Sermons on Giving
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
In 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Paul gives instructions for giving. The purpose of this portion of Paul’s letter is to exhort the Corinthians to be faithful in giving, but also to consider the spiritual benefit of giving. In light of the blessings that accrue to the giver, Christians ought to give out of love, not compulsion.
Haggai 1:1-15
In Haggai 1:1-15 Haggai exhorts the people to get to work in building the house of God. They were living in paneled houses while the house of God lay in ruins. His call was a call for the people of God to prioritize the Kingdom of God above themselves.
Deuteronomy 26:1-15
In Deuteronomy 26:1-15 Moses brings his long exposition of the law to a close. In this concluding passage he returns to instructions concerning the tithe and shows its relationship to thanksgiving for the blessings of salvation. When the people of God come into the land and receive all of the promised blessings they are to bring the tithe to the priest and confess their faith in the God who saved them as they give to Him. So too, God’s people…
Deuteronomy 24:6-25:4
In Deuteronomy 24:6-25:4 Moses addresses how we are to treat one another in every area of life. Fair treatment especially requires taking care of the weak and powerless. Ultimately, the major ideas of the world today fall short of the requirements of Scripture. It is Christians, in obedience to Christ, empowered by the Spirit, who are able truly to love others.
Deuteronomy 18:1-8
In Deuteronomy 18:1-8 Moses gives instructions concerning contributions for the Levites. Because they maintain the worship of God, they are to receive support from sacrifices brought to the sanctuary. The same principle applies to those who preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:13-14). Ultimately, failing to support those who labor in the worship of God is a sign of spiritual weakness.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29
In Deuteronomy 14:22-29 Moses gives instruction for the annual and triennial tithe laws for the people of God once they enter the land. These laws show that tithing ought to be done first for the maintenance of the worship of God and second to provide for the needs of the poor, especially among the people of God.
Matthew 6:1-4
In Matthew 6:1-4 Jesus begins speaking about good works that are pleasing to God. He assumes that Christians will give but shows that giving in and of itself is not necessarily pleasing to God. It matters how one chooses to give. What makes the act of giving pleasing to God? Here Christ focuses on the aim of it. Giving is acceptable when it is not done for one’s own glory but rather for the glory of God to be rewarded…