AM: “God’s Plan to Fund God’s Work is Through God’s People”

Text: I Corinthians 9:9-14

  1. God speaks of tithes & offerings in His Word – Deuteronomy 12:6,11; Neh 10-13; Malachi 3:8
    1. Tithes were given before God gave the law – Genesis 14:20; 28:22
    2. Offerings and freewill offerings were given to the LORD – Lev. 22:18-21; 23:38; Deut. 12:6,17; Psalms 119:108
    3. Jesus affirms giving tithes to the LORD – Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42
  2. God wants His people to support His servants – I Corinthians 9:9-14
    1. God has a plan to meet the needs of everything He created
    2. God’s plan works when we work God’s plan
    3. God has always met the needs of His servants through His people
  3. Missionaries are supported through God’s people giving – Philippians 4:15-20;
    1. This church supported Paul as a Missionary with offerings
    2. This church gave to Paul’s missionary work regularly
    3. This church was investing eternally in Paul’s mission work
    4. This church was used as an example for other churches to follow – II Corinthians 8:1-5
  4. Benevolent needs are met through God’s people giving – Acts 4:32 – 37; I Corinthians 16:1-4
    1. They willingly gave to help others with (genuine) needs
    2. They gave of what they possessed to help others with needs
    3. They gave through their church with the leaders of the church
  5. God uses clear language about His Will ingiving
    1. Withholding giving is robbing from God – Malachi 3:8-11
    2. Lying about giving is judged by God – Acts 5:1-5
    3. Obedient giving is blessed by God – Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:19