What is taught about giving?
Introduction. Giving is indeed a Biblical subject, starting in Genesis. Abel gave unto God the firstlings of his flock (Gen. 4: 4). Noah gave burnt offerings after the global flood (Gen. 8:20). Abraham gave a tenth of all (Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 7: 2) and his grandson Jacob made a similar pledge (Gen. 28:18-22).
Giving under the Mosaic Code. Under the Law of Moses, the Jews had numerous requirements relative to giving (Ex. 22: 29, 23: 16-19). Some might think that was limited to the "tithe" (a tenth part or 10%). However, when one considers all the many requirements related to giving, the faithful Jew appears to have given about 30 percent of his income (living).
Giving under Christ's system. While some people today want to bind the giving of the tithe on Christians, we are no longer bound by the Law of Moses (Heb. 7-9; Col. 2:11-18). Instead we are under the Law of Christ revealed in the New Testament. Regarding giving, one does not find any specific numbers or percentages as was in the case of the Mosaic Code. Concerning the local church, Christians are to give as they have been prospered (1 Cor. 16: 2), bountifully (2 Cor. 9: 6), and as one has purposed in one's heart (2 Cor. 9: 7). The willing mind is primary and then one gives as one is able (2 Cor. 8: 12). As an aside, this is the only method the Lord authorized for funding the work of the local congregation.
Giving reflects one's love (2 Cor. 8: 8). Christians are to give to those who have need (Eph. 4: 28; Jas. 1: 27). Another act of Christian giving which is foundational is, "... but first gave their own selves to the Lord..." (2 Cor. 8: 5). As the Holy Spirit through Paul reveals in Rom. 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Hence, before one can really give, one must give himself to the Lord.
Conclusion. The greatest act of giving ever is also recorded in the Bible. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3: 16). In teaching the Corinthians how to give, Paul used Jesus as the greatest example of all (2 Cor. 8: 9). When we consider all that God has done for us, we ought to want to give. We should want to give our time, our talents, our money, our thoughts, our speech, our energies, and ourselves. We can never out-give God.
Giving under the Mosaic Code. Under the Law of Moses, the Jews had numerous requirements relative to giving (Ex. 22: 29, 23: 16-19). Some might think that was limited to the "tithe" (a tenth part or 10%). However, when one considers all the many requirements related to giving, the faithful Jew appears to have given about 30 percent of his income (living).
Giving under Christ's system. While some people today want to bind the giving of the tithe on Christians, we are no longer bound by the Law of Moses (Heb. 7-9; Col. 2:11-18). Instead we are under the Law of Christ revealed in the New Testament. Regarding giving, one does not find any specific numbers or percentages as was in the case of the Mosaic Code. Concerning the local church, Christians are to give as they have been prospered (1 Cor. 16: 2), bountifully (2 Cor. 9: 6), and as one has purposed in one's heart (2 Cor. 9: 7). The willing mind is primary and then one gives as one is able (2 Cor. 8: 12). As an aside, this is the only method the Lord authorized for funding the work of the local congregation.
Giving reflects one's love (2 Cor. 8: 8). Christians are to give to those who have need (Eph. 4: 28; Jas. 1: 27). Another act of Christian giving which is foundational is, "... but first gave their own selves to the Lord..." (2 Cor. 8: 5). As the Holy Spirit through Paul reveals in Rom. 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Hence, before one can really give, one must give himself to the Lord.
Conclusion. The greatest act of giving ever is also recorded in the Bible. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3: 16). In teaching the Corinthians how to give, Paul used Jesus as the greatest example of all (2 Cor. 8: 9). When we consider all that God has done for us, we ought to want to give. We should want to give our time, our talents, our money, our thoughts, our speech, our energies, and ourselves. We can never out-give God.