GIVING

KEY VERSE

“1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.“

 

Matthew 6:1-4

Matthew Overview

Story

32Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

 

Act of apostles 4:32-37
Act of apostles overview

PURPOSE

Helping everyone realize that giving and charity to others must be done generously.

Explore

BIBLE STUDY TOOLS

“The principles of studying the Bible” help you stayed close to God’s Word.
“The methods of studying the Bible” serve as tools that bring you closer to His Word!

Explore Now!

GIVING

Summary

We should give to those in need, but not show off our generosity to others.

We give up personal gain and give generously out of love.

The disciples gave to the church for the needs of others.

The disciples gave to the church for the work of the Gospel.

Reminder

  1. Have you ever given an offering? Reflect on the times you’ve given in the past. Have you noticed any positive impact it made?
  2. If there is a need in the church or any need of someone else, are you willing to share what you have for that need?
  3. Do you believe that God, as the Provider, will always supply for you and that He wants you to be generous to others and the church through that?
  4. Do you believe that every offering contributes to the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
  5. Do you believe that giving goes beyond material possessions, as it helps spread God's love and expand His kingdom on earth?

Prayer

Pray that everyone will begin giving to support those in need and the work of the Gospel.

Application

When we give, we must:

  1. Give in a spirit of unity.
  2. Give not for personal gain or selfish reasons, but for the common good of the whole church.
  3. Give with a heart and mind ready to sacrifice and surrender.
  4. Giving begins with love, which produces the desire and leads to action.