Download the Sermon Notes here:SOTM Pt 29 – Righteous Giving
In today’s sermon, we explored the profound implications of giving as an expression of our righteousness and relationship with God. We delved into the scriptural understanding that our acts of charity, our giving, should not be a performance for the accolades of others, but rather a private, intimate act of worship between us and the Father. We examined the idea that giving is not merely a financial transaction but a holistic offering of our time, talents, and treasure, stemming from a heart transformed by God’s grace.
We began by addressing the common misconception that giving is an optional part of our Christian walk. On the contrary, the grace we have received through Christ compels us to live as generous givers. This is not a matter of if we give, but how we give. We considered the startling statistics that show a significant gap between the potential for Christian giving and the actual practice of it, highlighting a disconnect between our faith and our financial stewardship.
We then turned our attention to the teachings of Jesus, who spoke extensively about money and possessions. We learned that our approach to money can reveal the true state of our faith. Jesus warned against the desire to be seen and praised for our acts of righteousness, which includes our giving. Instead, He called us to give in secret, to foster an intimate relationship with God where our giving flows from a place of deep connection and not from a desire for human recognition.
We discussed the concept of righteousness in the context of giving, emphasizing that it is not about legal or moral righteousness, but social righteousness—how we represent Christ to the world through our actions. We were reminded that our pursuit of righteousness should be as desperate as our need for food and water, and that giving is an integral part of that pursuit.
In conclusion, we were encouraged to live open-handedly, recognizing that everything we have is from God and for God. We were challenged to give not out of obligation or for the praise of others, but out of a heart that is intimately connected with God’s heart, reflecting His generosity in every aspect of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
– True giving is an act of worship that is meant to be done in secret, not as a public display for the praise of others. When we give, it should be a reflection of our intimate relationship with God, where our generosity is a natural outflow of our love for Him and His people. This kind of giving pleases the Father and aligns our hearts with His purposes. [49:33]
– The grace of God compels us to be givers, not as an optional part of our Christian life, but as a fundamental expression of our faith. Our giving should be a response to the grace we have received, a tangible way to demonstrate our gratitude and commitment to God’s kingdom. [44:33]
– Our approach to money and possessions is a direct indicator of our spiritual health. Jesus taught extensively on this subject because how we handle our resources reflects our priorities and the condition of our hearts. We must allow God’s presence to transform our attitudes towards money, leading us to give generously and joyfully. [46:17]
– Social righteousness, as opposed to legal or moral righteousness, is the aspect of our faith that involves our interactions with others, including our giving. It is through our acts of charity and service that we embody the righteousness of Christ and make a tangible impact on the world around us. [37:23]
– Living open-handedly is a posture of trust and obedience. When we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, we are free to give generously, knowing that God will provide for all our needs. This open-handedness is not limited to finances but extends to our time and talents as well. [57:49]
**Bible Reading:**
1. Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV) “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
2. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (NKJV) 11 ” For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’”
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV) “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
**Observation Questions:**
1. In Matthew 6:1-4, what is the contrast between the hypocrites’ way of giving and the way Jesus instructs us to give? 2. What does the passage from Matthew 6:1-4 suggest about the relationship between our acts of giving and our desire for recognition? 3. How does Deuteronomy 15:7-11 expand our understanding of giving beyond financial means? 4. Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, what does it mean to give “as he has decided in his heart”?
**Interpretation Questions:**
1. Considering Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:1-4, what might be the deeper spiritual implications of giving in secret as opposed to giving for public acknowledgment? 2. How does the instruction to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing inform our understanding of the attitude we should have towards giving? 3. In light of Deuteronomy 15:7-11, how does open-handed giving reflect our trust in God’s provision? 4. What does it mean to be a “cheerful giver” as described in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, and how does this relate to the condition of our hearts?
**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a recent act of giving. Was it done with the intention of being seen by others, or was it an intimate act between you and God? How can you ensure future acts of giving align with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:1-4? 2. Identify a need within your community. What is one way you can meet that need this week without seeking any form of recognition? 3. Consider your current attitude towards giving. What is one step you can take to cultivate a more cheerful and generous heart? 4. Think about your resources, including time and talents. Choose one resource you feel called to offer more freely and plan a specific way to do so in the coming week. 5. What is one daily activity you can replace with time spent in prayer or Bible study to prioritize God’s kingdom in your routine, thereby living more open-handedly as described in Deuteronomy 15:7-11?