I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You can’t out-give God.” It sounds good, but is it biblical? Even though the phrase isn’t found in the Bible, it’s giving us an excuse to talk about the amazing, life-changing generosity of God. We’ll do that today on Faith and Finance.
Embracing a generous spirit is part of our faith journey and a way to trust and participate in God's kingdom.
SHOULD FEAR OF LACK STOP US FROM GIVING?
What about financial security when giving?
Trusting in God’s provision is crucial when fear of not having enough arises.
Generosity is a tangible way to show trust in God and engage in His work.
IS OUR GIVING A COMPETITION WITH GOD?
Giving is not a competition or a means to earn God's favor.
We already have God’s favor through grace; our call is to extend grace to others (Ephesians 4:32).
Generosity should stem from a desire for heavenly reward, not material gain or favor.
HOW SHOULD WE VIEW OUR GIVING AND POSSESSIONS?
King David is an example of having a right attitude toward giving.
Everything we have is from God, and our generosity is a response to His provision (1 Chronicles 29:14).
Generosity leads to a closer relationship with God and aligns our hearts with His.
IN CONCLUSION:
Of course, we can’t out-give God. But we can be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. As you mature in your faith, growing inthe grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as it says in 2 Peter 3:8…the Holy Spirit is making changes in your heart. You will want to respond to God’s grace by being generous in turn. Best of all, when we serve and give generously, we experience a closer walk with the Giver Himself.
SCRIPTURES MENTIONED:
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
1 Chronicles 29:14: "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."
2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions:
I've been reading Leviticus and noticed that if we redeem back a part of the tithe, we are supposed to add a fifth to it. If I haven’t paid tithes for a long time, do I need to pay it all back?
As a widow with three adult children, where two are doing well financially and one is not, I am concerned about how to fairly divide my estate, taking into consideration the financial help given to the one child over the years. What is your advice?
I'm a 56-year-old retired teacher with no debt, drawing a pension, and working part-time; I have $28,600 in a 403(b) in a fixed account and am uncertain about moving it to the stock market. What should I do?
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
