Money

Topical Discussion Group  —  “Money”

Stoughton Apostolic Church

Feb. 18, 2025

Money

There is an undeniable link between money and our faith and worship.

Matthew 6:21 (AKJV) — for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Money reveals our heart like nothing else does. Our attitudes and approaches to it can affect how we see and engage our lives and worship.

11 of Jesus 39 Parables speak of money or money related issues, and 1 in every seven verses that includes Jesus words are money related. NOTE: Money is not the main point of many of these teachings, it is often used to make a greater point, but the fact that money affects us, our hearts’ priorities, and our worship made this a central feature of Jesus’ teachings.

1 Timothy 6:10 (AKJV) — For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

It is not money itself that is the problem, but the love of money.

Matthew 6:24 (AKJV) — 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon…

Money will and can master us, not just because we love it from a greedy perspective, but it can be an idol we worship in our poverty and fear of lack.

Matthew 6:24, 31-33 (AKJV) — Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Using our Money

Luke 16:9-14 (AKJV) —  I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.

Jesus taught about using our money for the purpose of investing in eternal relationships (Luke 16:9).

Jesus also speaks about how our relationship to money will determine his evaluation of our trustworthiness with the “true riches.” (Luke 16:11) This is because our hearts are revealed. This is not having to do with our money management skills or knowledge, nor with our financial situation, but our heart towards it.

God the Giver

1. He gives life (1 Tim. 6:13 )

2. He gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17)

3. He gives wisdom (James 1:5, Eccl. 2:26, Prof. 2:6)

4. He gives rain (Jer. 5:24, Zech. 10:1)

5. He gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:7, Deut. 8:18, Ps. 115:14)

6. He gives us the victory (1 Cor. 15:57)

7. He gives rest from your enemies (Deut. 12:10)

8. He gives the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 4:8 )

9. He gives strength (Ps. 68:35, 29:11)

10. He gives grace and glory (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Ps. 84:11, John 17:22)

11. He gives a heart to know Him( Jer. 24:7)

12. He gives freedom(and food) (Ps. 146:7)

13. He gives peace (Num. 6:26, Ps. 29:11, Hag. 2:9)

14. He gives you a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11)

15. He gives you the desires of your Heart (Ps. 37:4)

16. He gave His Son (John 3:16, Is. 7:14)

17. He Does not WITHHOLD (Ps. 84:11, Prov. 3:27-28)

Blessings of Generosity

Acts 20:35 (AKJV) — I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

It is more blessed to give than to receive!

Luke 6:38 (AKJV) — give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again

Proverbs 11:25 (NASB 1995) — The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered..

Galatians 6:7 (AKJV) — Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

1 Corinthians 9:6 (AKJV) — But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

There are benefits to giving that are related to our giving. We sow what we reap in a proportionate way.

God’s Promises to the Giver…

Genesis 26:12 (AKJV) — Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him.

The blessing of God gets added to our giving and we reap disproportionate results.

2 Corinthians 9:10 (AKJV) — Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Tithe in the Law (tithe means 10% and is not a generic name for “giving”)

No, after sifting through all the relevant Old Testament passages, it is evident that Israel had a God-given system of multiple tithes, which included at least the following: 1) the Levitical tithe, which was a yearly mandatory tithe required from the people of Israel and given to the Levites (Numbers 18:20-24); 2) the Priestly tithe (a sub-tithe of the Levitical tithe), which was a required tithe of the aforementioned Levitical tithe paid by the Levites to the (chief) priests (Numbers 18:25-28); 3) the Festival tithe (Numbers 18:31; Deuteronomy 12:6-7, 17-19; 14:22-27; 26:10-16), which was a yearly mandatory tithe required of the people of Israel and brought to Jerusalem to be partaken by the people in celebration; and 4) the Charity tithe (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-13), which was a mandatory third-year tithe required of the people of Israel, not only for the Levites but also the poor, that is, those who were widows, fatherless and foreigners.

Therefore, it becomes apparent that tithing for God’s people under the Law of Moses was not simple (a singular tithe) but complex (numerous types of tithes), in connection with a God-given calendar of events. Israel’s seven year cyclical calendar included the following: Levitical and Festival tithes were paid annually for 6 yrs.; the Charity tithe was paid every 3rd yr. (the 3rd and 6th yr.); then the 7th year was a sabbatical year.

Multiple Tithes…

Levitical Tithe: Required from the people for the Levities who had no job or inheritance of land.

* Priestly Tithe:  Paid from the tithe of the people to the Priests (a tithe of the tithe)

Festival Tithe: Yearly and mandatory. Take tithe or change it to money and bring to Jerusalem and eat it, celebrate it in the feasts with God’s people and his leaders.

Charity or Poor Tithe: Paid every third year to look after the poor.

The tithe was commanded as part of the law for the administration of the Temple, the Law, and the leaders of Israel. It was holy to the Lord and considered as giving to him.

Leviticus 27:30 (AKJV) — And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.

It was approximately 20%-30% when added together.

Freewill Offerings - These are over and above the tithe and were given by the free will or impulse of the giver, and not because the Lord through his law has compelled them and commanded it of them.

Exodus 35:21-22 (AKJV) — And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. 22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.

Leviticus 7:16 (AKJV) — But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:

Law vs Grace…

Hebrews 8:13 (NASB 1995) —  When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.

We are not under the law nor required to give under the Old Testament paradigm.

However… the tithe as a faith expression is something that predates the law.

Tithing as a principle or expression of faith

Genesis 14:18-20 (AKJV) — And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Hebrews 7:1-4,17  (AKJV) —  For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils…  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Melchisedec is king of righteousness and peace, without descent. This is the priesthood that Jesus occupies, not the Levitical one.

Abraham gave this person, as an act of faith and gratitude for God’s blessing and victory, a tenth of his spoils.

Galatians 3:7 (AKJV) — Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

John 8:39 (AKJV) — They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

Abraham had faith. The basis of our salvation by grace through faith was established in Abraham’s example of being justified by his faith. Deeply connected to his faith in God’s grace and promise, was the giving of a tithe.

Faith in God’s covenant blessing, by grace through faith, has a tangible expression. God has promised us many blessings that are ours through the grace of God making promises available for us in Christ. Giving in faith is one way that we express our faith and gratitude for what we have by faith.

We cannot buy the blessing, but faith is tangible and expressed in real ways. The promises of God include tangible blessings that can’t be bought, but our faith in His grace based covenant is expressed in tangible ways.

Tithing in the new covenant is not a legal command but a faith response when we understand the covenant we have, one that  like Abraham, was given by grace through faith in the Seed of Abraham, Jesus!

Giving and the Church (some examples)

1. Tithes went to the storehouse. Personal generosity was something else ( Mal. 3:10)

2. Giving was directed towards supporting those that laboured in the word. (Gal. 6:6 and 1 Tim. 5:17-18)

3. Money was brought to be used by the church leaders (Acts. 4:31- 35)

4. Church money was used to care for qualified congregants ( 1 Tim. 5:9-14)

5. Church took up offerings for saints in distress ( 2 Cor. 8-9)

Personal Generosity:

1. Your family is your own responsibility. Bible says if you fail to provide for your own family you are worse than an unbeliever and have denied the faith ( 1 Tim. 5:8)

2. We are called to be generous and ready to share (1 Tim. 6:18 , Heb. 13:16)

3. Being personally generous leads to personal increase (Prov. 11:24)

4. There is giving that is between you and the Lord, seen in secret.  (Matthew 6:4)

How to… (practicals)

1. Grow in the grace

2 Corinthians 8:7 (AKJV) — Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

We can abound, or grow in the grace of giving. We all should be growing in this grace. If it is something we have not engaged in, there is no condemnation, nor does your salvation rest on it, but you can grow in this grace as you grow in your faith in his promises and new covenant.  Start where you are but grow! 1% to 2% etc…

2. Purpose in your heart

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (AKJV) — Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

3. Eat your bread and Sow your seed

2 Corinthians 9:10 (NASB 1995) — Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;

God gives us things to consume for ourselves, but also a portion to be generous with.

1 Corinthians 16:2 (NASB) — On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

Everyone should establish a regular pattern for giving that is proportionate to what you get, proportionate to your faith, and that considers your situation.  You cannot give for someone else, nor make someone give what they do not want to. You should feel no shame over that, nor alienated from the new covenant promises.

Giving and the Church (some examples)

• Tithes went to the storehouse. Personal generosity was something else ( Mal. 3:10)

• Giving was directed towards supporting those that laboured in the word. (Gal. 6:6 and 1 Tim5:17-18)

• Money was brought to be used by the church leaders (Acts. 4:31- 35)

• Church money was used to care for qualified congregants ( 1 Tim. 5:9-14)

• Church took up offerings for saints in distress ( 2 Cor. 8-9)

Personal Generosity:

Your family is your own responsibility. Bible says if you fail to provide for your own family you are worse than an unbeliever and have denied the faith ( 1 Tim. 5:8)

We are called to be generous and ready to share (1 Tim. 6:18 , Heb. 13:16)

Being personally generous leads to personal increase (Prov. 11:24)

There is giving that is between you and the Lord, seen in secret.  (Matthew 6:4)

Giving to the church is important, but it is not the only expressions of generosity we are to have. We cannot outsource to the institution our love and care for our family, neighbours, or the poor around us. The church money is not for our charitable wish list or personal projects, but for the Word of God and investing in eternal relationships ( Luke 16:9-14)

Not all giving is meant to be receipted, but all giving is seen and counted (Luke 21:1-4)

Discussion Questions:

1. Why can money be hard to talk about in churches?

2. What is the relationship between money and worship? How does it reveal what we truly value?

3. How can we use our money for eternal things?

4. What are some promises God gives to givers? Have you ever had the Lord bless you in response to your giving?

5. What is the tithe? How is it different in the new covenant than it was in the law?

6. What are some of the reasons we should be generous and give?

7. What is the difference between personal generosity and giving “to the church?”

8. How would you grow in or excel at the grace of giving?

9. What are some obstacles we need to overcome as we seek to grow in this grace?