DO YOU GIVE UP?

11/15/87
DO YOU GIVE UP?
II CORINTHIANS 8: 8 - 12
(PAGE 1694 "COME ALIVE BIBLE")
JESUS CHRIST said you "ought" to tithe (Matt. 23: 23). In that
one statement, in that one word, I find all the reason I,
personally, need for tithing.
In I Corinthians 15: 57-58, Paul, in exalting tones, wrote of
the victorious bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. He exhorts
believers to share in a celebration of thanksgiving, resulting.
Then suddenly, and not the least bit subtly, he changes the
subject and says, "Now concerning the collection..." Paul could
never have been convicted of being subtle, evasive, indirect, or
apologetic about anything, but especially about asking people to
give their money to advance the cause of Christ.
Today, we ministers are criticized if we do, or if we don't.
Certain "professional public beggars" have overused and abused
the media pleading for funds for parachurch ministries.
Therefore, to mention money is to be grouped with them. Giving
for the cause of Christ has dropped in the last several years
and ministers are blamed for not having taught their people the
Biblical ethic about giving.
A recent independent survey revealed that 89% of all Americans
gave to charity in a recent year. Of these 40% felt they "should
have" given more.
Those who attend worship give three times as much as those who
do not.
Let's look at the matter of Christian stewardship as revealed in
II Corinthians 8 and 9.
I. THE MOTIVATION FOR GIVING (8: 8,9)
Two principle factors are used as motivational influences.
A. An Example (Vs. 8)
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