A Biblical Perspective of Money, Wealth and God s Agenda. Dr. Nicolas A. Ellen, Senior Pastor

A Biblical Perspective of Money, Wealth and God s Agenda Dr. Nicolas A. Ellen, Senior Pastor

A Biblical Perspective of Money, Wealth and God s Agenda Section One: Understanding and Gaining a Biblical View of Economics..3 Section Two: Money, Wealth, and God s Agenda...7 Section Three: Key Passages to Consider on Giving of Money and Wealth 12 Section Four: How to Give Money and Wealth to Support Your Local Church...18 Money and Wealth Covenant...22 Bibliography..23 2

Understanding and gaining a biblical view of economics Purpose of this Section: To help you develop a biblical view economics Objectives of this Section: A. To learn the definition economics B. To evaluate two basic systems of economics C. To learn a biblical view of economics D. To discuss the implications of the biblical view of economics Key Points to Consider: A. Economics can be defined as the governing of resources by an individual or society. B. Capitalism and Socialism are two basic economic systems in our world today. C. Since all things are created by God and are His, man is accountable to God for how he manages and all resources God allows man to produce, sell, or buy. D. How we manage our money and resources exposes whether we live for God or ourselves. 3

Understanding and Gaining a Biblical View of Economics Definition: The governing of resources by an individual or by a society I. Two Basic Ideals of Economics A. Capitalism: the freedom and privilege to exchange goods and services voluntarily free from force, fraud, and theft; the freedom and privilege to private ownership and stewardship of property. B. Socialism: the government controls the exchange and distributing of resources, goods, and services; no private ownership and stewardship of property. C. In a socialist economy, the control over the distribution of wealth, the pricing and production of goods requires a powerful central government to bring this about. D. In a capitalistic economy less political power is needed because the government is not controlling the distribution of wealth, or the pricing and production of goods; the citizens are in control of how they will spend their money and use their resources. E. In a socialist economy your freedom is limited which means what you can and cannot obtain is primarily in the hands of the government. F. In a capitalist economy your freedom has some minor restrictions but you are in general able to buy, sell or own as much property, products or possessions as you can work for and afford. (Adapted from Summit ministries at http://www.summit.org/resources/worldview_chart/ ) II. Biblical View of Economics A. God intended man to work for a living (see Genesis 2:15 and Proverbs 21:25). B. God granted man the ability to gain and enjoy various resources from responsible and productive labor which by design should promote faithful stewardship and discourage laziness (see Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, Deuteronomy 8:11-20, 2Thessalonians 3:6-12, and Proverbs 10:4, 12:11). C. God expects mankind to use his resources to serve his family and others in need accordingly (see 1Timohty 5:8, Proverbs 19:17, 1John 3:13-18 and Leviticus 19: 9-10). D. God expects mankind to invest his resources in Kingdom business (see 1Timothy 6:17-19 and Matthew 6:19-22). 4

E. Since all things are created by God and are His, man is accountable to God for how he manages any and all resources God allows him to have, produce, sell, or buy (see Psalm 24:1, Acts 5:1-4, Luke 16:10-13). F. All should be given equal opportunity whether rich or poor to work in the market place to produce, sell, or buy any and all types of resources but all are not guaranteed the same amount of resources from the opportunity (see Leviticus 19:15, Ecclesiastes 11:6). III. Implications of the Biblical View of Economics A. We must work to get what we need and want; and not expect anything to come to us through laziness (see Proverbs 10:4-5, 20:4, 21:25-26, 24:30-34, and 2Thessalonians 3:10). B. We should give our resources to help others only when giving will help and not be an avenue to promote laziness in others (see 2Thessalonians 3:6-13). C. We should be free from the love of money. (see Hebrews 13:5-6). D. If we love money and wealth we will never be satisfied with the increases God allows in money and wealth (see Ecclesiastes 5:10-15). E. If we love money and wealth, we will hoard it resulting in being self-centered with our resources (see Luke 12:15-20). F. If we are self-centered with our resources we will not be Kingdom productive with our resources (see Luke 12:15-20). 5

Understanding and gaining a biblical view of economics 1. What is the definition of economics? 2. Explain capitalism? 3. Explain socialism? 4. What is a biblical view of economics? 5. What are the implications of a biblical view of economics? 6. How do you manage your money and resources? 7. If we were to evaluate your check book what would learn about your relationship with God? 8. What will you do with the information you have received today? 6

Money, Wealth and God s Agenda Purpose of this Section: To help you gain a biblical view of Money and Wealth Objectives of this Section: A. To learn a definition of money and wealth B. To evaluate your spiritual condition in relation to money and wealth C. To become aware of how you can use money and wealth for God s agenda whether you have a little or a lot. Key Points to Consider: A. How we handle money and wealth God has allotted to us exposes our spiritual condition. B. We are commanded to store up treasures in heaven by the use of money and wealth God has allotted to us. C. God does not provide us with money and wealth for our personal use alone, but to share with others for the advancement of God s agenda whether we have a little or a lot. 7

Money, Wealth and God s Agenda Definition of Money: A COMMODITY used as a medium of exchange or a designation of value. In the OT money took different forms including metals, goods, and livestock. In the Apocrypha and the NT coined money, legally authorized by governing bodies, became the standard of exchange for goods and services. 1 Definition of Wealth: Abundance, usually of money or material goods, whose value is ordinarily expressed in terms of some understood unit, such as a national currency. 2 I. How we handle money and wealth God has allotted to us exposes our spiritual condition. 3 (Luke 12:15-20, James 2:14-17) A. How we handle money and wealth exposes if our heart is set on the treasures of this life or treasures of the life to come with Jesus Christ. (Matthew 6:19-21) B. One who is not being rich towards God is one who is depending on money and wealth for his security while having no trust in God for salvation. This person is not using allotted resources for God s agenda; this person is considered foolish. C. One who uses and increases in money and wealth that God has allotted without honoring God through the use of it, is considered foolish. D. One who is rich towards God is one who is trusting God for his salvation and is using money and wealth allotted to him not only for self, but for God s agenda. Money and wealth is being used by this person in such a manner that God s grace is shown to others. This person is considered wise. 1 Achtemeier, Paul J. ; Harper & Row, Publishers ; Society of Biblical Literature: Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1985, S. 647 2 Elwell, Walter A. ; Comfort, Philip Wesley: Tyndale Bible Dictionary. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers, 2001 (Tyndale Reference Library), S. 1297 3 Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle (Sisters, Or.: Multnomah Publishers, 2001). 8

II. We are commanded to store up treasures in heaven through our use of the money and wealth God has allotted to us in this lifetime. It is not an option but a command. 4 (Matthew 6:19-22) A. To store our treasures in heaven is to take the money and wealth we have been allotted and use it not only for ourselves, but in such a manner that people come to see and experience the greatness of God s character through our use of it. B. To store treasures in heaven is to take the money and wealth we have been allotted and use it not only for ourselves, but for the advancement God s agenda on earth. C. If money and wealth are the source of our satisfaction and the solution to our problems then our loyalty and service will be to it resulting in disloyalty to God. D. If God is the source of our satisfaction and the solution to our problems then our loyalty and service will be to God resulting in being a servant of God with the money and wealth he has allotted to us and great rewards to come from God. III. God does not provide money and wealth for our personal use and satisfaction alone, but also that we may share our money and wealth with others for the advancement of God s agenda as outlined in Scripture. (2Corinthians 9:1-11, 1Timohty 6:17-19) A. Money and wealth is not for our comfort alone, but also that God may show comfort to others as is deemed proper by Scripture through the money and wealth He has allotted to us. B. God did not create us to live for ourselves therefore, the resources we have were not meant to be for ourselves alone, but to be shared with others as is deemed proper by Scripture. C. If God should so choose to allow our standard of living to increase, then our standard of giving for God s glory should increase accordingly. 5 When our standard of giving does not increase with our standard of living we must evaluate our spiritual condition. D. As we give generously as is deemed proper by Scripture, He will give to us generously so that we may continue to give generously, not just so we can live comfortably. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 9

IV. Even if we do not have abundance of money and wealth, we are to participate in using our resources for the Glory of God. (2Corinthains 8:1-24, Mark 12:41-44, Romans 15:22-29, Acts 2:43-47, Ephesians 4:28, 2Thessalonians 3:1-16) A. What we have does not determine if we should give to God s Kingdom business; It determines how much we can give to God s Kingdom business. B. All of us are not expected to give the same amount to God s Kingdom business because we were not all allotted the same amount of money and wealth from God. C. If every individual within the Body of Christ would give what they can out what they have, no one in the Body of Christ would lack for resources. D. If every individual within the Body of Christ would give what they can out what they have, the only individuals within the Body who would lack for resources would be individuals who have chosen to live undisciplined/ lazy lives. V. Key Points to Consider about Money and Wealth A. Money and wealth are not for our personal use only but for the advancement of God s Kingdom purpose. B. Don t trust in the money and wealth granted to you. Instead, trust God who granted the money and wealth to you by using it to advance God s Kingdom purposes and not just use it for yourself. To proclaim to have a new life in Jesus Christ our Lord, but use the money and wealth allotted to you in the same selfish manner you did before you were a Christian, conveys that you need to make changes so that your use of money and wealth matches your profession of faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. C. Don t allow negative past experiences with pastors, churches, or certain individuals to keep you from using portions of the money and wealth granted to you to advance God s Kingdom purposes. Learn from those experiences, study God s Word to get the proper interpretations of those experiences and get back in step with God s Kingdom agenda with the money and wealth He has allotted to you. Don t neglect present opportunities to be a blessing because of past experiences. D. If you do not feel that s God s Kingdom Agenda is being advanced in the church you are in, do not stop giving, or give less than you can yet continue to go to that church. Stop going there and start going to a church where you see God s Kingdom Agenda is being advanced. Go there and share your time, talents, spiritual gifts, money and wealth with a full commitment not a partial one. Don t punish the new church with partial commitment in giving your time, talents, spiritual gifts, money and wealth because of issues you had with the old church. Settles those issues of the past church and serve whole heartedly in the present church! 10

Money, Wealth, and God s Agenda 1. What is the definition of money? 2. What is the definition of wealth? 3. What is the connection between money and wealth and our spiritual condition? 4. What does it mean to store our treasures in heaven? 5. Is everyone expected to contribute to God s agenda? Please explain. 6. Do you trust God or do you trust his resources allotted to you? How does your lifestyle and use of money and wealth expose your answer? 7. How does past experiences with pastors, churches, and individuals impact your present giving? 8. What will you do with the information you have received today? 11

Key Passages to Consider on Giving of Money and Wealth Purpose of this Section: To help you become aware of key passages that relate to giving of money and wealth Objectives of this Section: A. To gain a biblical perspective on giving money and wealth B. To gain an awareness on the particulars as to what and who to give money and wealth in order to honor God C. To develop a biblical practice on how to give money and wealth in order to honor God Key Points to Consider: A. Money and wealth are to be given to support the members of God s family who are in need. B. Money and wealth are to be given to support the ministers of God s agenda. C. Money and wealth are to be given to support the ministries of God s agenda. D. Money and wealth are to be given to support the meager in the culture. 12

Key Passages to Consider on Giving of Money and Wealth A. Luke 16:1-13. A steward is someone who manages another s wealth. He does not own that wealth himself, but he has the privilege of enjoying it and using it for the profit of his master. The most important thing about a steward is that he serves his master faithfully (1 Cor. 4:2). When he looks at the riches around him, the steward must remember that they belong to his master, not to him personally, and that they must be used in a way that will please and profit the master. This particular steward forgot that he was a steward and began to act as if he were the owner. He became a prodigal steward who wasted his master s wealth. His master heard about it and immediately asked for an inventory of his goods and an audit of his books. He also fired his steward.. The steward knew he would lose his job. He could not change the past, but he could prepare for the future. How? By making friends of his master s creditors so that they would take him in when his master threw him out. He gave each of them a generous discount, provided they paid up immediately, and they were only too glad to cooperate. Even his master complimented him on his clever plan (Luke 16:8). Jesus did not commend the steward for robbing his master or for encouraging others to be dishonest. Jesus commended the man for his wise use of opportunity. The children of this world are experts at seizing opportunities for making money and friends and getting ahead. God s people should take heed and be just as wise when it comes to managing the spiritual affairs of life. The children of this world are wiser only in their generation ; they see the things of time, but not the things of eternity. Because the child of God lives with eternity s values in view, he should be able to make far better use of his opportunities. Jesus gave admonitions, based on the experience of the steward. First, He admonishes us to use our opportunities wisely (Luke 16:9). One of these days, life will end, and we will not be able to earn or use money. Therefore, while we have the opportunity, we must invest our money in making friends for the Lord. This means winning people to Christ who will one day welcome us to heaven. Our lives and our resources will one day end, so it behooves us to use them wisely. People who are unfaithful in the way they use money are also unfaithful in the way they use the true riches of God s kingdom. We cannot be orthodox in our theology and at the same time heretical in the way we use money. God will not commit His true riches to individuals or ministries that waste money and will not give an honest accounting to the people who have supported them. Finally, the Lord admonishes us to be wholly devoted to God and single-minded (Luke 16:13; and see Matt. 6:19 24). We cannot love or serve two masters, anymore than we can walk in two directions at one time. If we choose to serve money, then we cannot serve God. If we choose to serve God, then we will not serve money. Jesus is demanding integrity, total devotion to God that puts Him first in everything (Matt. 6:33). If God is our Master, then money will be our servant, and we will use our resources in the will of God. But if God is not our Master, then we will become the servants of money, and money is a terrible master! We will start wasting our lives instead of investing them, and we will one day find ourselves friendless as we enter the gates of glory. 6 6 Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Lk 16:14 13

B. 1 Corinthians 9:1 23. Paul is attempting to communicate to the Corinthians that a preacher of the gospel has a right to live by the gospel. By this Paul means that preachers deserve to get financial support for their work (1 Cor 9:14). However, Paul accepted no such gift from the Corinthians. While he could have asked for it, he chose not to. He was saying this so (1 Cor 9:15), that the Corinthians will realize that others have the right to be paid for their service. From this we can extract the principle that as a community, the church must make sure that the shepherds over them are supported materially and financially. 7 C.1 Corinthians 16:1 4. The reference is to a special collection taken up for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Giving was to be proportionate in keeping with a household s income. In Paul s terms, the amount to be set aside depends on the degree to which the giver has been prospered. No percentage is given. According to Paul, if anyone has been prospered greatly, he should give a large amount. If one has prospered only a little, a smaller gift is completely acceptable. 8 D.2 Corinthians 8 9. Paul praises the Macedonians for the collection taken up by them for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Their giving was (1) according to (and, in fact, beyond) their ability; and (2) voluntary. The Macedonians were not required to give a prescribed amount or percentage. Rather, they gave as they had been prospered, according to their ability. Their giving was sacrificial and generous in that they actually gave beyond what Paul thought they were able to do. In fact, the Macedonians were considered poor, yet they still gave. Their giving was also of their own accord It was free or spontaneous giving. Notice that the Macedonians were pleading with Paul to allow them to be involved in this offering (2 Cor 8:4). In 2 Cor 8:12 14 Paul unfolds the principle that, within the Christian community, there should be some level of equality. Paul s point is rather that no one should go without his or her needs being met. God had apparently provided the Corinthians (and others) with enough resources so that the Jerusalem believers might have their needs met. Paul did not want the Corinthians to give so much to the Jerusalem church that they end up needing an offering for themselves. To give so much that one ends up in debt is foolish. Paul s main point in 2 Cor 8:12 14 is not that he desired the Corinthians and the Jerusalem church to switch places. He rather urges the Corinthians to give as they said they would, and to do so out of love. In 2 Cor 9 Paul explains that plentiful giving will result in a plentiful harvest. This did not mean that one should give so they could get more for themselves. The idea was that God will bless his people who generously give so that they could continue to be generous. 9 7 Andreas J. Kostenberger, and David A. Croteau, Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving, http://biblicalfoundations.org/pdf/pdfarticles/bbrtithing2.pdf (accessed December, 2010). 8 Ibid. 9 Kostenberger and Croteau, Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving, http://biblicalfoundations.org/pdf/pdfarticles/bbrtithing2.pdf. 14

E. Philippians 4:10 20. Philippians 4:10 20 functions as an indirect thank you from Paul to the Philippians. There are three things to consider from the text. First, the Philippians giving was closely related to the relationship they had with Paul. Second, their giving was related to the gospel. Third, they were the only church to participate in this sort of relationship with Paul. Paul refers to the gift(s) as meeting his needs. As the Philippians supplied Paul s need, so God would supply their needs (Phil 4:19). When Christians see a need on the part of a fellow believer especially a minister of the gospel they should attempt to meet it if they are able. Paul s motive in this passage was not to raise more funds, but to express thankfulness. The Philippians giving was an example of voluntary giving: they gave what they had purposed in their hearts, and they gave it generously. 10 F. 3John 1:1-8. John assured his readers of the correctness of Gaius s actions in caring for traveling ministers (1:5). The basis of their hospitality was the name of Christ (1:7). They were to participate with truth, not personalities. Hospitality is not only an opportunity but an obligation (Rom. 12:13) and a qualification for elders (1 Tim. 3:2). The missionaries went out to minister for the sake of Jesus name (1:7). They accepted no support from those who are not Christians lest it should appear that they had compromised the gospel or were selling salvation. Paul s strategy was the same (cf. 1 Cor. 9; 2 Cor. 11:7 15). The work of the ministry is to be supported by believers, not unbelievers. In 1:8 John presented the believers with an obligation and an opportunity; he asked them to share in the support of those proclaiming the name of Christ. Those who share financially in such a ministry are partners (1:8) for the truth. Giving allows them to have a ministry in other lands as co-laborers with dedicated missionaries. 11 G. Proverbs 19:17. Being kind to the poor (dal, feeble, weak, helpless ) refers to a concern that goes beyond pity. It refers to giving a helping hand, to meeting their needs. Benevolence to the poor is encouraged in the Law (Deut. 15:7-11) and in Proverbs (Prov. 14:21b, 31b; 22:9; 28:27). Lack of such kindness is condemned (14:31a; 21:13; 22:16; 28:3, 27b). Giving to the poor is like lending to the LORD as it is an investment God will reward. God blesses people s generosity with His generosity. 12 10 Kostenberger and Croteau, Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving, http://biblicalfoundations.org/pdf/pdfarticles/bbrtithing2.pdf. 11 Hughes, Robert B. ; Laney, J. Carl: Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers, 2001 (The Tyndale Reference Library), S. 721 12 Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:947 15

Key Principles To Consider For Giving of Money and Wealth A. The giving of money and wealth should be done to support the members of God s family in need, ministers of God s kingdom agenda, ministries of God s kingdom agenda, and the meager in the culture. (Acts 2:42-43,1Corinthians 9:1-14, 3John 1:1-8, Proverbs 28:27) B. Giving to support the members, ministers, ministries, and meager should be consistent. (2Cor 9:6-7) C. Giving to support the members, ministers, ministries, and meager should be in proportion to your ability even if your ability is minimal. (2Cor 8:1-4, 2Cor 9:6-7) D. Giving to support the members, ministers, ministries, and meager should be generous. ( 2Cor 9:6-7) E. Giving to support the members, ministers, ministries and meager should be planned and intentional. (2Cor 9:6-7) F. Giving to support the members, ministers, ministries, and meager should be voluntary and cheerful. (2Cor 9:6-7) Conclusion: 13 The principles of giving stated above all require one key element: a relationship with God. Far from being emotional and mystical theology, these sound principles will greatly test and grow our faith and dependence upon God. Giving our resources to aid the members, ministers, ministries and meager should not be viewed as burdensome. With the proper perspective, the more one gives, the more joy one can find in giving. Under the Old Testament law, one was required to give 10% of his wealth and even more. Because we are not under the Old Testament Law but under the New Covenant, there is not a set amount that we are commanded to give. However, we are to give as God prospers us. Some may use 10% as a starting point others may not. But, all of us are called to share our money and resources on a consistent basis to support the members, ministers, ministries and meager accordingly. To use our freedom as an excuse not to give money and wealth allotted to us at a level that we know we can exposes a heart that is self-centered instead of God-centered. Money and Wealth are not for our personal use alone but for the advancement of God s kingdom agenda. What do you have that you did not receive? Be careful! 13 Kostenberger and Croteau, Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving, http://biblicalfoundations.org/pdf/pdfarticles/bbrtithing2.pdf. 16

Key Passages to Consider on Giving of Money and Wealth 1. Explain the main idea of Luke 16:1-13. 2. Explain the main idea of 1 Corinthians 9:1-23. 3. Explain the main idea of 1 Corinthians16: 1-4. 4. Explain the main idea of 2 Corinthians 8-9. 5. Explain the maid idea of Philippians 4:10-20. 6. Explain the main idea of 3John 1-8. 7. Explain the main idea of Proverbs 19:17 8. How will these verses influence you perspective and practice of giving? 17

How to Give Money and Wealth to Support Your Local Church Purpose: To teach you how to give monetarily to honor God and support the Church Objectives: A. To help you understand the principle of reaping and sowing in relation to giving money and wealth to support the local Church you attend B. To help you understand the principle of intent in relation to giving money and wealth to the local Church you attend C. To help you understand the principle of sufficiency in relation to giving money and wealth to the local Church you attend D. To help you understand the principle of righteousness in relation to giving money and wealth to the local Church you attend E. To encourage you to give money and wealth to the local Church you attend with the right motives and in the right way Key Points to consider: A. Our giving needs to be from a heart of sincerity. B. Our giving needs to be in accordance to how we have been blessed of God. C. Our giving needs to be out love and not guilt. D. We need to trust God to meet our needs as we seek to use our material and money to support the ministry of the local Church we attend. 18

How to Give Money and Wealth to Support Your Local Church I. The Principles of Grace Giving (2Corinthians 9:6-11) A. The Principle of Reaping and Sowing: The way we give to meet the needs of others and support the work of the ministry will impact how we receive (v6) (Proverbs 14:24-26). 14 B. The Principle of Intent: We must plan to give out of what we have in love to meet the needs of others accordingly and to support the work of ministry practically not out of obligation or with resistance (v7). 15 C. The Principle of Sufficiency: As we give out of love to meet the needs of others accordingly and to support the work of ministry practically, God will make sure our needs are met so that we may continue to give to support accordingly (v8- v9). 16 D. The Principle of Righteousness: As we give out of love to meet the needs of others accordingly and to support the work of ministry practically God will cause our righteousness to grow resulting in temporal/eternal blessings and rewards (v10-v11). 17 II. The Product of Grace Giving (2Corinthians 9:12-14) A. Our giving will meet the needs of others causing them to give thanks to God (v12). B. Our giving will cause others to Glorify God (v13). C. Our giving will demonstrate our radical dependence on Christ and our extraordinary care and concern for others (faith working itself out through love) (v13). 14 Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary. 15 Ibid. 16 Ibid. 17 Ibid. 19

D. Our giving may lead others to deep appreciation and sincere affection for us as they experience our extraordinary care and concern for them (v14). III. The Practice of Grace Giving A. Since Community of Faith Bible Church is where you attend, you can practice grace giving by providing materials and money to support the work of evangelism and discipleship happening there. (3John 1:5-8) B. Since Community of Faith Bible Church is where you attend, you can practice grace giving by providing materials and money to help the needy in the body of Christ there and in that community. (1John 3:16-18, Proverbs 19:17) C. Since Community of Faith Bible Church is where you attend, you can practice grace giving by providing materials and money to support full time workers of evangelism and discipleship there. (3John1:5-8) D. Since Community of Faith Bible Church is where you attend, you can practice grace giving by providing materials and money to support the Shepherds who teach you the Word of God there. (Galatians 6:6, 1Timothy 5:17-19) IV. The Process of Grace Giving A. Set an amount to give in material and money and give that from a sincere heart on a faithful basis to Community of Faith Bible Church (2Corinthians 9:6-7). B. Trust God to meet your needs as you continue to give according to that planned amount you purposed in your heart to give (2Corinthians 9:8-10). C. Give out of love not out of guilt or grudgingly (2Corinthinas 9:6-7). D. As God increases your wealth increase your giving accordingly (1Timothy 6:17-19). 20

How to give monetarily to support the Church Study Questions 1. What is the principle of reaping and sowing? 2. What is the principle of intent? 3. What is the principle of sufficiency? 4. What is the principle of righteousness? 5. What is the product of grace giving? 6. How should we practice grace giving in relation to the local Church we attend? 7. How have you been challenged by this information? 8. What will you do with this information? 21

Money and Wealth Covenant I acknowledge the fact that God has full ownership of me and everything He has entrusted to Me. I will manage myself and everything entrusted to me according to God s Word and make the necessary corrections in my lifestyle to do so. I will use the money and wealth entrusted to me to take care of food, clothing, shelter, and all other basic needs of my immediate household/family before seeking to take care of anyone else outside of my immediate household/family. I will give to individuals in need apart from immediate household/family when it does not lead me to neglect the needs of my immediate household/family nor promote sin and laziness within those individuals. I will set aside $ in money and in wealth entrusted to me to give on a regular basis to support the work of biblical ministry within the local church I attend, those who are in need within the local I tend, and those who take a salary as workers of biblical ministry within the church I attend. I will give to other biblical ministries outside of the church I attend when feasible without taking from the money and wealth I will give to the local assembly I attend. I will increase the amount of money and wealth I will give as God increases the money and wealth entrusted to me. I will make the necessary adjustments to pay what I owe in relation to debt I have incurred. I will make sure that when it comes to getting loans and using credit cards I will consider the pros and cons, making sure I can and will pay back what I owe. If I recognize that I will not be able to pay back what I owe, then I will refrain from getting loans and using credit cards. I will use the money and wealth entrusted to me to enjoy things in this world knowing God has allotted this money and wealth not only to share with others but to enjoy as well. I will not allow God s blessing of money and wealth to become a cursing by spending more on personal enjoyment than feasible resulting in spending less and lacking in appropriate money and wealth for family responsibilities, biblical ministry responsibilities, helping others, and debt repayment responsibilities. Doing this will lead to irresponsibility with God s resources and I desire to be a good steward over what He has allotted to me. Signed: Witness: Date: 22

BIBLIOGRAPHY Books Achtemeier, Paul J. Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985, S. 647. Alcorn, Randy. The Treasure Principle. Sisters, Or.: Multnomah Publishers, 2001. Elwell, Walter A. Comfort, Philip Wesley: Tyndale Bible Dictionary. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001 (Tyndale Reference Library), S. 1297. Hughes, Robert B. Laney, J. Carl. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001 (The Tyndale Reference Library), S. 721. Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1983. Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Colorado Springs, Colo.: Victor, 2003- c2004. Internet Kostenberger, Andreas J., and David A. Croteau. Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving. http://biblicalfoundations.org/pdf/pdfarticles/bbrtithing2.pdf (accessed December, 2010). 23