THE COVENANT MYSTERY OF GIVING
HOTR SUNRISE SUNDAY SERVICE || 3RD SEPTEMBER 2023 PREACHER - REV. TOKS ADEJUWON TOPIC - THE COVENANT MYSTERY OF GIVING BIBLE TEXT - 2 CORINTHIANS 9: 8-10 THE ENTRANCE OF GOD'S WORD GIVES UNDERSTANDING TO MAN In the texts above God said he will make all grace abound unto us. We have a good God who will supply all our needs according to his riches in Glory. We are going to look through the Epistles concerning Giving. There are Twelve 12 Principles of Giving as expounded in the Epistles. 1. Believers are not able to Give to God anything that did not originate from Him. Romans 11:33-35. God is the primary and first giver of everything. He's the possessor of everything on earth. Everything we have GOD gave to us. Psalm. 24:1- The earth is the Lord's Psalm 50:10-12 Haggi 2:8 Believers cannot give anything that did not first come from God. 2. Some Believers are able to operate in a special Grace for Giving. Romans 12:8 1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 4:11 We all are to Partake of this grace of Giving not only some believers. 3. Believers have a duty to minister financially to those who have blessed them spiritually. Romans 15:25-27 We as Believers have a duty to bless our Pastor in the upcoming Pastor's Appreciation. Galatians 6:6 4. Ministers have a right to be supported financially for their work in ministry. 1 Corinthians 9:4-15 It's God's ordination that those who preach the gospel should live off the Gospel. Paul says it's a right for the Ministers of the Word. In the Old Testament, when the children of Israel moved to Canaan, God said the Tribe of Levi shouldn't be given land since they were ministers at the Altar and they were to live from the Altar. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 The Bible says that ministers are worthy of double honor. As it's written, Do not muzzle the mouth of the Oxen. As they are treading the corn, they ought to eat as well. 5. Love must motivate our giving 1 Corinthians 13:3 Even if I give everything I have to the poor that will not cost me anything, but without Love, it will mean nothing and Not motivate God. Love should motivate us to give, do not give out of fear nor out of guilt. Our attitude should be the main thing when giving. We should have the right way to Give. You can give without Loving but you can't Love without Giving. Give to see someone else life be changed and not to show off! 6. Christians should practice Consistent and systematic giving. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 There's also the principle of proportional giving as said in the scripture. Give as a lifestyle. The principles of Tithing, as in the Old Testament is always a higher standard than in the New Testament, therefore we did 10% under the law we should do more under Grace(the New Testament) we can't give less. Hebrews 6:12 Hebrews 7: 3 Your Tithe belongs to your local church where you are fed. Tithe is an act of faith, not just throwing money but must move with words- words of Affirmation to God concerning Giving. Give as God has given us. Be consistent in your giving so as to receive on every wave. 7. Giving is a Grace that can be exercised in the midst of challenging circumstances. 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 There are natural tendency for people to give more now even in the face economic downturn. There had been famine even up to the time of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and beyond but God still gave bread to His people. God's word is the same and this is the strategic time to give for God will not forsake us. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Giving is the ultimate example that has been given to us- Jesus is the perfect example, Jesus died for us so that we might be Rich. To be Rich means Full Supply. ... But my God shall supply all your needs, according to His Riches in Glory". Even the churches in Macedonia gave liberally even in the face of challenging circumstances. 8. Every one of us should do our part and carry our weight in giving. 2 Corinthians 8:14-15 There's a way out of poverty, the principle to this is by giving. You can give your way out of poverty. 9. The Bible clearly teaches the law of sowing and reading. What the word of God says, is that God is not trying to take from us, He wants to give to us. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - Do Not give grudgingly... Galatians 6:7-9 There's hardly any seed that is planted and there is no bountiful harvest. Give with an attitude that even if I sow, provided someone's need is met and one person is saved we are satisfied. When we give, release our faith with our giving. Speak to the seed, release your confession to the giving for You shall have whatever you say. LEARN TO MIX FAITH WITH YOUR GIVING Sowing and reaping is not only money, there's also conduct to it. 10. Paul sought people's hearts and not their money 2 Corinthians 12:13-18. God is more interested in our hearts than in our giving. Have a right heart, have a proper lifestyle. This is a weightier matter. We can't bribe God. Don't think Giving is a substitute for a right handwork. Matthew 23:23 First, commit your heart to Serving God. 11. Paul was eager to give to the poor. Galatians 2:9-10 We all have to Be eager to give to the poor among us. The people in our community, The less privileged are to be given to. Don't be under pressure to give or to support the people's lazy lifestyle. Put the poor among the saints first. The poor among us who are believers should be given first. Honor your parents, give them substance. Give your wife, husband, and children. Don't try to play God in everyone's Lives You are not EL SHAADDI OR JIREH, Give moderately. You can't please everyone. 12. Paul and John encouraged Christian Charity among the brethren. Galatians 6:10 Some people may not be needy but need Good to be done to them. Do Good Today Be a blessing to someone in our immediate church community who has needs. 1 John 3:17-18. There are practical ways to show love to people. LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD THIS MESSAGE IN MP3 FORMAT USING THE BUTTONS PROVIDED BELOW.