1. "Giving is an obligation, in the Old Testament and in the New," the people of God are commanded to give for
certain needs. Failing to give for such causes when one is able is therefore an act of disobedience. Not all giving
is required however...
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 ---Provision for the poor.
Haggai 1:1-11---The building of God's house .
Malachi 3:7-12---Tithes and offerings.
Romans 12:13---"Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Galatians 2:10---"Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which i also was forward to do."
Hebews 13:16--Sacrifice of praise.
2. "Giving is a privilege." The Churches of Macedonia were models of generosity in giving, even though they
were poor. They gladly gave out of gratitude to God and love for their brethern... Paul reminds us of Jesus' teaching
that "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Giving is one deminsion of our stewardship. Very often Jesus spoke of the stewardship of the people in terms of money.
Our faithfulness as stweards in this "little thing" of money has a bearing on what other (or greater) responsibilities we
will be given.
