had a wonderful attitude toward giving.
a. Do you suppose Barnabas ever got mad when a sermon was preached on giving?
b. I am glad that the Bible tells us of men like Barnabas – reading about Barnabas should give us a much stronger desire to give generously.
c. If you do not enjoy hearing lessons on giving, then your heart is out of tune with Christ
E. SOME HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF THE POOR WIDOW.
1. Mark 12:41-44
2. Suppose that on each Lord’s day you were to walk up before the congregation and put your offering on the table where all could see it.
a. Some would say, “I would be embarrassed.”
b. You would not be if you gave liberally and sacrificially as the poor widow
3. If we would all give liberally as God has prospered us, our contribution would increase and we would be adding good works instead of deleting them.
a. One preacher said, “When I look at the well-dressed congregation, I ask, where are the poor? When I look at the collection plate, I ask where are the rich?”
b. Are we giving sacrificially?
F. SOME HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF DAVID
1. 2 Samuel 24:24
2. I wish we could have this type of attitude.
a. Notice Malachi’s rebuke … Malachi 1:12-14
b. We ought not be giving God our “left-overs”
c. Notice the words of Paul … 2 Corinthians 2:8
3. Every single one of us need to reevaluate our giving.
CONCLUSION:
A. What is your attitude toward giving?
1. Rich Young Ruler? … Judas … Ananias and Sapphira?
2. Barnabas? … The Poor Widow? … David?
B. Are you giving as God has prospered you?
Tags:
Ananias and Sapphira, Barnabas, christian attitudes, Christian Character, David, First Day of the Week, Free Sermons on Giving, Free-will Offerings, Giving, giving as we have prospered, Judas, offerings, Poor Widow, proper attitude, Rich Young Ruler, Sermon Outline on Giving, Sermons on Ananias and Sapphira, Sermons on Giving

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Barnabas: An Exemplary Example
To Whom Are You Giving?
Worship – Part 6 – Giving as Worship
The Poor Widow's Sacrificial Heart
How Does God Add "All These Things" To Those That Seek First The Kingdom
Conversion Accounts – The Three Thousand
Let Brotherly Love Continue
"For Christ and the Church"
Greatness in the Menial
David's Penitent Heart
7 Responses to “Attitudes Toward Giving”

Nagesh says:
August 13, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Dear Friend,
Thank you so much for this wonderful and blessed teaching on the attitudes on giving. I wish that all the disciples of Jesus know this truth from the scripture.
There are people who give in the church to rule over the Pastor or the minister. They feel that when they give they have all right to speak anything to the Pastor because they put money in the church for the pastors salary. I feel very strongly that there should be a teaching on such a attitudes also. This would be fine if you please write one article on why you should give and once you have given forget what you have given and to whom you have given.
Thank you so much for this sermon
Love you,
Reply
Matthews Mooketsane Bantsijang says:
October 28, 2008 at 3:11 pm
We ought not be giving God our “left-overs”, I agree. I also believe that we need to give with love!! Matthews Bantsijang.
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KWAKU BOAFO ASANTE says:
May 20, 2009 at 5:13 am
THERE ONETHING I HAVE SEEN UNDER THIS SUN-IT IS WHEN PEOPLE ARE LOOSING THEIR LIFE THAT IS WHEN THEY TURN TO GIVE EVRYTHING FOR IT.NOT SO ,GIVE WHILES YOU U ARE STRONG AND GOD WILL GIVE BACK TO U WHEN YOU U NEED IT.AM TELLING FORGET ABOUT WHAT YOU GIVE AND U WILL NEVER REMEMBER YOU HAVE A NEED BECAUSE GOD WILL PROVIDE BEFORE YOU REMEMBER U HAVE NEEDS.BLESS U!
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PG says:
February 14, 2010 at 5:33 am
Thank you for this timely reminder.
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Divine Sangbong says:
October 23, 2010 at 12:49 pm
God bless you so much for such a panoramic view on giving. Christians should learn to give to God from the heart not from the head. What I mean is that we should not be calculating what we would get from God as a result of our giving, but we should give to God from a willing heart of obedience, love and humility. Then ALL things shall be added to us. Goodness and mercy and abundance shall follow us all the days of our lives. But if we give just because the man of God said so or because we expect a double potion the very next day like we do in our ordinary day business transactions …..and if our giving is not from a cheerful heart……..then we can begin to understand why Christians give and still remain poor all their lives. Hence give from your heart and you shall be blessed in this live and beyond
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Martin Mandiyanike says:
February 18, 2011 at 9:20 am
Thank you for sermon.It had high-lighted my short falls when it comes to giving to the work of God.With continuation of your teachings i am bound to change and be a light to other fellow christians.Be blessed.
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Pst. James Ngumbi says:
March 17, 2011 at 8:45 am
As a pastor at A.I.C Tala in Kenya, this great and inspiring sermon has moved me to reconsider my attitude in giving. Am not sure whether I enjoy preaching sermons on giving either, for I rarely do so! All the same have always hated the health and wealth gospel meant to benefit self and misleading the recipients. Am so greatful to u for I have learnt that I can make a diffrence by encouraging people to give so as to get to give again. Bravo