1. Giving in The New Testament (2 Corinthians 9:1-15)

2. Introduction Improper attitude –Rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) –Judas (John 12:3-6) –Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1, 2)

3. Introduction Proper attitude –David (2 Samuel 24:24) –The poor widow (Mark 12:41-44) –Barnabas (Acts 4:36, 37)

4. Giving in The Old Testament Required –Tithes –Redemptions –Penalties –Debt release –Poll taxes –Temple tax Voluntary –Vows –Tabernacle construction –Temple construction

5. Principles for Today Desire –Willing (2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 11, 12) –Begged to be involved (2 Corinthians 8:4) –Gave cheerfully (v. 7) –Otherwise, no amount is acceptable

6. Principles for Today Self first –Commitment (2 Corinthians 8:5) –Last thing “converted?” –Can’t “buy” the Lord’s favor

7. Principles for Today Love –Basis of service (2 Corinthians 8:24) –Important (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) –Love the lost and the brethren (Romans 9:2, 3; 1 John 3:17, 18) –Where our heart is (Matthew 6:33)

8. Principles for Today Abounding –No “ho-hum” attitude (2 Corinthians 9:7-9) –Consider Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) –Could Paul boast about us? (2 Corinthians 8:24) –Early Christians (Acts 4:32)

9. Principles for Today Purpose –Make a pledge (v. 7) –Just pull something out? –Corinthians had “pledged” (v. 2) –We are doing the Lord’s work

10. How Much? No percentage given in the N.T. –Recall that tithing was only a part under the Old Law –Much of their giving was voluntary

11. How Much? Depends on prosperity –“As prospered” (1 Corinthians 16:2) –Accepts what we are capable of doing (2 Corinthians 8:12) –Prosperity may vary –However, God shouldn’t suffer due to inflation

12. How Much? Reflection of priorities –Kingdom to be first (Matthew 6:33) –Compare with other spending –Spend more to eat out? –God will not accept leftovers (Malachi 1:10)

13. Giving God The Leftovers “Taxes are a part of your expenses from your prosperity. Your house expenses are part of your expenses from your prosperity. So are your medical, your recreational, or your savings expenses.” (Norman Midgette, Truth Magazine, 3/2/89)

14. How Much? How thankful are you? –Appreciate God’s blessings (v. 15) –Do we figure out the minimum?

15. Conclusion Give account someday Will riches be a witness against us? (James 5:1-3)