Page 95 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

2. The concept of stewardship. “You are not your own, for you have been
bought with a price…” I Cor. 6: 19-20. All that we are and have belongs to God,
not just a tenth. I am merely the manager of His resources. As a good manager, I
use the Owner’s resources to further His work.

3. Inner motivation, not outward compulsion.

II Cor. 9: 3-5; II Cor. 9:7 8:3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and
beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, 4 begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and
fellowship of helping the saints. 5 And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves
first to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 9:7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in
his heart.

Motive and attitude are crucial. It is better to give a small amount based on a loving
response to God’s grace than it is to give a large amount based on outward pressure
or pride. The Macedonian believers demonstrated how to give: They had an
abundance of joy (2 Cor. 8:2); they gave of their own accord (8:3); they begged with
much entreaty for the favor (8:4); first they gave themselves to the Lord (8:5); they
had both the readiness and desire (8:10-12, 9:2); they gave cheerfully and not
grudgingly or under compulsion (9:7).

We should ask ourselves not how much I must give, but how much can I possibly give? We should look
at the needs of others and look for ways to meet those needs.

4. We are being led by the Holy Spirit of God, not under the old dispensation of
the Law.

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
These passages talk about the Holy Spirit leading the believer into righteous, godly living. Such
leadership involves sharing financial resources (Gal. 6:6, 10)

It is easier to follow a set of rules. Give 10% and now you can feel good about yourself! But God wants
us to be led by the Holy Spirit in making all our decisions, including giving. The Holy Spirit may ask you
to give 35% of what He gives you. I am not living by rules, but within a relationship with the living God!

5. Giving based on how much God has prospered you! So, if God has given you a bunch, give a bunch.
Give according to your ability to give, and on occasion, God may ask you to give
beyond your ability. Sometimes God asks us to give sacrificially. But the general
principle is, give as God has prospered you.

When God entrusts you with more money, instead of spending it on more things for
yourself (which will rust and be eaten by moths or stolen by thieves), ask yourself,
“Lord, how do you want this money used to expand your Kingdom?” As God gives

94