Bible Text: John 13:33-14:11 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: John, Money, the Bible…and Me

1.  The “how much” of giving: If the tithe is not for today-how much is enough when it comes to giving?  Seven principles to guide us:

– It should cost to give, that is, we should not just give out of our surplus, that which we will never miss.  2 Samuel 24:18-25; Proverbs 3:9,10

-Sacrificial giving follows the example of our Savior.  2 Corinthians 8:9

-Giving is a response to our spiritual riches.  2 Corinthians 8:9

-Giving is an investment with God.  2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10

-Giving should be purposeful, a matter of prayer and the direction of the Holy Spirit, not a matter of compulsion, not forced, or under pressure.  2 Corinthians 9:7a

-Giving is not a matter of how I have but of my priorities for what I have.  The Macedonians gave out of their extreme poverty.  God credits the heart.  2 Corinthians 8:1-5,12

-Giving should be proportionate: as income goes up, giving should go up.  1 Corinthians 16:2

2.  The attitude of giving:  cheerfully, not reluctantly  2 Corinthians 9:7

3.  The cautions of giving:  Churches must be above board in the handling of money, being careful in its administration; individual Christian’s priority should be to meet the needs of their local church (the place where their spiritual needs are being attended to) and giving should be without strings attached.  2 Corinthians 8:20,21; 1 Corinthians 16:3.4

4.  The rewards of giving: needs are met, 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; God is praised, 2 Corinthians 9:11-15; and believers garner rewards at the Bema seat of Christ, Philippians 4:15-19