The Grace of Giving

The Grace of Giving

A sermon by Ps. Ronald Politton on March 24, 2024

Matthew 6:19-21

If we see something as valuable, that’s where we usually put our heart is. Money and possession therefore often can be used as a measure of our heart.

Why do we tithe? Why do we give?

We tithe and we give because the Word of God instructs us to do so. Malachi 3:10.

The book of Malachi may have been written as part of the Old Testament but Jesus did not come to abolish God’s covenant and instructions found in the Old Testament but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17).

When Jesus condemned the scribes and the Pharisees in Matthew 5:17, He condemned them because they were doing the Law of God but neglecting the other: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

As faithful Christians, we need to follow God’s law fully so we should not neglect God’s law in terms of giving and tithing.

The Word of God as a whole doesn’t contradict each other but fulfill, support, and complement one another.

When we read the Word of God, don’t be tempted to follow our own wisdom in order to satisfy our own desires. Proverbs 3:7-10 says to instead fear the Lord and honor the Lord with our wealth and with the best part of everything we produce. And, there is blessing in every instruction He gives: He will fill our barns with gains and made us overflow with wine.

The grace of giving – the grace received

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

How is it possible that the church in Macedonia gave during their hardship and even gave beyond their ability? 2 Corinthians 8:1 says that there was grace received by the Macedonians that caused them to be able to give generously. They came to know Jesus and saw Him as the most precious thing in their lives. This caused them to be able to give so generously.

Is Jesus our greatest treasure? Do we prioritize our personal relationship and growth in Him in our life? No amount of money or possession can save us – Jesus is all we have for our eternity. Do we really know the grace that is available for everyone of us?

The grace of giving – the grace expressed

Paul did not require the Macedonians to give because he saw they were lacking. But the Macedonians begged to be apart of the privilege to give and share.

The lesson we can draw here is that, as we receive the grace from God, we shall give the grace to other people too.

Only if we understand the amazing grace that’s been given to us that we would be able to give sacrificially back to God and His people.

The grace of giving – excellent in giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

We have received the best gift of Jesus – what can we give back? During this Palm Sunday, let’s understand that we have received the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (verse 9). He was rich but became poor for us so that we can become rich. Jesus is our example of giving and sacrifice.

We have an invitation to know our God and His Grace even deeper so that we can experience even more the power of the Cross. His grace enables us to empty ourselves and give our best, with sacrifice, and with joy. There is blessing when we are faithful to His Word.