A Bridge of GenerosityFive Levels of Giving

A Bridge of Generosity

Generosity is God’s desire for us. What is the purpose of an offering? Why does God require an offering? Our need to give is greater than the Church’s

need for money.

A Bridge of GenerosityGiving is in our DNA. However, Giving is a struggle for many. Giving traumatizes us. Giving causes us to be creative in ways to give

less. Giving is a struggle. We don’t really believe

God is the owner. Giving is often fear-driven.

Struggle

Giving Is a Struggle When our Heart’s not in it—Giving reveals our Heart.

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

Genesis 4:3

And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.

Genesis 4:4, 5a.

What Is the Purpose of an Offering?

1. It acknowledges that God is our Provider.

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

1 Chronicles 29:14

Obedience Struggle

2. We Are Always Giving to God—

Not to a person,Not to a church,Not to something that will be disposed of, used up, or rot away.

3. Giving Is Eternal.

Our giving ascends to Heaven, just like our prayers.

…Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Acts 10:31

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… .Matthew 6:20a.

4. Our Offering Provides Fellowship With God.

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. Exodus 3:21, 22

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. Exodus 25:2, 8

Our Offering Produces Abundant Thanksgiving to God.

5. Our offering causes people to pray for us.More than helping meet the need, it also

produces abundant and bountiful thanksgiving to God. You show your gratitude to God through your generous offerings. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for your need.

2 Corinthians 9:12–14, Message

6. It Brings Joy of the Lord, Strength.

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

7. When We Give an Offering, We Partner With God in Eternal Ministry.

An offering is where the tangible and the spiritual meet.

The tabernacle knitted God’s people together, where God met them.

The Church at Philippi partnered with God through giving to Paul.

A Bridge of Generosity

Our faith and our finances are inseparable to God.

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 1:11

Struggle Obedience

Faith

Our Faith and Our Finances Are Inseparable to God.

The first sermon in the New Kingdom:He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats,

let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

Luke 3:11–14

Our Faith and Our Finances Are Inseparable to God.

Faith and reason can travel only so far together.

When the road becomes narrow and steep, faith must leave reason behind and travel on alone.

Reason

Faith-----------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------

Our Offering Is Not Our Tithe.

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:8

Scriptural Pattern for the Tithe

Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs 3:9, 10 First, means first. Look for reasons to tithe instead of reasons

not to tithe.

The Difference Between Tithing and Giving:

Tithing is simply returning to God that which He has said is His.

Giving our first 10% to the Lord, is what causes that which is ours to be blessed.

The rest is yours to keep/give as you choose. It is from this account that you give

“offerings.” The Blessed Life, Robert Morris

Giving Requires Faith.Without Faith, It’s Impossible to Please God.

Giving grows our faith. The just shall live by faith. If we’re not living by faith, we’re not

living. Fear knocked at the door. I sent Faith to

answer, and no one was there. Faith comes from the Word.

Faith Causes us to Sow.

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:10, 6

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

Luke 6:38a.

Law of Sowing and Reaping

Reap proportionately to how much we sow Reap more than we sow

Reap in like manner Reap in a different season

Struggle Obedience Faith

Faith is when we have a word. What happens when we don’t have a word—

when circumstances push beyond faith?We TRUST in the sovereignty of God.

We TRUST in the character of God.

Trust

Struggle Obedience Faith Trust

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

2 Corinthians 8:2, 3

Generosity Has Nothing to do With the Amount.

And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Mark 12:41–44

Struggle Obedience Faith Trust

Trust in him at all times… . Psalm 62:8a.

The First Response to Holy Spirit Was Generosity.

Giving and revival travel together.

Struggle Obedience Faith Trust Spirit

The First Response to Holy Spirit Was Generosity.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 4:31–35

Spirit Driven Giving

God speaks to an individual, specifically about an offering.

God’s grace empowers us to give. A series of miracles is about to happen. Lives are forever changed—eternal

significance.

A Bridge of Generosity....for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward

you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Corinthians 9:7b, 8

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:32

Struggle Obedience Faith Trust Spirit