There is a joy in giving to God’s work. It is part of the teachings of God’s Word. Jesus mentions more about stewardship and giving than any other subject. You can invest your time, talent or your treasure. It is the treasure bit that some people don’t like.

1 – God’s principle

See 2 Corinthians 9:6. There is a simple principle of sowing and reaping. This is New Testament giving. It is simply based on grace. If you sow a little then you reap a little. If you sow a lot then you reap a lot. If you reap corn then you get corn back. You reap more than you sow and you reap back later what you sow God can bless you in a number ways. He knows better than you where you need to be blessed.

• If you reap corn then you get corn back.
• You reap more than you sow.
• You reap back later what you sow.

God can bless you in a number ways. He knows better than you where you need to be blessed. Do you ask God for a blessing before you give to Him? This is not the way God works. See Isaiah 55:8. God does not think like us and His ways are not our ways. God’s ways are the ways that count and not my ways. We need to sow first.

This is the best investment plan out there. If you invest in the stock market there is no guarantee of return on your investment. It only takes one tragedy to blow it all away. You can’t count on this type of investment plan. We don’t know what tomorrow holds. God has an investment plan. The more you put into it the more you get out of it. It is guaranteed!

Are the gifts that you given in proportion to blessings that He is given to you? It is ludicrous to try and cheat God. We need the blessing of God. We reap what we sow. It is not a matter of law. It is a matter of grace. God is interested in attitude of the giver not the amount. You need to sow if you want God to reap.

2 – God’s procedure (vs. 7)

See 2 Corinthians 9:7. There are four procedures to giving.

• Give thoughtfully. We are to think beforehand. We are to not give on impulse. Don’t go to Church and tip Him. We are to give according to our heart. To do this we need to have given it some thought. Giving is an individual manner. If it not in your heart to give then don’t give! You need to get your heart right. You plan out your bills so don’t just throw something at God
• Give enthusiastically. We are to not give grudgedly. Don’t give if you are sorry about it. If you makes it made then keep your money. God does not want it! God knows what He has blessed you with. It is up to you to look in your heart. You know your circumstances. Other people cannot judge. If you are not enthusiastic then do not give! You need to look at your motivation and not give out of guilt. Unless this guilt comes from the Holy Spirit!
• Give voluntarily. Don’t give out of pressure. The church should not pressure people into giving. The people who want to give will give. Some people might want to arrive late to miss an early offering. It doesn’t matter. Those who want to give will find a way to give. We shouldn’t push people into giving. It has to come from the heart.
• Give cheerfully. God loves a cheerful giver. God loves a “hilarious” giver! It is to be a happy time, not a sombre one! If you don’t like preaching on giving then you are probably one who does not give cheerfully. It is the pig that gets hit that squeals the loudest! If God has given you a raise or a bonus do you give God a raise or a bonus? Do you just keep it all for yourself? God is the source of giving. Without Him you wouldn’t have any money. It is God who has given you the health, strength and wisdom to do your job. It does not belong to you and you can’t take it with you when you die. God gives to you so that you can give to Him.

3 – God’s promise (vs. 8)

God promises to bless you on the basis of three things:-

• God’s ability – God is able. When you show your seed it is to a God who is able to pay your back.
• God’s sufficiency – God is going to make sure that you have what you need.
• God’s generosity – God will make sure that you have more than enough. You will abound when you sow seeds for God. Check out your house, refrigerator or garage. God has given you more than enough.

Categories: Malachi