Lesson TEN
Giving
What Are The Proper Attitudes I Should Develop toward Physical Possessions?
| A. | First and foremost, be content with what you have. Understand - - to be content is not to grudgingly resign yourself to accept your state, but to rest satisfied in god's provision, realizing whatever you have been given is a blessing. | ||
| 1. | We are to be content with our possessions (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:8). | ||
| 2. | We are to be content in whatever state we find ourselves, resting in the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:11: Note that Paul wrote these words while in jail!). | ||
| B. | Realize that there are many things which are far more important than money, which money cannot buy. | ||
| 1. | Wisdom (Proverbs 16:16) | ||
| 2. | A righteous life (Proverbs 16:8; 28:6; Psalms 37:16) | ||
| 3. | A good night's sleep (Ecclesiastes 5:12) | ||
| 4. | God's Word (Psalms 119:14, 72,127) | ||
| 5. | good health (Luke 8:43-48) | ||
| 6. | Quietness and peace (Ecclesiastes 4:6; Proverbs 15:16; 17:1) | ||
| C. | If and when God blesses you physically, don't forget Hem (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; Proverbs 30:7-9; Revelation 3:17). | ||
| D. | realize that if God takes all your wealth away, it should not affect your relationship with Him (Job1:20-22). | ||
| E. | Don't be envious of someone else's wealth (Psalms 49:16-17; Exodus 20:17). | ||
| F. | Stay away for "get rich quick" Schemes (Proverbs 20:21; 28:20, 22). | ||
| G. | Finally, realize that our culture, through the media and advertising, has a tremendously negative materialistic influence on you. Guard yourself. Make sure your major desires are spiritual instead of physical. |
You Must Strike a Proper Balance in Your Attitude Toward Money and Possessions
| A. | Proverbs 11:1 says, "A false balance is abomination to the LORD ... " | ||
| 1. | The same Bible that says not to worry about your physical provisions in Matthew 6:25-34 also says that if a man doesn't provide for his family he is worse than an infidel (1 Timothy 5:8). | ||
| 2. | The same bible that says "...the love of money is the root of all evil ..." (1 Timothy 5:18). | ||
| B. | These are not contradictory statements, but principles of balance to show you haw to handle physical possessions. |
Key Memory Verses
| "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). | |||
| "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). | |||
| Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). | |||
| "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19) | |||
Additional Thoughts
Some common attitudes about giving are:
| 1. | Tithing is only for those who can afford to. | ||
| 2. | Financial giving is the only giving that matters. | ||
| 3. | Money is the root of all evil. | ||
| 4. | Missions and other giving can come out of the tithe. |
From the Bible principles taught in the lesson, you should understand that these teachings are false, and why.