The Principles of Giving, Part 1

Monday: Exodus 35, Mark 13
Tuesday: Exodus 36-37
Wednesday: Exodus 38, Mark 14
Thursday: Exodus 39, Mark 15
Friday: Exodus 40, Mark 16
Saturday: Psalm 33-34, Proverbs 7
Sunday: 2 Samuel 21-24, 1 Kings 1-4

Key Passage: Acts 4:32-37

We worship what we love (Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Timothy 6:10)

Giving foundation:

1. God is not in our debt (Psalm 50:12, Romans 11:35-36)

2. We are not under the law (Romans 7:4,6)

Firstfruits: give first (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Tithe: give proportionally
Storehouse: give together (Acts 4:32-37, Malachi 3:10)

3 Tithes of Israel
Tithe for the Levites (Numbers 18:21-24, Nehemiah 10:35-39, 1 Timothy 5:17-18)
Tithe for the feasts (Deuteronomy 12:17-19, 14:22-26, 26:10-16)
Tithe for the widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 26:12-13)

Why even emphasize a percentage if we are not under the law?

1. The principle existed before the law

• Abraham - Genesis 14:17-20, Hebrews 7:1-10
• Jacob - Genesis 28:20-22

2. It was affirmed, not abolished, by Jesus

• Matthew 23:23

1. Read back through the story of the Rich Young Man in Mark 10:17-22. We could use the law both as a way of salvation and as a way of putting God in our debt. In Jesus’ love for that young man, what was he trying to get him to understand about eternal life and what it means to follow Jesus?

2. What is your relationship with money and possessions? Consider how your treasure is connected to your heart and what you worship. Is there a specific point in today’s teaching that God used to speak to you? What one small step could you take to respond to that?  

3. What questions do you have? Write them down. Ask a trusted friend. You can also email russ@jicc.us to be included in this series or in the follow up podcast.

3DQ - 3 discipleship questions to ask each other: What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it? How can I help?