God Seeks to Be Worshiped Through Giving (John 4:23-24)
Introduction:
1. According to John 4:23, God seeks "true worshippers" to worship Him. 2. True worshipers as those who worship the Father "in spirit and in truth." 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on passages which show that "true worship includes giving." 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. THE NEW TESTAMENT AUTHORIZES CHRISTIANS TO GIVE IN WORSHIP
A. This is where we need to begin because we are to only say and do those things that Christ has authorized in His Word (Colossians 3:17, 16a). B. The Scriptures teach that the church is to participate in a number of activities that require financial support, including: 1. helping the needy (Acts 20:35) 2. supporting those who preach (1 Corinthians 9:14) 3. sending preachers to other areas (Romans 10:14-15a). C. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, God has given a plan for collecting funds so these activities can be supported. D. The New Testament clearly teaches Christians to give in worship. E. Since this is the case, we must give "in spirit and in truth." F. Let us consider several . . . II. PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO GIVING "IN TRUTH" [according to God's revealed will in the New Testament]
A. When: We are to give "upon the first day of the week" (1 Corinthians 16:2). B. Who: "Every [each] one of you" is to give (1 Corinthians 16:2). 1. Everyone who prospers is to give. 2. When everyone gives, no one is burdened (2 Corinthians 8:12-15). C. How: Each Christian is to give: 1. "as God hath prospered him" (1 Corinthians 16:2) 2. "bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6). a. Our giving is a reflection of our appreciation for God's blessings. b. Presenting a gift to the Lord involves a sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24). D. Let us turn our attention to several . . . III. PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO GIVING "IN SPIRIT" [from the heart, sincerely, having the proper disposition]
A. Each Christian is to give "as he purposeth in his heart" (2 Corinthians 9:7a). 1. This involves forethought and planning in our budgets. 2. We are to purpose in our hearts and give accordingly. B. To give in spirit, we must avoid: 1. giving "grudgingly or of necessity" (2 Corinthians 9:7b) 2. making a show before men (Matthew 6:1-4). C. Giving in spirit involves: 1. giving cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7c) 2. giving with love (1 Corinthians 13:3). Conclusion:
1. When we give as the Bible teaches,: a. God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16) b. God will bless us in return (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). 2. The key to sacrificial giving is giving yourself to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5). 3. If you have not given yourself to the Lord, do so today.
