WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.879 If a new Christian came up to you here at church or at work, 00:00:06.580 --> 00:00:09.779 knowing that you're a professing Christian, 00:00:09.919 --> 00:00:13.060 you attend this church, and they told you, 00:00:13.300 --> 00:00:17.660 I have just become a Christian, I know I'm supposed to give. 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:21.039 What do I do? 00:00:22.539 --> 00:00:27.960 Could you explain to me what you give, how you give, 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:29.019 how much you give? 00:00:29.019 --> 00:00:30.460 I don't know anything about it. 00:00:31.519 --> 00:00:32.539 What would you tell them? 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:37.259 As we continue our study on faithful stewardship, 00:00:38.259 --> 00:00:42.939 this morning I want us to conclude the part about the faithful stewardship of our money. 00:00:43.420 --> 00:00:46.079 Some of you I know are going to say, oh, I'm so glad he's through with that. 00:00:46.939 --> 00:00:52.560 But as we continue talking about being wise managers of our time, 00:00:52.659 --> 00:00:53.840 our talents, our treasures, 00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:58.160 we're going to wind it up today, the part about giving, 00:00:58.940 --> 00:01:01.460 or the part about being a stewardship of our money, 00:01:02.180 --> 00:01:04.740 by looking at our giving. 00:01:06.700 --> 00:01:10.320 What would you say to someone who asks you, 00:01:10.319 --> 00:01:16.179 what do I give, how do I give, why do I give? 00:01:16.739 --> 00:01:23.019 What I want us to do is do a brief survey of some of the major teachings in the Old Testament and the New Testament 00:01:23.019 --> 00:01:24.699 about giving, 00:01:24.700 --> 00:01:33.680 and then put it together into what the Bible actually means for us today about giving. 00:01:34.100 --> 00:01:36.799 Let's do first giving in the Old Testament. 00:01:37.340 --> 00:01:43.219 We looked briefly last week and saw that giving to God should be our first priority. 00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:46.040 This is called first fruit giving. 00:01:46.040 --> 00:01:50.980 Proverbs describes this kind of giving as honoring God. 00:01:51.160 --> 00:01:51.740 Look at it. 00:01:52.400 --> 00:01:57.000 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with your first fruits of all your produce. 00:01:57.719 --> 00:02:01.500 But what you want us to notice is that first phrase, honor the Lord. 00:02:02.620 --> 00:02:09.640 The idea of first fruit giving is honoring God, is focused on Him. 00:02:09.639 --> 00:02:15.659 We also saw last week that such giving demonstrates trust in God. 00:02:16.579 --> 00:02:22.000 For those people giving the Lord the first fruits of their produce, their crops, 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:25.579 they were saying, we're giving God the first, 00:02:26.179 --> 00:02:31.599 and we're going to trust Him to provide us with the rest that will meet our needs. 00:02:32.119 --> 00:02:33.619 Well, the same thing is true about us. 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:36.519 When we give Him the first of our income, 00:02:36.919 --> 00:02:38.279 we're trusting Him. 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:43.159 And we're saying to Him that we're trusting Him to meet our needs with the rest of our income. 00:02:44.420 --> 00:02:50.259 Paul encouraged Christians throughout his travels and in several of his letters 00:02:50.259 --> 00:02:59.400 to give generously and willingly because God can be trusted to supply us with what we need. 00:02:59.400 --> 00:03:08.439 In fact, God supplies us with what we need to give, to save, to invest, and to spend. 00:03:08.640 --> 00:03:13.920 By the way, I was so surprised I've got more feedback from last week's message 00:03:13.920 --> 00:03:19.259 about on the part about saving and investing than anything else. 00:03:19.259 --> 00:03:24.099 In fact, I had some people talk about that really got to them. 00:03:24.099 --> 00:03:28.500 Well, I want to just reemphasize this morning. 00:03:29.280 --> 00:03:31.899 A part of being a good steward, it's not just giving. 00:03:32.419 --> 00:03:33.159 It's earning. 00:03:34.299 --> 00:03:35.179 It's giving. 00:03:36.039 --> 00:03:41.719 But it is saving and investing wisely as well as spending. 00:03:41.719 --> 00:03:45.419 But what I want us to note here in 2 Corinthians 9, 00:03:46.379 --> 00:03:49.699 Paul encourages them to trust God. 00:03:49.800 --> 00:03:50.240 Look at it. 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:53.360 And God is able to bless you abundantly 00:03:53.360 --> 00:03:57.419 so that in all things, at all times, 00:03:57.800 --> 00:03:59.620 having all that you need, 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:03.259 you will abound in every good work. 00:04:03.259 --> 00:04:10.899 Our first giving priority should be that we give to God. 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:14.060 Don't think about giving to a church. 00:04:14.439 --> 00:04:16.459 Don't think about giving to a cause. 00:04:17.480 --> 00:04:19.920 As Christians, we need to think of our giving first and foremost 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:23.579 as giving to God to honor Him, 00:04:25.060 --> 00:04:26.120 to thank Him, 00:04:26.899 --> 00:04:31.279 and to demonstrate to Him we trust You, Lord. 00:04:31.279 --> 00:04:34.899 We're going to give the first of our income to You 00:04:34.899 --> 00:04:36.559 because we have confidence 00:04:36.559 --> 00:04:41.639 that You'll supply us with what we need for everything else. 00:04:42.679 --> 00:04:45.739 Well, the major emphasis in the Old Testament on giving 00:04:45.739 --> 00:04:47.000 is not the first fruit giving, 00:04:47.319 --> 00:04:50.639 but it's on the giving of a tithe or 10% to God. 00:04:51.119 --> 00:04:55.179 The first Old Testament records of giving a tithe 00:04:55.179 --> 00:04:59.500 was not under the law, not a requirement. 00:04:59.500 --> 00:05:03.019 The first time we see tithing mentioned in the Old Testament, 00:05:03.319 --> 00:05:04.139 in the book of Genesis, 00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:07.500 it was given as a voluntary, spontaneous expression 00:05:08.120 --> 00:05:11.920 of worship or gratitude or commitment. 00:05:13.060 --> 00:05:17.360 Abraham, who was first known in the Old Testament as Abram, 00:05:18.360 --> 00:05:20.560 God's the one who changed His name to Abraham. 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:25.240 On one occasion, He gave a tithe of all He had won in a battle. 00:05:25.240 --> 00:05:29.019 He gave a tithe of the spoils of war 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:33.139 to a mysterious figure in the Bible, 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:38.139 Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God, he's described. 00:05:38.960 --> 00:05:41.900 It says in Genesis 14, verse 20, just simply, 00:05:42.340 --> 00:05:46.040 and Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 00:05:46.800 --> 00:05:49.060 But I want you to look next at the book of Hebrews. 00:05:49.060 --> 00:05:52.920 It affirms that this was an act of worship. 00:05:53.300 --> 00:05:56.199 Note, this Melchizedek was king of Salem 00:05:56.199 --> 00:05:58.040 and priest of God Most High. 00:05:58.459 --> 00:06:01.980 He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:03.500 and blessed him, 00:06:04.300 --> 00:06:07.480 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. 00:06:08.879 --> 00:06:10.319 In response to that, 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:15.420 God is an expression of worship given to the priest of God. 00:06:15.420 --> 00:06:20.379 Next, Jacob, Abraham's grandson, 00:06:21.300 --> 00:06:24.379 promised to give a tithe of all that God had given him 00:06:24.379 --> 00:06:29.100 in response to God's promise to bless him. 00:06:29.980 --> 00:06:34.819 God promised to bless Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, 00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:37.840 and their descendants in a very special way, 00:06:38.220 --> 00:06:39.920 and ultimately, we're reading the New Testament, 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:41.400 that was through Jesus. 00:06:41.399 --> 00:06:46.399 But I want you to note how Jacob responded to God 00:06:46.399 --> 00:06:47.459 by saying, 00:06:47.620 --> 00:06:49.539 and all that you give me, 00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:53.459 I will give a full tenth to you. 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:56.299 That promise of a tithe 00:06:56.299 --> 00:06:59.459 was an expression of his commitment to God 00:06:59.459 --> 00:07:02.139 because of God's promise to bless him. 00:07:03.099 --> 00:07:05.339 These two examples show us 00:07:05.339 --> 00:07:08.120 that tithing first appears in the Bible 00:07:08.120 --> 00:07:10.179 as a volunteering. 00:07:10.180 --> 00:07:14.639 From the heart, 00:07:15.639 --> 00:07:18.360 expression of worship, 00:07:19.300 --> 00:07:20.120 of gratitude, 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:21.840 of commitment. 00:07:23.060 --> 00:07:24.420 That's how it begins. 00:07:25.639 --> 00:07:27.519 But tithing appears next in the Bible 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:30.860 as a required giving under the law. 00:07:30.960 --> 00:07:33.759 And that's what the majority of things 00:07:33.759 --> 00:07:35.280 you read about the tithe in the Old Testament 00:07:35.280 --> 00:07:36.220 is all about. 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:38.879 Required, mandated giving 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:41.219 by the people of Israel 00:07:41.219 --> 00:07:42.920 living under the law 00:07:42.920 --> 00:07:43.959 in the promised land. 00:07:44.399 --> 00:07:47.199 Three passages explain this. 00:07:47.719 --> 00:07:48.839 I want you to look on the screen, 00:07:49.139 --> 00:07:50.420 and I want to encourage you 00:07:50.420 --> 00:07:51.279 to write that down 00:07:51.279 --> 00:07:52.319 and look at those. 00:07:52.600 --> 00:07:54.319 There's a lot of verses represented there. 00:07:54.879 --> 00:07:57.060 Leviticus 27, 30 through 33. 00:07:57.060 --> 00:07:59.720 Numbers 18, 21 through 32. 00:08:00.199 --> 00:08:02.939 Deuteronomy 14, verses 22 through 29. 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:04.939 If you read that, 00:08:06.459 --> 00:08:08.220 you may be a little bit confused. 00:08:09.899 --> 00:08:12.620 Old Testament scholars debate 00:08:12.620 --> 00:08:14.720 how many tithes 00:08:14.720 --> 00:08:16.519 are actually being required 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:18.100 in those verses. 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:21.420 Some think there was one yearly tithe, 00:08:21.520 --> 00:08:22.939 and then a second one 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:24.420 was required every three years. 00:08:24.760 --> 00:08:27.420 Some think there were two yearly tithes, 00:08:27.760 --> 00:08:28.879 and then a third one 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:30.080 required every year, 00:08:30.840 --> 00:08:31.780 every three years. 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:34.620 Well, when you read those passages, 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:37.440 it's obvious 00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:39.300 the people of Israel 00:08:39.300 --> 00:08:40.980 were required to give more 00:08:40.980 --> 00:08:43.460 than a tenth of their income 00:08:43.460 --> 00:08:45.560 every year to God. 00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:47.819 It was a requirement 00:08:47.819 --> 00:08:49.519 under the law. 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:52.099 Now, let's move on 00:08:52.099 --> 00:08:52.839 to the New Testament. 00:08:53.619 --> 00:08:55.939 The New Testament does not teach 00:08:55.939 --> 00:08:57.819 that Christians must give 00:08:57.819 --> 00:08:58.719 a certain percentage 00:08:58.719 --> 00:08:59.859 of their income to God. 00:09:00.759 --> 00:09:02.639 The New Testament does teach 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:04.559 that Christians should give, 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:07.559 but it doesn't say how much. 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:09.359 It doesn't talk about a percentage. 00:09:11.059 --> 00:09:12.279 Most of what you read 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:13.439 in the New Testament about giving 00:09:13.439 --> 00:09:14.559 is focused on principles. 00:09:15.559 --> 00:09:18.139 Or what we might even say, 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:20.259 our attitude in giving. 00:09:20.859 --> 00:09:22.219 I want you to look at some examples. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:24.639 The New Testament says 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:26.439 that our giving should be willful 00:09:26.439 --> 00:09:28.639 or voluntary giving. 00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:30.299 We looked at this verse last week, 00:09:30.359 --> 00:09:31.379 but let me just remind you. 00:09:31.959 --> 00:09:33.239 Each one must give 00:09:33.239 --> 00:09:36.139 as he has decided in his heart, 00:09:36.759 --> 00:09:38.399 not reluctantly 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:40.119 or under compulsion. 00:09:40.119 --> 00:09:42.119 And the second attitude 00:09:42.739 --> 00:09:44.459 about giving should be cheerful giving. 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:46.360 And here's the rest of that verse. 00:09:46.879 --> 00:09:48.980 For God loves a cheerful giver. 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:54.500 Everyone must give, 00:09:55.940 --> 00:09:57.540 but you decide. 00:09:58.259 --> 00:10:00.120 You choose how much. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:02.180 And whatever you give, 00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:04.460 do it cheerfully. 00:10:05.300 --> 00:10:05.800 Number three, 00:10:06.259 --> 00:10:07.420 regular giving is what 00:10:07.420 --> 00:10:08.440 the New Testament calls for. 00:10:08.440 --> 00:10:10.560 On the first day of every week, 00:10:11.280 --> 00:10:13.900 each of you is to put something aside 00:10:13.900 --> 00:10:15.780 and store it up. 00:10:17.780 --> 00:10:19.160 Our giving should be 00:10:19.160 --> 00:10:20.580 on a regular basis. 00:10:21.420 --> 00:10:22.640 The fourth principle, 00:10:23.020 --> 00:10:23.920 proportionate giving. 00:10:25.020 --> 00:10:26.940 Each of you is to put something aside 00:10:26.940 --> 00:10:27.780 and store it up 00:10:27.780 --> 00:10:28.900 as he may prosper. 00:10:29.420 --> 00:10:30.400 Everybody's not supposed 00:10:30.400 --> 00:10:31.120 to give the same. 00:10:32.040 --> 00:10:33.320 Everybody doesn't prosper 00:10:33.320 --> 00:10:34.020 the same way. 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:36.539 Some people are very blessed. 00:10:37.620 --> 00:10:38.860 They're very prosperous. 00:10:40.220 --> 00:10:41.579 Their giving should reflect that. 00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:43.659 Some people just 00:10:43.659 --> 00:10:45.519 are not that prosperous. 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:46.899 Fact is, 00:10:47.019 --> 00:10:48.159 the reality of life 00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:49.699 and their giving 00:10:49.699 --> 00:10:50.980 will reflect that. 00:10:51.980 --> 00:10:53.240 The fifth attitude 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:54.759 or principle of giving 00:10:54.759 --> 00:10:55.379 in the New Testament 00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:56.539 is generous giving. 00:10:56.539 --> 00:10:58.459 For they gave 00:10:58.459 --> 00:10:59.879 according to their means, 00:10:59.980 --> 00:11:00.879 as I can testify, 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:03.740 and beyond their means 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:06.159 of their own accord. 00:11:06.419 --> 00:11:07.019 There again, 00:11:07.299 --> 00:11:08.079 of their own accord 00:11:08.079 --> 00:11:08.759 emphasizes 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:10.199 that Christian giving 00:11:10.199 --> 00:11:10.959 in the New Testament 00:11:10.959 --> 00:11:12.019 was something 00:11:12.019 --> 00:11:13.079 that they voluntarily 00:11:13.079 --> 00:11:14.599 chose to do. 00:11:15.339 --> 00:11:17.240 Even when they sacrificially 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:19.399 gave beyond their means. 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:20.719 Now, 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:22.839 before we start looking 00:11:22.839 --> 00:11:23.819 at the amount 00:11:23.819 --> 00:11:24.500 we should give, 00:11:24.579 --> 00:11:25.279 we need to make sure 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.600 that our attitude 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:29.220 toward whatever we give 00:11:29.220 --> 00:11:31.579 is the right attitude. 00:11:32.959 --> 00:11:33.639 So let's think. 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:36.519 As you think about 00:11:36.519 --> 00:11:37.819 giving to God, 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:39.159 and let's be specific, 00:11:39.959 --> 00:11:41.259 through this church, 00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:44.639 what goes through your mind? 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:47.360 How do you think 00:11:47.360 --> 00:11:50.620 of your personal giving? 00:11:50.620 --> 00:11:53.839 When you write your check 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:56.480 or give online 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:58.700 or put cash 00:11:58.700 --> 00:11:59.600 in the offering plate, 00:12:00.160 --> 00:12:03.379 what goes through your mind? 00:12:04.440 --> 00:12:05.860 How do you feel? 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:09.960 How would you describe 00:12:09.960 --> 00:12:11.120 your attitude 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:14.720 about your giving 00:12:14.720 --> 00:12:15.940 to God 00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:17.560 through this church? 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:20.399 and then let's just look 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:21.479 at what the New Testament said. 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:22.699 Do the words 00:12:22.699 --> 00:12:23.519 willful, 00:12:24.479 --> 00:12:25.079 voluntary, 00:12:25.959 --> 00:12:26.399 cheerful, 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:27.539 regular, 00:12:27.959 --> 00:12:28.699 proportionate, 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:29.919 and generous, 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:32.379 do those words 00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:32.979 describe 00:12:32.979 --> 00:12:34.659 the attitude 00:12:34.659 --> 00:12:35.619 you have 00:12:35.619 --> 00:12:36.399 as you give? 00:12:37.339 --> 00:12:38.039 Do those words 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:38.939 describe your 00:12:38.939 --> 00:12:40.299 habit, 00:12:41.179 --> 00:12:42.179 your actions 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:43.759 about giving? 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:47.000 In light of what we see 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:47.960 in this brief survey 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:49.080 of biblical giving, 00:12:49.779 --> 00:12:52.179 we need to think about 00:12:52.179 --> 00:12:54.639 what should we give 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:55.740 to God today 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:57.500 as Christians, 00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.600 believers of the Bible? 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:01.740 How should we think 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:02.759 in terms of giving today? 00:13:04.460 --> 00:13:05.200 Well, the first thing 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:05.799 we need to understand 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:06.539 about giving today 00:13:06.539 --> 00:13:07.120 is that 00:13:07.120 --> 00:13:09.720 we do not live 00:13:09.720 --> 00:13:10.779 under the Old Testament 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:11.919 law of Moses, 00:13:12.459 --> 00:13:14.019 including 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:16.039 the law's requirement 00:13:16.039 --> 00:13:17.339 to tithe. 00:13:18.699 --> 00:13:19.720 Jesus Christ 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:20.620 has fulfilled 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:21.819 the law. 00:13:23.579 --> 00:13:24.059 Jesus 00:13:24.059 --> 00:13:25.399 has fulfilled 00:13:25.399 --> 00:13:25.939 the law 00:13:25.939 --> 00:13:27.220 and set us free 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:28.319 from the law's 00:13:28.319 --> 00:13:29.240 requirements. 00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:31.480 Now this is stated 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:33.419 here and there 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:34.799 throughout the New Testament. 00:13:35.299 --> 00:13:36.299 A statement here, 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:37.860 an example there. 00:13:38.819 --> 00:13:40.059 It is explained 00:13:40.059 --> 00:13:41.039 in some detail 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:41.439 in the book 00:13:41.439 --> 00:13:42.439 of Galatians. 00:13:43.979 --> 00:13:45.519 It is explained 00:13:45.519 --> 00:13:46.239 fully 00:13:46.239 --> 00:13:47.539 in the book 00:13:47.539 --> 00:13:48.119 of Hebrews. 00:13:49.479 --> 00:13:50.299 If you want 00:13:50.299 --> 00:13:50.679 to know, 00:13:50.799 --> 00:13:53.039 get a handle 00:13:53.039 --> 00:13:53.399 on, 00:13:53.819 --> 00:13:55.539 why do we not, 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.379 why are we not 00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:57.319 obligated today 00:13:57.319 --> 00:13:58.519 to live under 00:13:58.519 --> 00:13:59.519 the Old Testament 00:13:59.519 --> 00:14:00.439 law of Moses, 00:14:00.559 --> 00:14:01.219 first five books 00:14:01.219 --> 00:14:01.899 of the Old Testament, 00:14:02.579 --> 00:14:03.739 like the people 00:14:03.739 --> 00:14:05.299 in Israel were 00:14:05.299 --> 00:14:06.119 living in the 00:14:06.119 --> 00:14:06.839 promised land? 00:14:07.979 --> 00:14:08.379 Read the book 00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:08.819 of Hebrews. 00:14:10.059 --> 00:14:11.199 It explains that. 00:14:11.199 --> 00:14:12.619 And Hebrews 00:14:12.619 --> 00:14:13.619 chapters 8, 00:14:13.699 --> 00:14:13.899 9, 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:14.459 and 10 00:14:14.459 --> 00:14:15.679 will give you 00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:16.919 the most detail 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:18.559 on why we 00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:19.079 as Christians 00:14:19.079 --> 00:14:19.539 today 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:21.219 are no longer 00:14:21.219 --> 00:14:21.839 under 00:14:21.839 --> 00:14:23.839 the Old Testament 00:14:23.839 --> 00:14:24.379 law. 00:14:26.379 --> 00:14:27.579 In a nutshell, 00:14:27.899 --> 00:14:28.500 this is what 00:14:28.500 --> 00:14:29.759 Hebrews is telling us. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.419 Jesus fully 00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:32.599 kept the law 00:14:32.599 --> 00:14:33.299 of God 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:34.539 for us. 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:36.799 Jesus perfectly 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:37.740 kept, 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:38.879 obeyed, 00:14:39.079 --> 00:14:39.799 fulfilled the 00:14:39.799 --> 00:14:40.339 requirements 00:14:40.339 --> 00:14:41.120 of the law. 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:43.079 And when we 00:14:43.079 --> 00:14:43.819 trust Him 00:14:43.819 --> 00:14:44.419 as our Savior 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:44.699 and Lord, 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.139 we're one 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:45.620 with Him. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:47.799 God looks 00:14:47.799 --> 00:14:48.779 at us 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:49.919 united to Christ 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:52.120 and the requirements 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:52.579 of the law 00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:53.359 have been fulfilled. 00:14:53.359 --> 00:14:53.740 We receive 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:56.859 the righteousness, 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:58.779 the perfect life 00:14:58.779 --> 00:15:00.179 credited to us 00:15:00.179 --> 00:15:00.759 of Jesus. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:03.019 Jesus also 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:04.139 died on the cross 00:15:04.139 --> 00:15:05.919 to pay the penalty 00:15:05.919 --> 00:15:07.639 for our sins 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:08.899 of disobeying 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:09.980 God's law. 00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:12.799 And so when we're 00:15:12.799 --> 00:15:13.600 united to Jesus 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:14.240 by faith 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:14.860 as Christians, 00:15:15.439 --> 00:15:16.580 God looks at us, 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:18.720 we are lawbreakers. 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:20.419 We've sinned 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:20.919 and come short 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:21.860 of the glory of God. 00:15:22.439 --> 00:15:23.059 But when God 00:15:23.059 --> 00:15:23.639 looks at us 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:24.600 united to Jesus 00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:25.419 by faith, 00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:27.220 the penalty 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:28.059 for our sin 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:28.819 has been paid. 00:15:28.820 --> 00:15:32.100 What Jesus 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:33.060 did for us 00:15:33.060 --> 00:15:33.820 through His life 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:34.860 and death 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:38.260 is what saves us 00:15:38.260 --> 00:15:39.820 and frees us 00:15:39.820 --> 00:15:41.940 from the 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:43.560 penalty of the law. 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:46.500 We put our faith 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:47.440 and trust in Jesus 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:48.660 as our Lord 00:15:48.660 --> 00:15:49.060 and Savior. 00:15:49.320 --> 00:15:50.140 We are forgiven 00:15:50.140 --> 00:15:51.700 and made right 00:15:51.700 --> 00:15:52.540 with God 00:15:52.540 --> 00:15:53.780 right then 00:15:53.780 --> 00:15:54.140 and there. 00:15:55.880 --> 00:15:56.880 Our salvation 00:15:56.880 --> 00:15:58.040 is by God's grace. 00:15:58.160 --> 00:15:58.680 It is totally 00:15:58.679 --> 00:15:59.579 undeserved 00:15:59.579 --> 00:16:01.479 through faith 00:16:01.479 --> 00:16:02.059 in Jesus 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:03.719 and what He 00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:04.439 has done 00:16:04.439 --> 00:16:05.359 to make us 00:16:05.359 --> 00:16:06.959 right with God. 00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:09.919 That's why 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:10.500 we don't bring 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:11.799 animal sacrifices 00:16:11.799 --> 00:16:13.559 to a temple 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:15.000 on a regular basis 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:16.359 to offer atonement 00:16:16.359 --> 00:16:17.059 for our sins 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:17.679 like the people 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:18.339 in Israel did. 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:20.399 That's why 00:16:20.399 --> 00:16:21.359 thank the Lord 00:16:21.359 --> 00:16:21.859 we don't have 00:16:21.859 --> 00:16:22.539 to abstain 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:23.899 from barbecued pork 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:25.759 and ribs 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:27.579 and bacon. 00:16:27.579 --> 00:16:30.159 Now if you don't 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:31.039 agree with what I said 00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:31.699 you better not 00:16:31.699 --> 00:16:32.699 be eating any bacon 00:16:32.699 --> 00:16:34.740 or barbecue. 00:16:36.579 --> 00:16:37.799 We've been set free 00:16:37.799 --> 00:16:38.799 from those dietary 00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:40.100 regulations. 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:41.919 There is no 00:16:41.919 --> 00:16:43.480 unclean food. 00:16:43.659 --> 00:16:44.159 There's a lot of food 00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:44.980 we probably shouldn't 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:45.279 eat 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:47.199 but not from 00:16:47.199 --> 00:16:48.519 a biblical perspective. 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:51.319 It's what Jesus 00:16:51.319 --> 00:16:51.840 has done 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:52.220 for us 00:16:52.220 --> 00:16:52.840 on the cross 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:53.860 that we're not 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:54.779 required to keep 00:16:54.779 --> 00:16:56.220 Sabbath laws. 00:16:57.679 --> 00:16:58.259 You say 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:58.819 well I do. 00:16:59.079 --> 00:16:59.220 Well 00:16:59.220 --> 00:17:00.740 you don't worship 00:17:00.740 --> 00:17:01.299 on the Sabbath 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:01.879 if you come here 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.399 on Sunday 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.240 Sabbath is the 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:03.860 seventh day. 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:04.740 Saturday. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:07.400 So you're not 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:08.500 keeping Sabbath laws. 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:09.359 No one is. 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:12.940 Well how should 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.460 we think of the 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:13.920 Old Testament 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:14.160 today? 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:14.900 Just forget it? 00:17:15.019 --> 00:17:15.819 Rip it out of the Bible? 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:16.720 Absolutely not. 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:18.779 What we read 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.439 in the Old Testament 00:17:19.439 --> 00:17:20.659 is still the Word 00:17:20.659 --> 00:17:21.240 of God 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:22.679 that provides us 00:17:22.679 --> 00:17:23.179 with listen 00:17:23.179 --> 00:17:25.720 eternal principles 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:28.139 for living a life 00:17:28.139 --> 00:17:29.000 that pleases God. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:29.939 For example 00:17:29.939 --> 00:17:30.879 all of the 00:17:30.879 --> 00:17:31.859 Ten Commandments 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:34.460 are restated 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:35.339 reinforced 00:17:35.339 --> 00:17:36.819 in the New Testament 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:38.019 except the 00:17:38.019 --> 00:17:38.939 Fourth Commandment 00:17:38.939 --> 00:17:40.179 concerning the 00:17:40.179 --> 00:17:40.519 Sabbath. 00:17:43.460 --> 00:17:44.419 We don't live 00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:44.960 under the Old 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.639 Testament law 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:46.220 of Moses 00:17:46.220 --> 00:17:48.100 but we do 00:17:48.100 --> 00:17:48.620 live under 00:17:48.620 --> 00:17:49.400 the principles 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.140 contained in 00:17:50.140 --> 00:17:50.600 the law. 00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:51.420 For example 00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:52.460 lying and 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:53.180 stealing is 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:54.000 always wrong. 00:17:57.200 --> 00:17:57.860 Honoring your 00:17:57.860 --> 00:17:58.460 father and 00:17:58.460 --> 00:17:59.360 mother is 00:17:59.360 --> 00:18:00.259 always right. 00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:02.540 It's just in 00:18:02.540 --> 00:18:03.400 the nature of 00:18:03.400 --> 00:18:04.980 God for 00:18:04.980 --> 00:18:05.740 lying and 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:07.420 stealing to 00:18:07.420 --> 00:18:08.020 be wrong. 00:18:08.380 --> 00:18:08.900 It's contrary 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:09.960 to who he is. 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.020 Honoring your 00:18:12.020 --> 00:18:12.700 father and mother 00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:13.420 is just how God 00:18:13.420 --> 00:18:14.980 created life to 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:15.799 be in this world 00:18:15.799 --> 00:18:16.519 between children 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:17.200 and parents of 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:17.680 all ages. 00:18:18.440 --> 00:18:19.279 You honor your 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:19.920 father and mother. 00:18:22.240 --> 00:18:23.420 Worshiping God 00:18:23.420 --> 00:18:24.240 only. 00:18:24.559 --> 00:18:25.240 Having no other 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:25.819 gods. 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:28.440 Never taking his 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:29.440 name in vain. 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:31.779 Those are eternal 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:32.700 principles that tell 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:33.360 us how to honor 00:18:33.360 --> 00:18:33.839 God. 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:35.279 You can't honor 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:37.400 God and serve 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:39.079 idols or other 00:18:39.079 --> 00:18:39.519 gods. 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:41.240 You can't take 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:41.980 God's name in 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:43.099 vain and that 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:43.920 doesn't mean you 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.700 just don't use his 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:45.740 name in profane 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:46.359 statements. 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:47.139 That means you 00:18:47.139 --> 00:18:47.900 don't take God's 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:49.059 name flippantly or 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:49.700 casually. 00:18:50.400 --> 00:18:50.960 If you don't use 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:51.680 God's name be 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:52.700 talking about him 00:18:52.700 --> 00:18:54.579 seriously, 00:18:55.220 --> 00:18:55.779 honestly, 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.779 not flippantly or 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:58.379 casually. 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.180 So what about 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:02.740 tithing? 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:04.839 Is that a 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.240 principle? 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.839 A principle that 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:08.000 endures or is it a 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:08.660 law we no longer 00:19:08.660 --> 00:19:09.259 have to keep? 00:19:10.040 --> 00:19:10.759 Let's think about 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.120 it. 00:19:12.300 --> 00:19:13.080 Tithing appears in 00:19:13.080 --> 00:19:14.580 the Bible before 00:19:14.580 --> 00:19:15.680 the law ever 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:16.820 existed. 00:19:18.660 --> 00:19:19.580 Voluntarily giving 00:19:19.580 --> 00:19:21.060 a tithe to God is 00:19:21.060 --> 00:19:22.060 one of the oldest 00:19:22.060 --> 00:19:23.980 tangible expressions 00:19:23.980 --> 00:19:25.660 of worship showing 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:27.080 gratitude and 00:19:27.080 --> 00:19:28.019 commitment found 00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:29.140 among God's 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:29.440 people. 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.000 Here's something 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:32.440 else we need to 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:33.500 think about in 00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:34.360 relation to the law 00:19:34.360 --> 00:19:35.160 and today and 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:36.000 principles and so 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:36.240 forth. 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:38.259 Jesus never 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:39.119 lowered the 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:39.980 standards of 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:41.539 truth found in 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:42.220 those Old 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.160 Testament laws. 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.319 He actually 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:46.980 raised the bar. 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.980 Jesus raised the 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:51.039 standards of truth 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:51.900 for an example. 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:54.000 Jesus taught that 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:56.079 murder is more 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:57.319 than just taking 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.220 someone's life. 00:19:58.220 --> 00:20:00.960 Murder actually 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:04.379 begins with anger 00:20:04.380 --> 00:20:05.040 in our heart. 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:07.480 Insults, 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:09.760 condemnations, 00:20:10.020 --> 00:20:10.880 judgments on our 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:11.420 tongue. 00:20:11.760 --> 00:20:12.160 Look at what 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:12.900 Jesus said in the 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:13.400 Sermon on the 00:20:13.400 --> 00:20:14.440 Mount, Matthew 5. 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:15.360 He says, 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:15.980 You have heard that 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.980 it was said to 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:18.140 those of old, 00:20:18.600 --> 00:20:19.340 you shall not 00:20:19.340 --> 00:20:19.720 murder. 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:20.900 And whoever 00:20:20.900 --> 00:20:21.660 murders will be 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.160 liable to 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:22.540 judgment. 00:20:23.120 --> 00:20:24.440 But I say to 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:26.080 you that everyone 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:27.140 who is angry with 00:20:27.140 --> 00:20:28.120 his brother will be 00:20:28.120 --> 00:20:29.300 liable to judgment. 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:31.140 And whoever insults 00:20:31.140 --> 00:20:32.020 his brother will be 00:20:32.020 --> 00:20:32.800 liable to the 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.240 counsel. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.460 And whoever says 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:36.559 you fool will be 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:38.359 liable to the hell 00:20:38.359 --> 00:20:39.500 of fire. 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:42.379 Jesus said that 00:20:42.379 --> 00:20:44.440 adultery is much 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:45.019 more than a 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:46.099 physical act. 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:47.839 The sin of 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:48.899 adultery begins 00:20:48.899 --> 00:20:50.019 with a lustful 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:52.960 look and desire. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:54.399 Note again, 00:20:54.539 --> 00:20:55.000 Sermon on the 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:55.899 Mount, Matthew 5. 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:57.059 Jesus said, 00:20:57.139 --> 00:20:57.599 You have heard that 00:20:57.599 --> 00:20:58.159 it was said, 00:20:58.799 --> 00:20:59.339 You shall not 00:20:59.339 --> 00:21:00.119 commit adultery. 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.680 But I say to you 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:02.700 that everyone who 00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:03.700 looks at a woman 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:05.019 with lustful intent 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:06.720 has already committed 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:07.840 adultery with her 00:21:07.840 --> 00:21:09.539 in his heart. 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:11.319 And each of those 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:11.920 examples, 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:14.220 Jesus is bringing 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:16.539 out the spirit 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.500 of the law, 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:20.140 not just the letter. 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:22.539 And in doing that, 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.920 Jesus did not lower 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:25.480 the moral requirements 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.380 of the Old Testament 00:21:26.380 --> 00:21:26.880 laws. 00:21:28.080 --> 00:21:29.500 He raised them, 00:21:29.620 --> 00:21:29.980 didn't He? 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:30.960 It's obvious. 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:33.539 So now we come 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:34.100 to tithing. 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:35.519 Tithing appears 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:36.519 to be a solid, 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.360 biblical, 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.400 very sound 00:21:39.400 --> 00:21:40.100 principle 00:21:40.100 --> 00:21:41.559 for Christians 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.200 today 00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:44.160 that gives us 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:45.360 a starting 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:46.100 point 00:21:46.100 --> 00:21:47.900 in our giving 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:48.460 to God. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:50.140 That seems 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:50.600 to be the most 00:21:50.600 --> 00:21:51.779 common understanding 00:21:51.779 --> 00:21:52.400 of tithing 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.539 among Christian 00:21:53.539 --> 00:21:54.039 leaders 00:21:54.039 --> 00:21:55.420 who take the 00:21:55.420 --> 00:21:56.019 Bible's 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:57.100 teaching 00:21:57.100 --> 00:21:57.960 seriously. 00:21:57.960 --> 00:21:59.819 I want you to 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.440 look at an example 00:22:00.440 --> 00:22:01.279 from James 00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:02.039 Boyce, 00:22:02.539 --> 00:22:03.720 long-time pastor, 00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:05.160 10th Presbyterian Church 00:22:05.160 --> 00:22:05.920 in Philadelphia, 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:07.039 on the radio 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:07.700 for years, 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:08.640 highly respected. 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:09.680 He says, 00:22:09.920 --> 00:22:10.559 although the tithe 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.480 is not mentioned, 00:22:12.200 --> 00:22:12.880 the giving of 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:14.039 weekly offerings 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.819 is, 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:15.600 he's talking about 00:22:15.600 --> 00:22:16.299 in the New Testament. 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:17.840 And more importantly, 00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:18.759 it is generally 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.380 the case 00:22:19.380 --> 00:22:20.299 in the New Testament, 00:22:20.660 --> 00:22:21.340 the obligations 00:22:21.340 --> 00:22:22.380 of the Old Testament 00:22:22.380 --> 00:22:23.120 legislation 00:22:23.120 --> 00:22:24.460 are heightened 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:25.819 rather than 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:26.440 lessened. 00:22:27.120 --> 00:22:28.039 Jesus in murder, 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.140 Jesus in adultery. 00:22:30.140 --> 00:22:30.960 So while we are 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:31.579 not required 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:32.500 to give a specific 00:22:32.500 --> 00:22:33.980 tenth of our income, 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:35.240 it is hard to think 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:36.579 of a normal Christian 00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:38.220 blessed with the 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.039 fullness of the 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:40.400 gospel of Jesus Christ 00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:41.860 doing less. 00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:43.420 Under reasonable 00:22:43.420 --> 00:22:44.240 circumstances, 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:45.860 any true believer 00:22:45.860 --> 00:22:46.559 in Christ 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:48.019 should give more 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:48.640 than the tenth. 00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:50.559 For all we have 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:51.680 is the Lord's. 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:53.380 Randy Alcorn, 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:54.020 some of you 00:22:54.020 --> 00:22:54.680 have read his book 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:55.220 on heaven, 00:22:55.340 --> 00:22:55.860 done a study 00:22:55.860 --> 00:22:56.560 here in church 00:22:56.560 --> 00:22:57.360 on heaven 00:22:57.360 --> 00:22:58.740 based on his book. 00:22:59.180 --> 00:22:59.840 He's written a lot 00:22:59.840 --> 00:23:00.820 of things about giving. 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:01.900 One of his books 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:02.200 was called 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:03.420 The Treasure Principle 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.460 and in that book 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:05.860 he compares tithing 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:07.260 to training wheels 00:23:07.260 --> 00:23:07.880 on a bicycle. 00:23:08.800 --> 00:23:09.060 He says, 00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:09.740 training wheels 00:23:09.740 --> 00:23:10.380 help you to learn 00:23:10.380 --> 00:23:10.920 to ride, 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:11.780 but once you learn 00:23:11.780 --> 00:23:12.160 to ride, 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:12.700 you take off 00:23:12.700 --> 00:23:13.440 the training wheels. 00:23:14.120 --> 00:23:14.660 He says that 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:15.280 when we really 00:23:15.280 --> 00:23:16.180 learn to give, 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:17.860 tithing won't 00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:19.140 even be an issue. 00:23:19.620 --> 00:23:20.600 It will be merely 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:22.200 the beginning point 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:24.160 of our giving. 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:25.880 One more, 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:26.799 Wayne Grudem. 00:23:27.580 --> 00:23:28.460 My conclusion 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:29.080 about how much 00:23:29.080 --> 00:23:29.759 we should give 00:23:29.759 --> 00:23:30.880 is that the New Testament 00:23:30.880 --> 00:23:32.640 does not specify 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:34.080 any certain amount 00:23:34.080 --> 00:23:35.259 such as 10%. 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:36.720 But a tithe 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.860 certainly seems 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:40.140 like a wise guideline 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:42.120 at least when someone 00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:42.880 is beginning 00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:44.100 beginning 00:23:44.100 --> 00:23:45.000 to give 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:45.860 to the Lord's work. 00:23:46.580 --> 00:23:47.180 It is a level 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:47.640 of giving 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:48.920 that is significant 00:23:48.920 --> 00:23:50.580 and yet not 00:23:50.580 --> 00:23:51.600 excessively 00:23:51.600 --> 00:23:52.620 burdensome 00:23:52.620 --> 00:23:53.980 for people. 00:23:56.560 --> 00:23:57.400 I want us 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:57.980 to understand 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:59.240 that the key 00:23:59.240 --> 00:24:00.160 to practicing 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:01.820 faithful stewardship 00:24:01.820 --> 00:24:03.960 of everything 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:05.560 we have, 00:24:05.800 --> 00:24:06.800 everything that we are, 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:07.820 including our money, 00:24:08.300 --> 00:24:09.620 is to first 00:24:09.620 --> 00:24:10.779 give ourselves 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:11.900 to God. 00:24:12.900 --> 00:24:13.980 That's what I pointed 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.600 out at the beginning 00:24:14.600 --> 00:24:15.640 of this first fruit 00:24:15.640 --> 00:24:16.759 offerings. 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:18.220 We are honoring 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:18.720 God. 00:24:19.119 --> 00:24:19.559 We are doing it 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:19.799 to Him. 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:20.420 The focus 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:21.140 is on Him. 00:24:22.140 --> 00:24:23.079 That's how Paul 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.900 explains 00:24:23.900 --> 00:24:25.019 how one group 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:25.640 of Christians 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:26.279 were able 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:26.700 to give 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:27.759 so generously. 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:28.700 Note this 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.740 in 2 Corinthians 8. 00:24:30.400 --> 00:24:30.960 For they gave 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:31.980 according to their means 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:32.859 as I can testify 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:34.539 and beyond their means 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:36.339 of their own accord 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:38.000 begging us 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:38.579 earnestly 00:24:38.579 --> 00:24:39.740 for the favor 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.980 of taking part 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:41.819 in the relief 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:42.579 of the saints 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.680 and this 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:45.099 not as we expected 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:46.259 but they gave 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.599 themselves first 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:48.719 to the Lord 00:24:48.719 --> 00:24:49.799 and then 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:50.399 by the will 00:24:50.399 --> 00:24:51.039 of God 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:52.559 to us. 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:55.119 The key 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:55.839 to their giving, 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.799 wanting to give 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.399 like they did, 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:58.899 it grew out 00:24:58.899 --> 00:24:59.719 of their relationship 00:24:59.719 --> 00:25:00.339 with the Lord. 00:25:01.579 --> 00:25:02.179 Here's what I want 00:25:02.179 --> 00:25:02.779 us to understand. 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.279 When we give 00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:05.399 ourselves first 00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:06.699 to the Lord Jesus Christ 00:25:06.699 --> 00:25:07.819 in faith, 00:25:08.719 --> 00:25:09.699 in love, 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.659 in commitment, 00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:14.160 everything else 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:14.540 in our life 00:25:14.540 --> 00:25:15.460 will fall into place. 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:17.480 When Christ 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:17.880 is truly 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:18.300 the Lord 00:25:18.300 --> 00:25:18.720 of our life 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:19.180 and He's first 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:20.060 in our life, 00:25:20.340 --> 00:25:21.000 we'll be faithful 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:21.400 stewards 00:25:21.400 --> 00:25:22.500 of our time, 00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:24.620 of our talents, 00:25:25.620 --> 00:25:27.519 of our treasures. 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.640 That includes 00:25:29.640 --> 00:25:31.000 earning it, 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.560 saving, 00:25:32.800 --> 00:25:33.560 investing it, 00:25:34.420 --> 00:25:35.420 spending it, 00:25:35.420 --> 00:25:36.860 as well as 00:25:36.860 --> 00:25:38.100 giving it. 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:40.019 The most 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.779 important question 00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:41.619 for each of us 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.019 this morning 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:42.599 is this, 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.519 have I truly 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:46.099 given my life 00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:46.659 to Christ? 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:49.079 Our lives 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:49.959 should show it. 00:25:51.579 --> 00:25:52.879 If we have, 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:54.639 we should know it 00:25:54.639 --> 00:25:55.199 and other people 00:25:55.199 --> 00:25:55.699 should be able 00:25:55.699 --> 00:25:56.659 to see that in us 00:25:56.659 --> 00:25:58.240 because first 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:58.759 and foremost, 00:25:59.219 --> 00:26:00.039 our heart's desire 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.719 will be to know 00:26:00.719 --> 00:26:01.219 Him better, 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:02.519 love Him more, 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:04.839 serve Him 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:05.759 with all our heart, 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:08.539 and that includes 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.079 everything. 00:26:11.160 --> 00:26:11.379 Now, 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:14.160 if that's true 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:14.819 about you, 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:18.059 if you think 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.680 to yourself, 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:19.960 I know, 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:21.720 not perfectly, 00:26:21.879 --> 00:26:22.460 but I truly 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.339 love the Lord, 00:26:24.879 --> 00:26:25.680 I want to know 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.160 Him better, 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:27.319 I want to be 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.379 more like Him, 00:26:28.859 --> 00:26:29.400 I want you to 00:26:29.400 --> 00:26:30.220 thank God 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.180 because that is 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:31.839 a sign, 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:33.160 a great sign 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:34.039 that God has 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:35.119 worked in your life 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:36.379 in a very 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:37.219 gracious way. 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:39.199 God's changed you, 00:26:39.399 --> 00:26:40.699 He is changing you. 00:26:40.879 --> 00:26:41.319 If that just 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:42.399 appeals to you, 00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:43.439 that's what you're 00:26:43.439 --> 00:26:44.259 seeking to do, 00:26:44.459 --> 00:26:45.179 to know and love 00:26:45.179 --> 00:26:45.939 and serve the Lord, 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:47.659 just thank God 00:26:47.659 --> 00:26:48.139 and ask Him 00:26:48.139 --> 00:26:48.559 to help you 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.299 to keep on. 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:52.839 But if you're honest, 00:26:52.959 --> 00:26:53.819 you might say, 00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:55.759 that used to be true, 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:58.659 but it's not like 00:26:58.659 --> 00:26:59.359 it used to be. 00:27:00.699 --> 00:27:01.619 So what I want you 00:27:01.619 --> 00:27:02.500 to think is this, 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:04.559 if you have allowed 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:05.240 some more 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:05.839 or something 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:07.779 to take the 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:08.559 Lord's place 00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:09.420 in your life, 00:27:11.160 --> 00:27:12.140 admit that 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:13.039 as the sin 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.779 that it is 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.740 to God 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.200 right now. 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:17.440 You may not 00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:18.259 have ever meant to, 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:19.359 but right now, 00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:21.940 you're more concerned 00:27:21.940 --> 00:27:23.960 about doing this, 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.859 pleasing yourself, 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:29.480 or pleasing a certain 00:27:29.480 --> 00:27:30.440 person than you are 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:31.359 pleasing God. 00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:33.740 I want to encourage 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:34.459 you to confess 00:27:34.459 --> 00:27:35.779 that as the sin 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:36.279 that it is, 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.139 turn from it, 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:37.859 change your mind, 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:38.339 repent, 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:40.679 ask God to help you, 00:27:41.939 --> 00:27:43.299 and then come back 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:43.779 to Him 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:47.179 in a renewed faith 00:27:47.179 --> 00:27:48.179 and commitment. 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:51.259 Ask Him to help you 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:52.619 day by day, 00:27:52.699 --> 00:27:54.059 maybe hour by hour, 00:27:55.059 --> 00:27:56.419 to live a 00:27:56.419 --> 00:27:58.279 God-conscious 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.359 life. 00:27:59.359 --> 00:27:59.839 life. 00:28:00.579 --> 00:28:01.099 Be focused 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.639 on seeking 00:28:01.639 --> 00:28:02.339 to know 00:28:02.339 --> 00:28:02.819 and love 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:04.819 and follow 00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:05.299 and be like 00:28:05.299 --> 00:28:05.919 the Lord Jesus. 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:08.939 But if what 00:28:08.939 --> 00:28:09.339 we're talking 00:28:09.339 --> 00:28:09.619 about here 00:28:09.619 --> 00:28:10.079 has never been 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.759 true about you, 00:28:12.119 --> 00:28:13.119 you don't know 00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:13.399 God, 00:28:13.459 --> 00:28:13.699 you don't have 00:28:13.699 --> 00:28:14.079 a relationship 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:14.639 with Christ, 00:28:14.699 --> 00:28:15.039 and the truth 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:15.859 is you've never 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:16.319 really thought 00:28:16.319 --> 00:28:16.919 that much about 00:28:16.919 --> 00:28:17.439 it or cared 00:28:17.439 --> 00:28:17.740 to. 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:19.839 But if you do 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:20.240 now, 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.599 if God's been 00:28:22.599 --> 00:28:23.219 working in your 00:28:23.219 --> 00:28:24.000 life these past 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:24.459 few weeks, 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:25.839 maybe through 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:26.199 some of the 00:28:26.199 --> 00:28:26.619 things we've 00:28:26.619 --> 00:28:26.939 learned, 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:27.599 or maybe just 00:28:27.599 --> 00:28:28.039 today, 00:28:28.939 --> 00:28:29.779 I want to 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.339 encourage you 00:28:30.339 --> 00:28:32.299 to turn your 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:32.980 back on living 00:28:32.980 --> 00:28:33.599 for you, 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:36.559 repent of 00:28:36.559 --> 00:28:37.079 your sin, 00:28:37.199 --> 00:28:37.879 put your trust 00:28:37.879 --> 00:28:38.379 in Jesus, 00:28:39.159 --> 00:28:39.699 and call upon 00:28:39.699 --> 00:28:40.319 Him to save 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:41.079 you right now. 00:28:41.219 --> 00:28:41.740 That's the most 00:28:41.740 --> 00:28:42.339 important thing 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.939 for you to do. 00:28:44.939 --> 00:28:45.659 I want us to 00:28:45.659 --> 00:28:46.159 conclude this 00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:46.839 message the same 00:28:46.839 --> 00:28:47.659 way we began 00:28:47.659 --> 00:28:48.219 this morning. 00:28:49.279 --> 00:28:49.899 I want to ask 00:28:49.899 --> 00:28:50.119 you, 00:28:50.679 --> 00:28:51.439 how would you 00:28:51.439 --> 00:28:52.480 instruct a new 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.059 Christian 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:55.759 concerning their 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.259 giving? 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.240 What if they 00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:59.079 ask you to 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.799 tell them 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:01.639 how you 00:29:01.639 --> 00:29:02.179 give, 00:29:03.139 --> 00:29:04.679 your thoughts 00:29:04.679 --> 00:29:05.240 on giving, 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:06.579 your actions, 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.339 what would you 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.039 say? 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:11.019 I know for a 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.500 fact that there 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.480 are many people 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.419 in this church 00:29:13.419 --> 00:29:14.839 who have a 00:29:14.839 --> 00:29:15.960 testimony similar 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.839 to mine about 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:17.480 their giving, 00:29:19.079 --> 00:29:19.819 and so on 00:29:19.819 --> 00:29:20.639 behalf of people 00:29:20.639 --> 00:29:21.980 who give this 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:22.940 way, I want to 00:29:22.940 --> 00:29:23.299 give you an 00:29:23.299 --> 00:29:23.700 example. 00:29:23.860 --> 00:29:24.059 I'm going to 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:24.539 give you my 00:29:24.539 --> 00:29:25.120 and Lisa's 00:29:25.120 --> 00:29:25.519 testimony. 00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:27.039 I don't 00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:27.740 remember when I 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.240 began to 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:28.660 tithe. 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.259 When I met 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:31.279 Lisa, I was 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:32.079 already tithing. 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:32.920 She was already 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:33.460 tithing. 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.579 When we got 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:37.920 married, we 00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:38.480 were already 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:39.299 committed to 00:29:39.299 --> 00:29:40.660 giving God the 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:44.019 first 10% that 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:45.160 He blessed us 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:45.620 with. 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:46.400 I'm talking 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:47.000 about we gave 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:48.640 the first 10% 00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:49.720 of the gross 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.980 income that 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:52.620 we had. 00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:54.880 We gave this 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:55.920 tithe to 00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:57.779 God with an 00:29:57.779 --> 00:29:58.380 emphasis on 00:29:58.380 --> 00:29:58.880 giving it to 00:29:58.880 --> 00:29:59.940 God, but we've 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:00.799 always given it 00:30:00.799 --> 00:30:01.940 to Him through 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:03.220 our local 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:04.079 church, through 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:04.680 our church, 00:30:04.900 --> 00:30:05.240 through this 00:30:05.240 --> 00:30:05.819 church today. 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:07.860 We've always 00:30:07.860 --> 00:30:10.019 considered my 00:30:10.019 --> 00:30:11.000 income and her 00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:11.620 income to be 00:30:11.620 --> 00:30:12.299 our income. 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:12.960 Now, I know 00:30:12.960 --> 00:30:13.460 everybody here 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:13.860 doesn't do 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:14.180 that. 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:15.480 That's not the 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:15.940 point this 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.240 morning. 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:18.980 I don't have 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:19.460 my money. 00:30:19.620 --> 00:30:20.019 Lisa doesn't 00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:20.599 have her money. 00:30:20.599 --> 00:30:21.319 We have our 00:30:21.319 --> 00:30:21.659 money. 00:30:22.719 --> 00:30:23.259 And so we 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.079 give one 00:30:24.079 --> 00:30:25.759 tithe of 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:27.659 our offerings, 00:30:28.699 --> 00:30:29.299 our income 00:30:29.299 --> 00:30:29.579 rather. 00:30:31.139 --> 00:30:32.139 It used to be 00:30:32.139 --> 00:30:33.039 the first check 00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:33.959 we wrote after 00:30:33.959 --> 00:30:34.799 we got paid, 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.699 which has been 00:30:35.699 --> 00:30:36.519 for years now, 00:30:36.879 --> 00:30:37.619 twice a month. 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:40.159 Now, we've 00:30:40.159 --> 00:30:41.019 set it up for 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.399 that tithe to 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:44.779 be drafted the 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:46.240 day after payday, 00:30:46.399 --> 00:30:47.039 two times a 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:47.219 month. 00:30:47.319 --> 00:30:48.799 I love that. 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:50.399 I love online 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:50.639 giving. 00:30:50.859 --> 00:30:51.519 I love having 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:52.240 it drafted. 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:53.700 You may not 00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:54.039 want to do 00:30:54.039 --> 00:30:54.399 that, and 00:30:54.399 --> 00:30:55.399 that's fine 00:30:55.399 --> 00:30:55.960 for you. 00:30:57.180 --> 00:30:57.619 But you'd be 00:30:57.619 --> 00:30:58.159 surprised how 00:30:58.159 --> 00:30:58.619 many Sundays 00:30:58.619 --> 00:30:59.500 I've sat in a 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:00.220 pew and 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:00.879 passed, seen 00:31:00.879 --> 00:31:01.519 that plate go 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:02.279 by twice, and 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:02.819 I get home, 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.379 it's still in my 00:31:03.379 --> 00:31:03.700 pocket. 00:31:05.859 --> 00:31:06.859 I love having 00:31:06.859 --> 00:31:08.419 it drafted, and 00:31:08.419 --> 00:31:09.419 I try to think, 00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:10.180 I don't every 00:31:10.180 --> 00:31:10.700 Sunday, but I 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:11.379 try to think and 00:31:11.379 --> 00:31:12.099 do most Sundays 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:12.579 when that plate 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:13.099 has passed. 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.219 Thank you, 00:31:14.379 --> 00:31:14.879 Lord, for 00:31:14.879 --> 00:31:16.379 blessing us and 00:31:16.379 --> 00:31:17.099 allowing us to 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:17.599 be able to 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:19.399 give the way 00:31:19.399 --> 00:31:19.679 that we're 00:31:19.679 --> 00:31:20.279 giving now. 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.719 For over 41 00:31:22.719 --> 00:31:25.019 years, we have 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:25.839 given at least 00:31:25.839 --> 00:31:26.799 10% of our 00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:27.779 income to God 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.559 through our 00:31:28.559 --> 00:31:29.980 church, regardless 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:30.579 of what our 00:31:30.579 --> 00:31:31.819 income was or 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.759 what our expenses 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:33.399 were. 00:31:34.579 --> 00:31:35.000 There's been 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:35.579 times in our 00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:36.279 life when money 00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:37.879 was tight, and 00:31:37.879 --> 00:31:38.579 we cut back on 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:39.079 our spending. 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:41.379 We've never 00:31:41.379 --> 00:31:43.699 cut back on 00:31:43.699 --> 00:31:44.399 our tithing. 00:31:45.939 --> 00:31:46.639 After giving 00:31:46.639 --> 00:31:48.019 10% to God 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:48.419 through the 00:31:48.419 --> 00:31:49.480 church, we 00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:50.079 consider what 00:31:50.079 --> 00:31:51.079 other ways God 00:31:51.079 --> 00:31:52.099 would have us to 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:53.460 give with the 00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:54.079 other 90%. 00:31:54.639 --> 00:31:56.299 I want to be 00:31:56.299 --> 00:31:56.899 real honest with 00:31:56.899 --> 00:31:57.179 you here. 00:31:58.399 --> 00:31:59.319 We've always 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:00.359 practiced saving 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:01.199 and investing. 00:32:01.859 --> 00:32:02.720 That's very 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:03.099 important. 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.899 It's wise. 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:04.559 It's biblical. 00:32:06.059 --> 00:32:06.799 I just don't 00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:08.159 realize, haven't 00:32:08.159 --> 00:32:08.899 realized how many 00:32:08.900 --> 00:32:09.460 people don't 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:10.300 understand that, 00:32:10.340 --> 00:32:10.860 but you need to 00:32:10.860 --> 00:32:11.540 understand that. 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:14.680 But we consider 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:16.220 what we give, the 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:17.280 10% to be our 00:32:17.280 --> 00:32:17.720 tithe. 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:19.340 And we consider 00:32:19.340 --> 00:32:20.580 what else we 00:32:20.580 --> 00:32:21.960 give to be our 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:22.600 offerings. 00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:25.640 And we always, 00:32:25.940 --> 00:32:26.620 through the years, 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:27.660 have given 00:32:27.660 --> 00:32:28.560 offerings to 00:32:28.560 --> 00:32:29.560 special cause, 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:30.340 special mission 00:32:30.340 --> 00:32:30.820 causes. 00:32:32.200 --> 00:32:32.920 Usually our 00:32:32.920 --> 00:32:34.420 largest offering 00:32:34.420 --> 00:32:35.040 like this is to 00:32:35.040 --> 00:32:35.480 the Lottie Moon 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:36.160 Christmas offering 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:37.040 for international 00:32:37.040 --> 00:32:38.840 missions that we 00:32:38.839 --> 00:32:39.359 give through our 00:32:39.359 --> 00:32:39.819 church. 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:41.199 Some years our 00:32:41.199 --> 00:32:42.980 largest offering 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:44.599 has been giving 00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:45.119 to the building 00:32:45.119 --> 00:32:45.500 fund. 00:32:45.599 --> 00:32:45.939 We were doing 00:32:45.939 --> 00:32:46.399 something real 00:32:46.399 --> 00:32:47.019 special like 00:32:47.019 --> 00:32:47.819 building or 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:48.679 remodeling here. 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:50.579 We've made it a 00:32:50.579 --> 00:32:51.439 habit to give to 00:32:51.439 --> 00:32:52.579 other offerings for 00:32:52.579 --> 00:32:53.899 various kinds of 00:32:53.899 --> 00:32:56.579 ministries and 00:32:56.579 --> 00:32:57.659 missions that were 00:32:57.659 --> 00:32:58.799 biblically sound, 00:32:58.980 --> 00:32:59.899 gospel type 00:32:59.899 --> 00:33:00.619 organizations. 00:33:01.459 --> 00:33:02.059 We've also 00:33:02.059 --> 00:33:03.579 supported some 00:33:03.579 --> 00:33:04.659 individuals who were 00:33:04.659 --> 00:33:05.599 raising money to go 00:33:05.599 --> 00:33:06.740 on a mission trip or 00:33:06.740 --> 00:33:07.379 being involved in 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:07.940 some missions, 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:08.960 but we do not 00:33:08.960 --> 00:33:09.960 give to people who 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:11.280 ask us to just go on 00:33:11.280 --> 00:33:12.700 pleasure trips or 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.420 even educational 00:33:13.420 --> 00:33:13.940 trips. 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:15.680 That ain't my 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.120 place. 00:33:17.360 --> 00:33:18.220 I'm not sending you 00:33:18.220 --> 00:33:18.920 around the world, 00:33:19.840 --> 00:33:21.300 but I will help you 00:33:21.300 --> 00:33:22.100 to serve the Lord 00:33:22.100 --> 00:33:23.580 somewhere around the 00:33:23.580 --> 00:33:23.780 world. 00:33:24.840 --> 00:33:25.580 We've given to 00:33:25.580 --> 00:33:26.480 benevolent ministries 00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:27.540 like Prison 00:33:27.540 --> 00:33:28.860 Fellowship's Angel 00:33:28.860 --> 00:33:30.320 Tree, Samaritan's 00:33:30.320 --> 00:33:31.740 Purse, the Dream 00:33:31.740 --> 00:33:32.100 Center. 00:33:32.100 --> 00:33:34.320 One reason we give to 00:33:34.320 --> 00:33:35.120 those ministries is 00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:35.719 because we're 00:33:35.719 --> 00:33:36.500 supposed to help 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:37.679 people who are in 00:33:37.679 --> 00:33:39.359 need, and those 00:33:39.359 --> 00:33:40.159 kind of organizations 00:33:40.159 --> 00:33:40.979 not only help people 00:33:40.979 --> 00:33:41.479 who are in need, 00:33:41.559 --> 00:33:42.239 but they share the 00:33:42.239 --> 00:33:42.839 gospel in the 00:33:42.839 --> 00:33:43.419 process. 00:33:44.899 --> 00:33:46.259 We have given like 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.279 this out of love and 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:49.179 gratitude to God for 00:33:49.179 --> 00:33:50.199 all that He has done 00:33:50.199 --> 00:33:52.459 for us and out of 00:33:52.459 --> 00:33:53.759 obedience to what we 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.759 believe He's called us 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:55.139 to do. 00:33:55.299 --> 00:33:56.099 But I want to be real 00:33:56.099 --> 00:33:56.979 clear about something. 00:33:58.419 --> 00:33:59.799 We have not and we do 00:33:59.799 --> 00:34:01.139 not give out of fear 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:03.040 or guilt. 00:34:04.080 --> 00:34:05.320 I grew up going to 00:34:05.320 --> 00:34:06.320 church and all my 00:34:06.320 --> 00:34:08.579 life, mostly growing 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:11.140 up, I heard it taught 00:34:11.140 --> 00:34:13.380 that the tithe is the 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:14.280 Lord's and if you don't 00:34:14.280 --> 00:34:15.420 give it, He's going to 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:16.460 get it some other way. 00:34:16.619 --> 00:34:18.019 That is poor theology. 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:21.360 That is not biblically 00:34:21.360 --> 00:34:22.240 sound theology. 00:34:22.239 --> 00:34:25.639 I think if we don't 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:27.759 give, we miss out on a 00:34:27.759 --> 00:34:28.459 lot of blessings. 00:34:30.119 --> 00:34:31.279 But I don't think we 00:34:31.279 --> 00:34:32.979 should give because we're 00:34:32.979 --> 00:34:34.279 afraid God's going to do 00:34:34.279 --> 00:34:35.059 something to us to get it 00:34:35.059 --> 00:34:35.639 another way. 00:34:36.959 --> 00:34:40.059 You can't find that as a 00:34:40.059 --> 00:34:41.399 motivation for giving. 00:34:43.859 --> 00:34:45.519 The result has been in 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:48.039 our giving, God has met 00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:50.899 all of our needs and so 00:34:50.899 --> 00:34:51.519 much more. 00:34:52.239 --> 00:34:53.719 But I want to be quick 00:34:53.719 --> 00:34:56.039 to say here, don't give 00:34:56.039 --> 00:34:59.939 thinking God's going to 00:34:59.939 --> 00:35:02.119 make me wealthy or I'm 00:35:02.119 --> 00:35:03.159 going to manipulate God 00:35:03.159 --> 00:35:03.759 by my giving. 00:35:03.859 --> 00:35:04.799 It doesn't work that way. 00:35:06.299 --> 00:35:07.799 God has promised to meet 00:35:07.799 --> 00:35:09.439 our needs, but He has not 00:35:09.439 --> 00:35:10.319 promised to meet our 00:35:10.319 --> 00:35:10.899 wants. 00:35:11.599 --> 00:35:12.899 In our lives, we've been 00:35:12.899 --> 00:35:14.419 blessed by having our 00:35:14.419 --> 00:35:15.839 needs met and a lot of 00:35:15.839 --> 00:35:16.339 wants. 00:35:18.099 --> 00:35:19.299 But there's been things we 00:35:19.299 --> 00:35:21.159 couldn't afford to do. 00:35:21.159 --> 00:35:22.619 There's been times, lots of 00:35:22.619 --> 00:35:23.440 times we've told our 00:35:23.440 --> 00:35:24.319 children we can't afford 00:35:24.319 --> 00:35:26.179 this because we chose to be 00:35:26.179 --> 00:35:27.420 faithful to God to give 00:35:27.420 --> 00:35:28.679 instead of just spending it 00:35:28.679 --> 00:35:29.279 on ourselves. 00:35:30.379 --> 00:35:31.759 But we chose to do that 00:35:31.759 --> 00:35:35.219 because God has blessed us, 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.799 because He sent His Son to 00:35:36.799 --> 00:35:37.739 die for us. 00:35:38.460 --> 00:35:39.420 We love Him. 00:35:39.480 --> 00:35:40.559 We appreciate it. 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:43.360 That's our testimony. 00:35:45.259 --> 00:35:46.659 And you may not know a lot of 00:35:46.659 --> 00:35:47.380 people in this church. 00:35:47.500 --> 00:35:48.440 If you're a guest here today, 00:35:48.480 --> 00:35:49.159 if there's a lot of people in 00:35:49.159 --> 00:35:50.860 this church, theirs wouldn't be 00:35:50.860 --> 00:35:52.599 exactly like ours, but a lot of 00:35:52.599 --> 00:35:54.079 people in this church do the 00:35:54.079 --> 00:35:55.340 same way because I've heard them 00:35:55.340 --> 00:35:55.679 say it. 00:35:58.460 --> 00:35:59.500 That's our testimony. 00:35:59.500 --> 00:36:04.000 That's how I would explain to a 00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:06.500 new Christian how to give. 00:36:08.579 --> 00:36:09.880 What's your testimony? 00:36:11.780 --> 00:36:13.280 How do you give? 00:36:14.679 --> 00:36:17.099 Make sure that whatever it is, 00:36:17.840 --> 00:36:21.019 it's what pleases God, what honors 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:24.639 Him, what demonstrates your trust in 00:36:24.639 --> 00:36:24.980 Him. 00:36:24.980 --> 00:36:28.400 And if it doesn't, talk to Him 00:36:28.400 --> 00:36:31.820 about it this week and develop a 00:36:31.820 --> 00:36:34.980 way to give that will honor God and 00:36:35.619 --> 00:36:37.019 show Him that you love Him and 00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:37.599 trust Him. 00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:39.240 Let's pray together. 00:36:39.920 --> 00:36:42.539 Father, show us now how we should 00:36:42.539 --> 00:36:47.139 respond to You and just help us to 00:36:47.139 --> 00:36:47.539 do it. 00:36:49.059 --> 00:36:51.119 Help us to commit ourselves to You 00:36:51.119 --> 00:36:54.960 first and all that we are to do. 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:59.960 and all that we have, including our 00:36:59.960 --> 00:37:00.960 money and our giving. 00:37:01.579 --> 00:37:02.599 Let's just have an attitude of 00:37:02.599 --> 00:37:04.599 prayer and respond to the Lord as He 00:37:04.599 --> 00:37:05.280 speaks to us. 00:37:05.579 --> 00:37:06.820 If I could help you, pray with you, 00:37:07.059 --> 00:37:08.199 I'll be here at the front and we'd be 00:37:08.199 --> 00:37:08.920 happy to do that.