GIVING

By: Yemurai Nyoni

Definitions:
It is an act of obedience and faith in the principles of Gods word. Freely transfer the possession or control off to someone without cost or exchange. To part with for some cause ; sacrifice; to offer or yield; to put forward for acceptance or rejection. Capacity to bend or alter in shape under pressure.

Giving Attitudes:
Mathew 12v34: Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks Proverbs 23v7: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. The content of our heart determines the nature of our attitude and the substance off our actions.

Carnal Attitudes:

Bargaining with God (Sons of Sceva)

Attempted manipulation. Business transaction concept. Acting outside Gods covenant and expecting covenant returns.

Seek ye first all these things (disciples arguing about positions)

Selfishness. Corrupt kingdom concept centred on personal gratification.

Holding back from God. (Ananias and Sapphira)

Reasoning. Disobedience.

Godly Attitudes:
1.

2.
3. 4. 5.

In honour of God. In obedience to Gods requirement. Out of the dedication of the heart. In sacrifice, without expectation of return. As a spiritual investment, in divine exchange.

Attitude 1: He is the Beginning

In the beginning God created... Genesis 1v1. And God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion... Genesis 1v28. It is God who gives the power to get wealth - Deuteronomy 8v18.

Attitude 2: God Has Required It

Malachi 3v10: Bring the full tithe into the storehouse. Exodus 34v26: Bring the finest of the first-fruits into the house of your God. Deuteronomy 14v22: Make an offering of ten percent, a tithe, of all the produce which grows in your fields year after year. Proverbs 3v9: Honour the Lord with your wealth. Deuteronomy 15v14: As the Lord has blessed you, you shall give him. Deuteronomy 16v16 ; Exodus 23v15: Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Giving is not a lie or a curse but an opportunity to connect with God and honour him with our substance.

Attitude 3: Out of the Dedication of the Heart

2 Corinthians 9v7: Each one, as he purposes in his heart, let him give; not of grief, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. Mark 12v41-44: The widows offering. Acts 5v1-2,4,8-9: Ananias and Sapphira. 2Corinthians 8v12: According to what one has not what they dont have. Deuteronomy 16v17: Every man shall give as he is able. Exodus 35v5: Whoever is of a generous heart.

Attitude 4: In Sacrifice- Without Expectation of Return

Daniel 3v17-18: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednegos declaration. Acts 16v28: Paul and Silas in prison. John 19v17: Jesus crucifixion. Genesis 22v9-10: Abrahams sacrifice of Isaac. Mathew 6v1-4: Do it in secret.

Attitude 5: It is a Spiritual Investment

John 12v24: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Acts 2v41: The multiplication of the seed of Christs death. Luke 6v38: Give and it will be given unto you; good measure... Malachi 3v10: Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse..., and prove me now herewith..., if I will not open you the windows of heaven Acts 10v4;44-45: Cornelius household saved. 2 Corinthians 9v6: Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Luke 12v33-34: Lay up treasures in heaven.

The Exchange Process:

WHAT YOU CAN HAVE

WHAT YOU HAVE

THE CATALYSTS: (Trust; Faith; Love; Obedience)

Giving Redefined:
Define your giving attitudes from the roots of Godly giving. The end of a matter is better than its beginning.

Fight the temptation of rushing to the end before youve even started, else you bring an end to yourself.

Deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Christ.

What are you in it for? (position, possession, power, people).

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Object Lesson: The Rich Young Man

Mark 10v17-30: The rich young mans account.

Can you walk away from everything you have? Can you walk away from everything you dont have?

Jesus is asking you today; what is in your hand?: (Moses, Abraham, disciples with the 5000)

Your experience and history. The essence and substance of your being. Your current possessions and what you desire to possess.

Conclusion:
Jesus wants what is in your hand today as a seed which he will then multiply. (Ex 4v2; Mth 14v15-18) He wants to multiply the seed so that it bears fruit now and in the time to come. (Mk 10v29-31) He is saying Let it go!, Count the cost and let it go. (Lk 14v25-33) You have to lose your life (Mth 10v39) Slay your past, your reality and your potential and enter into covenant with God (Abraham)