Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-14
Memory Verse: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30
Introduction:
God’s instruction on money, if obeyed, could forever banish all financial limitations on the work of the church and the propagation of the gospel. Malachi 3:10 is very clear when it says, “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’”
If we first realize we are only stewards of His money, we can begin employing that money to His use. Our first responsibility is to tithe, for the Lord has said that the first tenth of our increase belongs to Him directly. Secondly, we invest God’s money by giving, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). As stewards, we need to make wise investments. Whatever money God gives us through our job or other means benefits only us, until we give (invest) it to bring good to others.
When Jesus was watching the offering box in Matthew 12:41-44, there were many rich givers that gave large amounts. But there was one poor woman who put in 2 mites. Jesus declared that her offering greatly surpassed that of the rich persons because hers was a sacrificial offering. She gave all that she had. She gave in faith; she gave in trust; she gave in love. Are we giving this way to God?
Lesson Questions:
- What great gift did God give to the World? Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9; John 3:16.
- What is the greatest commandment? Matthew 22:37-38; Deuteronomy 6:5.
- How can we show our love toward God? John 14:15, 23; 1 John 5:1-3; 2 John 1:6.
- In what ways could giving effect us? Proverbs 11:24-25; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.
- What command did the Lord give us? Exodus 22:29; Proverbs 3:9-10.
- How may those who have abundance here lay hold on eternal life? 1 Timothy 6:17-19. What are some different ways we can give to the Lord’s work?
- What system of giving for the ministry is set forth in the Old Testament? Numbers 18:21. How is this similarly spoken of in the New Testament? 1 Corinthians 9:12-14.
- How did Jesus speak of giving? Acts 20:35.