1. Before We Give Lesson 16 “Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.”(1 Corinthians 16:2)

2. Before We Give The Scriptures warn us about the covetous spirit of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3; Titus 1:10-11) In modern times, the Lord’s command to give has been corrupted by televangelists and earth-centered denominations. Theirs is the spirit of the leech! (Prov. 30:15) Those who serve the Lord give of themselves for the spiritual welfare of others (Acts 20:33-35; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 2 Corinthians 12:14)

3. Considerations Before We Give What is giving really about? Giving is about honoring God by giving Him our best (Malachi 1:8, 13; 3:8-10) Giving is an expression of how much of ourselves we have given to God; it is not about specific dollar amounts. (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 8:5) Giving is about focusing on heavenly things, rather than earthly things (Luke 12:31-34) Giving is about sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24)

4. Considerations Before We Give The Gift of Sacrifice The Lord has shown us the meaning of sacrifice (John 3:16; 15:13; 2 Cor. 8:9) –What is the appropriate response to His sacrifice for us? –What have others sacrificed for Him? Early church (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37) Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) James (Acts 12:2) Paul (Philippians 3:7-11; 4:12)

5. Considerations Before We Give Stewardship A steward must be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2) –What we give to God was His to begin with (1 Chronicles 29:14) –We are the ones who benefit from and are blessed by giving (Acts 20:35; Phil. 4:17-19) –How does God determine the faithfulness of His stewards? (Matthew 25:14-30)

6. Considerations Before We Give Treasures in Heaven Treasures that we store in heaven are eternal (Matthew 6:19-21) –Our hearts and our treasures will always be in the same place! To store up treasure in heaven, we must be willing to give our material wealth for the welfare of others (1 Timothy 6:16-19) We will reap as we have sown! (Gal. 6:7)

7. “What I spent, is gone; what I kept, I lost; but what I gave away will be mine forever.” --Ethel Percy Andrus

8. Principles of Giving Lesson 17 “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully…let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6-7)

9. Bible Principles Regarding Giving Giving expresses sincere love (1 John 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 8:7-8) –Note that this is true whether the giving is done on an individual basis or collectively. Giving in churches should be done… Regularly (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 4:17) Proportionately (1 Corinthians 16:2) Liberally (2 Cor. 8:1-5; Romans 12:8) Readily and willingly (2 Cor. 8:11-12)

10. Bible Principles Regarding Giving Giving in churches should be done… Purposefully & Cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7) Voluntarily (2 Corinthians 9:7) –Not grudgingly or of necessity! (2 Cor. 8:8) Confidently, knowing that God will supply our needs (2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Luke 12:27-34; 6:38; Ecclesiastes 11:1)