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Chapter 12: Finances (continued)

Connect…

The Church is living in the age of GRACE. Jesus Christ at his death fulfilled the demands of the LAW on
our behalf and ushered in a NEW COVENANT. The veil of the temple was ripped in two from top to
bottom and now we have direct access to the Father through our mediator, Jesus Christ. Our response
to this unmerited favor must be one of LOVE. We love Him because He first loved us and demonstrated
His love in His sacrificial death for us. And our love compels us to give. We give not out of obligation,
but from a heart overflowing with gratitude. With these thoughts in mind, if we are no longer under the
LAW of the TITHE, then how does God want us to give? Has He laid out any giving plan in the New
Testament? The answer is a resounding YES. Let’s see how believers are to give to God and others in
the age of GRACE….

Objectives…

1. The student should be able discuss the New Testament teaching on what we call GRACE GIVING as
the method promoted for the Church.

2. The student should be able investigate the foundations in Scripture for Grace Giving.

3. The student should be able to justify Grace giving based on a comparison of its requirements versus
the Law system.

The Lesson ...

So, what does the New Testament teach us about giving?

The New Testament teaches GRACE GIVING!

As Christ fulfilled the demands of the Old Testament Law, He rent the veil of the temple from top to
bottom. This was a symbol that His death fulfilled the demands of the
Law and He ushered in a new covenant of GRACE to all who believe.

Grace is not a hang-loose, undisciplined sort of living. Nor is grace the
balance point between legalism and licentiousness. Further grace as a
system is totally opposed to legalism and licentiousness, which are two
sides of the same coin.

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