The Shepherd's Staff Page 1 of 4

The Shepherds Staff
Chapter 15
Page 1 of 4
Jesus said "Give to other people, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands--more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to other people is the way God will give to you." (Luke 6:38) Generosity is a key principle in our walk with Christ. The early church sold everything they had so that to eliminate the poor and the needy among them. Paul in his 1st letter to the Corinthians also encourages to give so that there is equality in the church.
This is not always easy. John Wesley said Every one, though born of God in an instant, yet undoubtedly grows by slow degrees, so very true. Though humans know how to be generous, I turn to the word of God to grow into the level of generosity expected from us by God. Attached is this week's study - on Generosity.
John Kodiyil - [email protected] - +91 90481 24673 - Private circulation only.
The Shepherds Staff
Chapter 15
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Generosity
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of this hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge" (Ps 19:1,2). Read also verses 3,4. From this psalm, we learn that God's creation (the heavens and the earth)
declare the glory of God, proclaim the work of His hands; pour forth speech, and display knowledge.
We can learn from God's Creation if we examine it carefully. Just as there are physical laws which bring order out of the chaos in the universe, God has also put into motion spiritual laws which govern life. One of these is the Law of Generosity. this teaches us that "whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Cor 9:6).
A. PARTNERSHIP
As partners with God (1 Cor 3:9; 2 Cor 5:20; 6:10), it is important for us to understand where responsibilities lie:
1. Ownership Is With God
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it; the world, and all who live in it" (Ps 24:1). See also Psalm 89:11; Job 41:11; 1 Chronicles 29:10-14. We are not owners, but stewards. All ownership is with God. Every single created thing, living or not, ultimately belongs to Him - including everything material or immaterial that we may personally have in this life: possessions, careers, families. He has given us all these things for us to enjoy (1 Tim 6:17); and when we realize that they still belong to God, we can rest in the assurance that God also has ultimate responsibility for them.
2. Stewardship Is With Us
We are not owners, but stewards. A steward manages and takes care of that which belong to someone else. God owns everything; but as stewards, we manage and take care of it for Him. We have an obligation to be faithful in this stewardship. The Lord holds us accountable for the special responsibility of managing and taking care of the things He has given us (read Matthew 25:14-30). When we understand this Owner-steward relationship that we enjoy with Gods property, then it becomes easy to give. Before God, stewardship covers every single thing that belongs to us: a. Our Life (Acts 17:25; 1Cor 6:19; Gal 2:20; Job 33:4). b. Our Time (Ps 90:12; Eph 5:15,16; Col 4:5).
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Chapter 15
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c. Our Talents And Abilities (1 Pet 4:10; 1Cor 12:4-7, 11). d. Our Possessions (Matt 6:19-21; Col 3:1,2). e. Our Finances (1Tim 6:6-10, 17-19; Matt 6:24). f. The Message Of the Gospel (1Cor 4:1; 9:16,17; 1Tim 6:20). Even so, many Christians still struggle to give, no matter how much they may want to. But the action that releases a believer into the full blessings of good stewardship is SURRENDER - the unreserved submission of one's entire life, possessions and plans to God's will and purpose. It is only when we give OURSELVES that we learn what it means to give some of the possessions (or money) God has given us.
B. GIVING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need... No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had" (Acts 2:33,45 and 4:32). This basic attitude of the early Christians laid the foundation for every expression of giving that was to come later. As the number of Christians multiplied, different methods of giving appeared. But all their giving expressed their understanding of STEWARDSHIP - that everything ultimately belongs to God.
1. The Church Supported The Needy
In the early Church, special men were chosen to serve as "deacons" - helpers in the distribution of offerings and gifts for the widows and needy (see Acts 6:1-3). these men made it their ministry to channel all the giving to where there was practical need.
2. Churches Gave Sacricially To One Another
When the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were in famine, the poor, suffering Gentitle church helped them. "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. for I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability" (2 Cor 8:2,3). See also verses 1,4.
3. The Church Supported Traveling Ministries
The Apostle Paul traveled from place to place establishing new churches. On some occasions he worked with his hands to provide his own support (Acts 18:3; 2Ths 3:7-9) On other occasions the Philippian church showed the true spirit of giving which God commends, by supporting traveling such as Paul. "I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received.. the gifts you sent. They ara a fragrant offering an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God" (Phil 4:18). Read also verses 15-17.
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4. Christians Worked To Be Able To Give
"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need" (Eph 4:28).
5. Giving Was The Proof Of Their Love
"At this time, your plenty will supply what they need... Therefore show [by giving]... the proof of your love..." (2Cor 8:14, 24). (See also verses 7-15; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 1 John 3:17,18).
C. GOD'S PRINCIPLES OF GIVING

In 1 Corinthians 10:11, we are told to learn from Israel's example. We are to apply the principles given them by God. At the same time we are to avoid the mistakes Israel (and the leaders) made in the wilderness. In the area of giving, we find some excellent guidelines that can help us in our giving:
1. God Expects Us To Begin With A Percentage
"Bring the whole tithe [10% or one tenth] into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty. 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it''' (Mal 3:10).
2. We Are To Give Systematically And Regularly
"Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the Lord, and this was done. Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts.." (2Chr 31:11,12).
3. We Are To Give The First And Best To The Lord
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine" (Prov 3:9,10).
MY COMMITMENT
I realize, through this study, the importance of having a generous heart and attitude towards others. Today I commit myself to begin a life of giving by starting to tithe (give a tenth of my income to the Lord's work). I will also encourage and teach others to do the same. "But you are a chosen people ... a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Pet 2:9).

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The Shepherds Staff

John Kodiyil - [email protected] - +91 90481 24673 - Private circulation only.