NEW LIFE LESSONS: A New Life For New Disciples

BEING A LIVING SACRIFICE

My Offering Of Time, Talent & Treasure To God
Introduction:
The giving of our time (opportunities), talent (abilities) and treasure (possessions) to God are an important part of our service to Him. No Christian can be pleasing to Him when he neglects to give of himself because of selfishness, greed or covetousness. Giving is a part of our worship to God. It is not like club dues or a contribution to a political or social organization. It is an offering. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 What we have always been taught about our time, talent and treasure may or may not be in harmony with what God teaches. He establishes principles and attitudes that are at odds with some of our human habits. His ways are based on what is best for the long term not just a few or the short term. How we see ourselves as we relate to God is essential to our service to Him.

Romans 12:1-2
In this study we want to understand that we must be managers (stewards) and what this means in our attitudes and lives. We will examine the general principles of giving back to God as our service to Him and worship. THE CHRISTIAN AS A MANAGER (STEWARD) GOD OWNS IT ALL Psalm 24:1 The Christian understands that because God created everything that exists He is to be considered the owner of all that exists. Gen. 14:22; I Chron. 29:10, 11,14; I Cor. 10:26 - The Christian understands that everything in your possession is actually owned by God. You have been entrusted with the care of His property. In the New Testament the word steward is used to express this important idea. In the first century, a steward was a slave or servant who was entrusted with the property or wealth of his owner. He was to use this property he used to gain more wealth or to help supply usable products for his master. - Today we might think of this as an Investment Manager. - The steward did not own anything. He only managed what was given to him. The responsibility was to use it wisely to the benefit of his master. Luke 16:10-13 You cant serve two masters: choose to serve God or money. Luke 19:11-24 Jesus used this idea to teach us about faithfulness in the service of

Prepared By: David A. Stathopulo

13.9.2

NEW LIFE LESSONS: A New Life For New Disciples

I Cor. 4:1-2

God. Paul says that the Christian manager (steward) is to be faithful or trustworthy.

Something to help remind us: None that is mine, is mine; All that is mine, is Yours. WHAT DOES THE CHRISTIAN MANAGE FOR GOD? NOT JUST MONEY BUT ALL OF OUR GOD GIVEN RESOURCES 1. The Christian manages his BODY. He uses it in the proper way and thus glorifies God. Rom. 12:1; I Cor 6:18-20 2. The Christian manages his TIME so that he finds opportunities to tell others about Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Philemon 4-6 3. The Christian manages his TALENTS and abilities in the service of God. Matt. 25:14-30; I Peter 4:10 (S.H.A.P.E. Class) 4. The Christian manages his TREASURE (POSSESSIONS) to God's glory. (We have already seen that they really belong to the Lord . Acts 5:4; 2 Cor. 8:3-5) 5. The Christian manages his FAMILY and so brings up his children to honor God. Col. 3:21; Eph. 6:4 GENERAL PRINCIPLES ON MONETARY GIVING (I Corinthians 16:2) WHEN, WHO AND HOW? 1. When to give? "Upon the first day of the week." Which is the day on which Christians assembly to worship God. 2. Who is to give? "Everyone of you." 3. How to give? "Put something aside." 4. How much to give? "As he may prosper." THE EXAMPLE OF THE MACEDONIAN CHRISTIANS (2 Cor. 8:1-5) 1. They were deep in poverty but rich in giving. 2 Cor 8:2 2. They gave "beyond their power" and "of their own accord." 2 Cor 8:3 3. They asked to take part in giving. 2 Cor. 8:4 They regarded it as an opportunity and were happy to give. 4. The secret to giving, "first they gave themselves to the Lord." 2 Cor. 8:5 OUR GIVING IS TO BE 1. Of our own free will. 2 Cor 8:12 We are not forced by others. (Principle Acts 5:4 Your possessions belong to you . They are under your control and you are responsibility to use.) 2. As purposed in the heart. 2 Cor. 9:7 We must plan and decide how much to give. 3. Cheerful. 2 Cor. 9:7 We are glad to give. 4. Not to be given grudgingly. 2 Cor. 9:7 We don't wish for the money back. 5. Not to be done sparingly. 2 Cor 9:6 Give as much as possible. 6. Under the New Covenant, God has not set the percentage we must give. This is so we can give according to our love, not give according to commandment. Under the Old Covenant, Israel was required to give the tithe or 10%. Can we under the covenant of righteousness think that God will be pleased with less than what the Pharisees and hypocrites gave? Lk.11:42 (If not already, begin working towards the tithe goal.)

Prepared By: David A. Stathopulo

13.9.2

NEW LIFE LESSONS: A New Life For New Disciples

SOME THINGS THAT A FAILURE TO GIVE MAY INDICATE A Lack Of Teaching . May have never been taught to give. A Lack Of Faith. May not be willing to follow God's word and reliance on God. A Lack Of Concern. May not be concerned with others since part of the contribution is for acts of mercy (benevolence) to help the needy. A Lack Of A Cooperative Spirit. 2 Cor. 6:1 - Rebellious independent spirit, greed. A Lack Of Love. May be a lover of money. Such an attitude is covetousness which is the same as idolatry. I Timothy 6:10; Col. 3:5 A Lack Of Interest. May not consider what the church is doing in evangelism, etc. as important. The church is to teach the truth. I Tim. 3:15 A Lack Of Money. Few could really give this as a valid reason. The Lord is not concerned about the amount we give, only if it is proportional. Lk.21:14 REASONS FOR MAKING MONEY To Support Ourselves And Our Families. Acts 20:33-34; 2 Thess. 3:7-8; I Tim. 5:8 To Help The Poor And Needy. Lev 19:9; Mk. 14:7; Prov. 14:21-22; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor 8: 13-15; 9:6-13. Done individually and through the church. Gal. 6:10 To Help Spread The Gospel. I Cor. 9:9-14; Phil. 1:5; 4:10-20; 2 Cor. 6:6; I Tim. 6:5 THE LORD IS INTERESTED IN MY MONEY The Lord Is Interested In How I Obtain My Money. 1. I must not obtain it by fraud or deceit nor by any other dishonest means. 2. I must not use immoral or unethical means of obtaining money. 3. The Lord has taught that I must obtain money by honest toil or efforts. The Lord Is Interested In My Attitude Towards Material Possessions. 1. I must not love money. I Tim. 6:10 2. I must not be covetous. Col. 3:5 3. The Lord has taught that I must obtain money by honest toil or efforts. 4. I must not put my trust in money or possessions of any kind. I Tim. 6:9,17-19 The Lord wants me to have the attitude of a steward (manager). Lk.16:10-12 The Lord Is Interested In What I Do With That Which He Has Entrusted To Me. 1. I must not squander it, gamble it away, hoard it or use it in an ungodly way. 2. The Lord's way for me is to use money for the following. a. Support the work of the church. Eph. 4:28; 2 Cor. 9:7; I Cor. 16:1-2 b. Support my family (by a job or personal business). I Tim. 5:8 c. Support my government by paying my taxes. Rom. 13:6-7; Matt. 17:24-27

God's Promise To Givers

GOD WILL SUPPLY EVERY NEED. Phil. 4:19 And my God will satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 9:8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
Prepared By: David A. Stathopulo 3 13.9.2

NEW LIFE LESSONS: A New Life For New Disciples

GOD GIVES BACK TO THOSE WHO GIVE TO GOD. Luke 6:38 READ Matt. 25:34-40 READ 2 Cor. 9:6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

CONCLUSION:

The Bible is a book of giving. It opens and closes with God giving man the world, life, the savior Jesus, forgiveness of sins, and a heavenly home. God, as owner, has entrusted us with His possessions as stewards. What we have is to be obtained by morally ethical means and is to be used to His glory. "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money; nor he who loves wealth with gain...." Ecc. 5:10 To give little when we can give more is to rob God. To do this is sin. God was angry with Israel when they did this. Mal. 3:8-10 He also challenged Israel to see what would happen if they did give as He asked. May we never be guilty of robbing God by neglecting to give as He asks.

Prepared By: David A. Stathopulo

13.9.2