2022-November 30 | Sacraments: Offering

SMALL GROUP MATERIAL

Inward Prayer

Small Group Questions:

    1. Why do we say that our finances belong to God?
    2. What does it mean when we say we are managers of our finances because they’re on loan to us?
    3. Why do you think the Bible says to give without recognition?
      • Read Matthew 6:1-4
    4. What does giving freely look like to you today? How can you participate in worshipping God with this sacrament?

Outward Prayer

MESSAGE NOTES

THE MAIN POINT

Financial giving gives me freedom from the worries that come with putting my trust in the things of this world.

THE BIBLE

Deuteronomy 8:18 (CSB), Leviticus 27:30 (CSB), Matthew 6:1-4, 31-32 (CSB), Proverbs 11:24 (CSB)

THE CONTEXT

The act of giving through offerings is the sacrament we are focusing on this week. It can be understood simply as returning the blessings upon which God has already given us.

The act of tithing and the act of giving offerings are actually to be separated, though they are often thought to be interchangeable. The Bible talks about giving a tenth of one’s income over to God as being “holy to the Lord.” (Lev. 27:30) We as Christians do this because we understand that our money comes from God. The resources we acquire, the security we receive, and the experiences we have from our wealth are from God. He gave us the ability to work and produce wealth. (Deut. 8:18) We must give back what He has loaned us for our short time on this earth. “But remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm his covenant he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deut. 8:18)

Tithing is the act of taking the first 10% of one’s income and giving it back to God. However, financial giving goes beyond tithing and is an act of worship beyond simply giving to God what is God’s. Last week, we talked about how the sacraments are representations of Christ and what He has done for us. We partake in them, worshipping the Lord and remembering what He has done in and through us. Just as a sacrifice was made for our very lives, we can worship God by making personal sacrifices financially.

We can lay these resources before the feet of God, trusting Him to provide for our needs. “So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32) Jesus says more about the management of wealth than any other topic. Therefore, what we do with our money and the place it holds in our lives is important for us to consider.

THE CORE

As you prepare the core of the message using personal stories and questions keep in mind these points:

  • Jesus says more about the management of wealth than any other topic. Therefore, what we do with our money and the place it holds in our lives is important for us to consider.
  • Our money and the ability to work for it comes from God. We respond to this gift by giving from our finances.
  • Offerings are given as a return for the blessings upon which God has already given us.
  • When we entrust God with our money, or any other earthly resources by giving them away, we are no longer idolizing the security they give us over the security we have in God.

THE APPLICATION

As you prepare the application, challenge and/or encouragement, keep in mind these points:

  • When we give, we give freely and without recognition. “But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matt. 6:3-4)
  • From our giving, the Lord can perform many works. As a result of our giving, the lives of others can be changed by the use of our offerings.
  • We also can experience blessings as a result of the giving of our offerings. “One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.” (Proverbs 11:24)