Making Sense of Your Dollars

Thinking Biblically about Money

Tithing – Set apart God for honour

Abraham tithing to Melchizedek – Gen 14:20 Jacob promises a tithe – Gen 29:22 God claims possession of glory and honour

in Israel – Leviticus 27:30 Jesus receives honour at great cost –

Matthew 26:6 – 13 Either you will use money to worship God or

use God to worship money – Matthew 6:24

How can you honour God with Money?

See giving as worship (not as a tax strategy) Avoid consumerism and greed Embrace simplicity Support Christian ministry that honours God Imitate God’s generosity and kindness (even

spontaneously) Build and maintain buildings with a concern

to honour God and reflect His character

Co-operate with God’s Calling

God “gives his tithe away” to the Levites – Numbers 18:21 – 26

God’s call is grace not entitlement – Genesis 34:25, 49:5 & 7, Exodus 2:11 & 12, 32:1 – 6

Luke 8:1-3, 9:1-6, 10:1 -12 1 Corinthians 9:7 – 18, 2 Corinthians 11:7 -

11

How can you co-operate with God’s Calling with Money?

Give to support missionaries Give to support church staff Give to help those preparing for Christian

leadership Give to support church planters

Celebrate God’s Generosity

Party in Jerusalem – Deuteronomy 12:12, 14:24 – 27

Jesus’ example – Mark 2:13 – 17, Matthew 11:19

Jerusalem church – Acts 2:46 & 47

How can you Celebrate God’s Goodness with Money?

Invite people into your home for meals Embrace celebration as an important thing Receive your food with glad and generous

hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people

Chinese New Years, Helping Hands

Provide for the Poor

Deuteronomy 14:28 – 29 WHEN you give to the needy - Matthew 6:1-4 Sell & Give – Luke 12:32 – 34 A word for the rich – 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19

How Can You Provide for the Poor with Money?

Support ministries and agencies that help poor people

Respond generously when emergencies or disasters happen

Remember single moms, vulnerable children, and marginalized groups

Keep in mind that poverty is about more than money – don’t hold back your heart as you give your cash

Other Thoughts

Biblical Teaching about Money is about the big rocks - there is room for discretion about what you do after they’re in place

Remember that God, according to His grace, turns your gift into an investment (don’t be a fool!)

Don’t ask “how much” but rather “how much faith”

Churches are accountable too!