Lesson Two

(Part 2)

1. Lesson 2 began a discussion of "God's Perfect Pattern Of Giving."

2. Briefly review the four major points of that lesson before studying Part 2 of this important study.

"Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his own heart." (2 Cor. 9:7).

1. Scriptural giving is not haphazard, but planned giving.

2. Paul was commanding us to purpose in our hearts before we give.

• Does this mean we should reach in our pockets on Sunday and give whatever we happen to have?

• Is a large contribution always a fulfillment of God's teaching on purpose and liberal giving?

• Should families reflect on their blessings and plan their giving?

3. There are two ways purposing can be done - certain amount or certain percentage.

• Does scriptural giving mean the same amount is to be given by every one?

• Does scriptural giving mean all are to give the same amount?

4. Discuss which of these things should be involved in purposing.

• Blessings

• Sacrifice - Does God approve?

• Need of God's work - What about giving for giving sake?

• What is left over

• The purity of our motives

• God's Divine motives

• What others think or how much recognition we receive.

1. When a person says, "There is no way for me to know how much I have been prospered!" Do we not question God's wisdom in making such a statement?

2. To give as we have been prospered means: (Place X by correct answer or answers)

___ To give out of all income received, salary bonus, dividends, sale of property, inheritance, etc.

___To give out of what we have left over at the end of the week.

___To give only out of "take home" pay.

___To consider only one income in family.

3. Does this mean each person should give l0%?

• Is l0% the limits of our responsibility in giving regardless of what we make? Can some give 15% or 25% or even more?

• Is l0% a sacrifice for all?

• Is l0% beyond the ability of some?

• If everyone is to give the same percentage, does purposing become automatic rather than a reflection and a gift based on one's blessings and gratitude?

• Assuming income is equal, should a man with 5 children give the same amount as a man with 2 children or even no children?

4. What about purposing to give in advance?

• Is it scriptural? (2 Cor. 9:7; 8:10,11).

• Paul described their plan as the gift, which they had promised. (2 Cor. 9:5, RSV, NASB).

• As saints plan ahead for the purchase of things needed, they should also plan ahead concerning their giving to the Lord.

5. What about purpose cards?

• What is their value to us the giver?

• What is their value to the leadership?

• Though we do not know for sure we will have a job next week, do we sometimes purpose to buy homes, automobiles, furniture, boats, and hundreds of other items.

• Are church purpose cards a legally binding document?

• Do most leaderships recognize that what we purpose is our intent and the amount we purpose may be increased or decreased according to the way we have been prospered?

• What is the meaning of not letting "your right hand" know what "your left hand" is doing? (Matt. 6:3,4).

• Literally, is this possible?

• What was Jesus condemning in the context? (Matt. 6:1-4, 5-18).

• By purposing did the early Christians violate the words of Jesus? (2 Cor. 8:10,11.)

1. There are 3 ways we are not to give.

• Not grudgingly (2 Cor. 9:7).

• Not of necessity (2 Cor. 9:7).

• Not of extortion (2 Cor. 9:5, KJV). Moffit translates, "not as money wrung out of you."

2. There are 5 ways we are to give.

• We are to give cheerfully. (2 Cor. 9:7).

• We are to give liberally. (2 Cor. 9:6).

• We are to give willingly or voluntarily. (2 Cor. 9:7).

• The gift without the giver is bare.

• If one gives under compulsion, he misses whatever blessing God has in store for him.

• We are to give purposely. (2 Cor. 9:7).

• We are to give sacrificially. (2 Cor. 8:1-5; Mk. 12:41-45.

1. God promises to bless those who give according to His will. (Mal. 3:8-l0; 2 Cor. 9:6).

2. God will take care of us if we put Him first. (Psa. 37:25; Matt. 6:33; Phil. 4:19).

1. Truly God's pattern for giving is perfect. Man does not have the ability or the right to try to improve on it.

2. As stewards of God, let us be faithful in our stewardship and abound in the grace of giving! (2 Cor. 4:2).

3. Let us first give ourselves to the Lord and then the giving of our money will be the natural response of our love and commitment. (2 Cor. 8:5).

4. The secret of generous giving and wholehearted service is first totally giving ourselves to the God who made us and who saves us through Jesus.