Living a Generous Life - Part 2

Part 2: Worship in Giving: Understanding Generosity in the New Testament

Last week we explored a foundational truth from 2 Corinthians 8, where Paul holds up the Macedonian church as a model of generosity. Despite their trials and poverty, they gave generously, exceeding expectations. This raises a fundamental question for anyone desiring to live a generous life: Does Jesus have all of you?

This week, let's delve deeper into the concept of giving, beginning with a thought-provoking passage from Psalm 24:

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters." — Psalm 24:1-2 (NIV)

These verses challenge the modern, often individualistic mindset, emphasizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. With that in mind, we turn to 1 Corinthians 16, where Paul provides practical guidance on giving:

"Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." — 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NIV)

The Heart of Generosity: Worship Through Giving

Our giving, first and foremost, is an act of worship. It’s not merely about fulfilling a duty or meeting a percentage—it's about expressing our gratitude and faith through generosity. True worship in giving comes from a heart aligned with God’s will, offering back what is already His.

The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth, is rooted in the Old Testament. It was a key part of Jewish worship, where the Israelites brought a tenth of their harvest, livestock, or income to support the temple's ministry. But when we shift to the New Testament, the emphasis changes. The New Testament doesn't prescribe a specific percentage like the tithe but calls believers to a deeper standard: generous and faithful giving.

Moving Beyond Tithing to Generosity

Some might find this shift unsettling, but it's actually liberating. In the New Testament, the principle of giving is based on generosity rather than a set percentage. While the tithe is not specifically reinforced, it is also not dismissed. Instead, the focus is on giving as an act of worship, freely and generously, according to one's ability and circumstances.

This approach allows for greater flexibility. Some may be able to give far beyond 10% because they are in a position to do so by faith. Others, just starting out in their faith journey or facing financial challenges, might not reach that threshold yet but are encouraged to grow toward it.

How Should We Give? Practical Guidelines

Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 16 provide a pattern for giving that is beneficial for both the individual and the church:

1. Give Regularly: Paul suggests setting aside a portion of one's income on the first day of every week, aligning giving with the regular rhythm of worship on Sunday. This consistency fosters a habit of generosity.

2. Give Proportionally: He emphasizes giving in proportion to one’s income. This means each person determines, through prayer and faith, what they can give. It’s not about reaching a specific amount but about trusting God to provide as we offer back a portion of what He has entrusted to us.

3. Support the Local Church: Paul also underscores the importance of giving through the local church. Our primary support should go to the community where we are spiritually nurtured. This ensures that the church can fulfill its mission of disciple-making and outreach. While giving to special projects and charitable causes is commendable, it should be an addition to, not a replacement for, supporting the church.

Addressing Common Questions

Let’s address three common questions that often arise regarding giving:

1. Should I give based on my gross or net income? Scripture speaks of offering from the "firstfruits" (Exodus 23:19). This suggests that we honor God with the first portion of what we receive. How you interpret this in terms of gross or net is ultimately a matter of personal conviction, guided by prayer.

2. Can I count my time or labor as part of my giving? While serving and volunteering are valuable acts of worship, they don't replace the financial support needed for a church's operations. Just as tithes in biblical times were material contributions, so our financial gifts help sustain the church's work.

3. Can designated gifts count as part of my regular giving? Designated gifts for specific projects are wonderful expressions of generosity, but they should be above and beyond what you regularly give. Designations can limit how funds are used, whereas regular giving provides the church with the flexibility to meet various needs.

Generosity as a Lifestyle

Living generously means more than following a formula—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that reflects God’s own generosity toward us. The New Testament pattern invites us to give by faith, challenging us to stretch beyond the familiar 10% toward a life that reflects Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. He gave everything for us, and as we grow in our faith, we too are called to increase our generosity.

Paul ties this back to our everyday lives in 1 Corinthians 15:58:

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Generosity isn’t just a financial act; it's a holistic commitment of ourselves to God’s work. Whether in our time, talents, or resources, when we give as an act of worship, we reflect the character of Christ. And as we give, God’s grace continues to work through us, blessing both the giver and the recipient. As we reflect on our giving, may we remember that our offerings are not just a financial transaction—they are a spiritual act, a way to join in the mission of the church and to live out our faith in practical, tangible ways.

If you are a church leader or pastor seeking guidance on leading your congregation through a stewardship campaign or a series on giving, I am here to help. With a heart for church revitalization and a passion for encouraging generous living, I can walk alongside your church to create a meaningful and impactful series. Reach out to me at sam.peters@smallchurchcoaching.com, and let's work together to inspire your congregation towards a life of generosity. I hope you found this article helpful! For more insights and resources, follow me on Facebook at ItsTimeSam, join the conversation in my Facebook Group Leadership Edge for Smaller Churches, and connect with me on X @ItsTimeSam. If this article resonated with you, feel free to share it on your social feeds and help spread the word!