Page 91 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

God’s name is Jehovah-Jireh which means “God is our provider.”

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

When God delays and tests our faith, remember this verse so that God can develop in you godly
character:

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

It is an ironic fact that many rich people express discontent, while many poor people claim to be
content. Why is this? Christian financial advisor Ron Blue explains, "Having the cash to buy or do
whatever you please does not guarantee contentment... [Nor do] wise investments, meticulous budgets,
or debt-free living. All these things are valuable... [but] the one ingredient that makes true freedom
possible is generosity." The content person is one who can be separated from her possessions without
being undone. Consequently, she does not have to live in fear of loss. And the only way to cultivate this
attitude is to be separated from your possessions voluntarily, i.e., to give them away.

The Bible says, "He who gives to the poor will lack nothing" (Proverbs 28:27). The person who always
wants more is never happy with what she has, but the generous person's happiness is not tied to the
amount of money in their wallet. That's contentment.

11.4 Let’s Practice…

1. List and describe the four areas on which the early church spent the majority of its
resources?

2. The word, tithe, means what?

3. What forms of income in the Old Testament were required to be tithed?

4. How were these tithes paid?

5-7. List the three kinds of tithes that were imposed on the people under the Mosaic Law.

8. What was the total percentage that the Mosaic Law of Tithing required of a farmer?

9. Some pastors argue that since Abraham and Jacob gave tithes before the Law was given, then it
justifies demanding that their church model the practice. How is this an illegitimate argument?

10. How many times did Paul command the churches to give based on the Mosaic Law of the Tithe?

11. The greatest problem with the tithe today is that gives the membership a false idea about money.
What is that false idea?

12. What kind of managers is Christ looking for among His disciples?

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