Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

How Much Should I Give?
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. During His earthly ministry, Jesus challenged His disciples to give...
a. As recorded by Luke - Lk 6:38; cf. 12:13-34
b As stated by Paul - Ac 20:33-35
2. In his epistles, Paul commanded Christians to give...
a. To lay by in store weekly, for the needs of the saints - 1 Co 16:1-2
b. To work, so that we might give to those in need - Ep 4:28
c. To be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share - 1 Ti 6:17-19
d. To do good and share - He 13:16
3. A question that often comes up is “How Much Should I Give?”...
a. The Law of Moses was very explicit (tithing commanded of Israel)
b. The New Covenant is not as explicit (there is no command for Christians to tithe)
[Yet Christians are not left without assistance regarding giving. Consider first that we have...]
I. EXAMPLES TO INSPIRE US
A. FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT...
1. Abraham gave a tithe (ten percent) to Melchizedek - Gen 14:20
2. Jacob promised to give a tenth to God on his safe return - Gen 28:20-22
3. Israel’s freewill offerings for the tabernacle - Exo 35:4-5,21,29; 36:5-7
4. David and Israel’s freewill offerings for the temple - 1 Chr 29:3,9-15
5. Israel’s tithing to God
a. One tenth to the Levites (who in turn gave a tenth to the priests) - Num 18:21-28
b. One tenth for the festive celebration - Deu 12:5-18
c. One tenth every third year for the poor - Deu 14:28-29
6. Israel’s guidelines for the land
a. Leave that which grows of itself in the seventh year to the poor - Exo 23:10-11
b. Allow people to satisfy their hunger - Deu 23:24-25; cf. Lk 6:1
c. Leave the corners and gleanings for the poor - Lev 19:9-10; Deu 24:19-22
7. The Lord’s release: debt release for the poor every seventh year - Deu 15:1-4
-- The Old Testament provided Israel with a rich history of giving, though some did
not give as they should - cf. Mal 3:8-10
B. FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT...
1. Zacchaeus, who gave half to the poor - Lk 19:8
2. The widow and her two mites - Lk 21:1-4
3. The meticulous tithing of the Pharisees - cf. Mt 23:23
4. The Christians in Jerusalem - Ac 2:44-45; 4:34-35
5. Barnabas, who sold land - Ac 4:36-37
6. The disciples in Antioch - Ac 11:27-30
7. The churches in Macedonia and Achaia - Ro 15:25-26; 2 Co 8:1-5
8. The brethren in Philippi, who helped Paul once and again - Ph 1:3-5; 4:14-18
Topical Sermons 189