KINGDOM
GIVING
Many people have questions about New Testament
giving. Adding to this misunderstanding
is the confusion many people have about keeping the law versus walking in the
Kingdom principles contained within it. If
we are truly a follower of Jesus then we will seek to understand the Kingdom principles
concerning giving. We will want to walk
in them because we love God and want to please Him. Kingdom
giving comes from Kingdom living.
Those who are not living for The Kingdom will find it difficult to give
according to Kingdom principles.
The Tithe and The Kingdom
Although the “tithe” (the first 10 percent of our
income) is part of the Old Testament law it was a principle that preceded the
Law. Leviticus 27:30 states the
principle that “The tithe is the Lords.”
It is a principle that both Abraham and Jacob practiced before the Law
was given. (Genesis 14:20, & 28:22)
Why does “the tithe” belong to God?
He is the source of every blessing we have. “The tithe”
is the test of our heart. Giving a tithe
from the first fruits of what He’s blessed us with is our way of acknowledging
Him as our source and showing we trust Him to provide for our needs. The way we
handle the material blessings God gives us is an indication of our relationship
with Him. Jesus put it this way, “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you
with the true riches of Heaven?” (Luke 16:11 NLT)
Scripture indicates that the purpose of “the tithe” is to provide for the needs of those we
receive ministry from so they will be free to minister to us. Abraham gave his tithe to the local
priest. The children of Israel gave
their tithe to the Levites that lived among them. Paul put it this way “Let him who is taught
the Word share in all good things with him who teaches;” and “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his
wages.”(Galatians 6:6 & 1Timothy
5:18)
Offerings and The Kingdom
Offerings
come from our heart when we love others more than we love ourselves. This type of love is a sign of true spiritual
maturity.
Ephesians 4:28 makes it clear that the reason we are
blessed with a job is not only to meet our needs, but to give to the genuine
needs we see around us. 2 Corinthians
8:12-15 tells us that we should have a desire that every person has their needs
met and live as comfortably as we do.
This is part of loving your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Proverbs 3:27-28 tells us we should give our
neighbor what he needs if we are able to do so. Paul put it this way in
Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (NKJV) The word “all” includes those we do not like
or agree with. Proverbs 25:21 &
Romans 12:17-21 tells that one of the ways we overcome the evil in this world
is by giving to our enemies. Jesus gave
to Judas even though He knew he would betray Him.
You cannot out give God
Kingdom giving leads to blessings. Living to bless ourselves causes us to be
cursed. To selfishly live an
extravagant lifestyle when there are people we know who are in genuine need is
a sign we love ourselves more than God. The love of money is the root of much
of the evil in this world. It
comes from a heart that loves its own pleasure more than it desires to do God’s
will, and does not trust God to meet its needs.
The Word makes it very clear, “He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on
the poor, happy is he.” (Proverbs 14:21 NKJV) “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge.” (Proverbs
29:7 NKJV) “He who gives to the poor will not lack,
but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27)
Those who give
according to Kingdom principles believe God’s Word is true. “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his
Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” (Proverbs 14:31
NKJV) “He who has a generous eye will be
blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9 NKJV) “He who
has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and
He will pay back what he has given.” (Proverbs 19:17 NKJV) “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a
small crop, but the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give, and don’t
give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives
cheerfully.” God will generously provide all you need.
Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share
with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give
generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides
seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and
increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can
always be generous……”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLT)
Question:
Are you giving according to Kingdom principles because you love God and
want to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven?
Henry &
Rita Pulsifer
As God leads share this
message with someone.
Feel free to make copies.
If you would like to know more about Kingdom giving, please contact us.
Email: henry@basicministries.com or
rita@basicministries.com
Phone: (228) 255-9251
Phone: (228) 255-9251
P.O. Box 633
Grapevine, TX 76099
USA
USA
You will find this and other MESSAGES
on our Web-page: www.basicministries.com
Copyright
2012 Brothers & Sisters in Christ
