How Much Should I Give?

Seth McDonald
03/16/25 - Sunday AM Worship

Introduction

1. We know we are commanded to be generous. – Luke 6.38; cf 12.13-34
2. How much should I give?
   1. The Law of Moses was explicit (tithing commanded of Israel)
   2. The New Covenant is not as explicit (no command for Christians to tithe)
   3. We do have principles to guide us.
3. More than just the weekly collection – 1 Corinthians 16.1-2
   1. Directly to preachers who are spreading the gospel. – Philippians 4.16-19
   2. Directly to needy brethren – Matthew 25.37-40
   3. To other needy people. – James 1.27; Galatians 6.10
   4. To a favorite charity that shares my values.
       

1. Giving is Good for Me. – Acts 20.33-35
   1. If you sow generously, you will reap generously. – 2 Corinthians 9.6
      1. Not in a health/wealth gospel type of way.
      2. God, who sees in secret, will reward you openly. – Matthew 6.1-4
   2. It helps to keep you free from the love of money.
      1. Helps to “not to trust in the uncertainty of riches” – 1 Timothy 6.17
      2. Rich in a more important way: in good works – 1 Timothy 6.18-19
      3. Trains your heart to be in the right place.  – Matthew 6.19-21
   3. Opportunities to give is a reason to work. – Ephesians 4.28

2. I Give Myself First to the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 8.1-5
   1. When I give myself to God, sharing with others becomes easy.
   2. God owns everything and we are only stewards. – 1 Chronicles 29.12-16
      1. As stewards, we can choose what to do with “our money.” – Acts 5.4
      2. Includes providing for your own, saving, investing, etc.
      3. For every “save money” verse, there are numerous “do not horde” ones.
      4. Stewards are held accountable for their stewardship. – 1 Corinthians 4.2
   3. Giving pleases God. – Hebrews 13.16
   4. Attitudes towards possessions in the story of the “Good Samaritan.”
      1. Robbers: “What’s yours is mine and I am going to take it.”
      2. Priest & Levite: “What’s mine is mine and I am going to keep it.”
      3. Samaritan: “What’s mine is God’s, and I am going to use it for His glory.”
          

3.  I Must Give as I Prosper. – 1 Corinthians 16.1-4
   1. Consider how financially blessed I am compared to others in the world.
   2. Consider how much I spend on needs / wants and if I have room.
   3. Aim for equality among brethren – Acts 4.32-37; 2 Cor 8.13-15

4. I Must Give Willingly and Purposefully. – 2 Corinthians 9.7-10

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart

Not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

1. 1. Budget your giving.
      1. A “first fruit” is a non-negotiable. – Deuteronomy 18.4
      2. God has never been interested in left-overs.
      3. When it is budgeted, it becomes enjoyable to give.
   2. Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. – Hebrews 13.5

Conclusion

1. 1. God expects our own judgment to answer “How much should I give?”
   2. Consider principles that God has given to direct our decision:
      1. Giving is good for me.
      2. If I give myself first to the Lord, sharing His blessings is easy.
      3. I need to consider how much I need vs want vs how I have been prospered.
      4. I need to be purposeful in my giving.

Discussion Questions

1. 1. If God owns everything, why does He care if I put money in a collection plate?
      
      
       
   2. Is it important to “diversify” my giving? Would it be ok if all of my giving just goes to the collection plate?
      
      
       
   3. What do Old Testament examples teach about giving and generosity?