Embracing Generosity: Becoming Givers and Builders
Pastor Victoria Sowell
Does God just want our money? Or is giving so much more? Is there a possibility that we can reshape our relationship with money through God's perspective. As part of our "21 Days to Change Your Life" series, we are going to dive into what it means to be givers and builders in the Kingdom of God. This isn't about obligation; it's about integration—how our spiritual life is intertwined with our financial decisions. Click the link above for the full message.
The Heart of Giving
If you follow Jesus, you can no longer categorize the decisions you make in your life as secular or sacred - everything we do is filtered through the instruction of Scripture and modeled after Christ. True discipleship looks like taking everything we’ve been given and giving it back to Jesus as an offering, as worship. Making Him Lord means allowing him to lead us in every area, not just a few.
He’s not after our money, he’s after our hearts. But how often are those two things entangled?
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus draws our attention to a poor widow's offering at the temple. Despite her limited means, she gave more genuinely than the wealthy because she gave everything she had. This passage challenges us to consider: what does it mean to truly give?
Mark 12:41-44 NIV - "41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'"
Our Motivation to Give
Our relationship with money often reflects our heart's condition. God doesn't just desire our wealth; He seeks our hearts. When we make Jesus the Lord over every aspect of our lives, including our finances, we honor Him with true discipleship.
Tithing is an agreement we make between our hearts and finances to be people who give Him our first and best.
The Principle of Faith Over Fear
In our financial stewardship, we encounter two mindsets: scarcity and abundance. Scarcity breeds fear, prompting us to hold back. In contrast, an abundance mindset, rooted in faith, encourages us to give, trusting God as our provider.
Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV - "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Biblical Perspectives on Generosity
The Bible is rich with wisdom on giving. This principle of sowing and reaping, also found in 2 Corinthians 9:6, invites us to trust in God’s provision and promises.
A.W. Tozer said: “Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.”
Looking at our resources with an eternity perspective transforms “have to” into “get to.” I get to give, I get to contribute, I get to trust him, I get to sow into the kingdom and see Him move mightily. I entrust the outcomes of my giving to God and know that when I stand before him, the way I built was pure and true.
2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV - "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
Characteristics of a Biblical Giver
Givers in the Bible are marked by specific traits that align with God's heart. Understanding these can transform our approach to giving.
Giving Without Recognition
True generosity doesn't seek applause. Jesus illustrates this with the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, and further reinforces it in Matthew 6:1-4, reminding us that genuine giving seeks the Father’s approval, not human recognition.
Luke 18:9-14 NIV - "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'"
The Pharisee desired to be noticed, celebrated, and honored out of his giving. This did not come from a heart of generosity. The tax collector, on the other hand, gave even though he didn’t find himself worthy of any pause or celebration. He humbled himself before the Lord and gave what he had.
Matthew 6:1-4 NIV - "‘Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.'"
The Joy of Giving
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Our attitude in giving matters as much as the act itself. Giving should be a joyful expression of our gratitude and faith in God, not a reluctant obligation.
From Givers to Builders
While giving reflects our moment-to-moment generosity, building is about consistent, long-term investment in God's kingdom.
The Role of a Builder
Builders are integral to the sustained health and growth of the church. They contribute regularly, ensuring that the church's mission progresses effectively.
Understanding Tithing and Building in the Old Testament
Tithing, a biblical principle established in the Old Testament, involves giving a tenth of one’s earnings to God as an act of worship and thanksgiving. This practice supports the church and fuels its ministries.
Throughout the OT, many tithes were given in obedience to the Law to support the Levitical priesthood, put on festivals and gatherings to worship the Lord, give to the needy, and take care of the people who gathered in the temple:
The First Tithe: All Israelite families were asked to give one-tenth of their produce, flocks, and herds. That amount was set aside and given to the Lord annually to support the Levites in their priestly service, as they had no other source of income or land ownership (Leviticus 27:30-33 and Numbers 18:21-24).
The Festival Tithe: Israelites, mainly in Jerusalem, had to give another tenth of their resources to sponsor religious feasts and festivals throughout the year. These events were grand religious celebrations, so the Israelites spared nothing to bring thanks and praise to God (Deuteronomy 14:22-27).
The Poor Tithe: Israelites had to give a tithe to the poor and needy every third year. It’s unclear whether this is a third full tithe or the second Festival Tithe was being donated to the poor that year (Deuteronomy 14:28-29), but there was certainly a tithe set aside for the unfortunate.
Understanding Tithing and Building in the New Testament
What does tithing mean for NT believers? How does this OT principle and posturing of our resources instruct us? The OT law and covenant of receiving forgiveness and right relationship with God was fulfilled in the New covenant of faith in Jesus. We do not function as slaves to the old law, but as people in freedom through Jesus who live, in every area, to glorify God and build his kingdom. When it comes to our finances, our resources, our time, our integrity and stewardship – all of these areas are opportunities for worship and discipleship.
Under this new covenant, we are not REQUIRED to give 10%.
Jesus references tithing when talking to religious leaders, but often to help them see how the OT mandates were blocking their ability to see the new covenant taking place through Him.
Jesus prioritizes both the tithe of resources but primarily the sanctification and tithe of our hearts.
Matthew 23:23: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
The question we’re called to ask as Christian is not what is required of me but what do I get to give in proportion to all he has given me? What is my consistent contribution to the building of His house that aligns my heart and makes Him Provider? Do we benefit when we give God our first, our best, and 10% of what we earn, following the example of the Israelites faithfulness? YES! YES! It is a beautiful thing when you commit to that as a part of your life in God, and he will take care of you and honor your partnership.
The Israelites were commanded to give 10% and we are encouraged to.
Challenges and Opportunities in Tithing
Tithing isn't just an Old Testament obligation; it's a New Testament opportunity to participate in God’s work. While the law required tithing, the spirit of the law invites us to give generously, reflecting our gratitude for what God has done for us.
The Impact of Consistent Building
By regularly contributing to the church, we do more than just support its activities; we invest in the kingdom of God. This consistent action lays a foundation for lasting impact. What does my building really do?
Kids spaces - Your building resourced the rooms downstairs where kids right now are learning about the love and truth of Jesus. Seeds are planted in their hearts that will impact their eternity.
Benevolence - Your building is why during the week when a single mom walks through our doors and doesn’t know hope and doesn’t see a way out of their circumstances, there are people here to pray for them, support them, and buy their groceries.
Youth - Your building is why every Sunday nights, teenagers from all over our city are gathering to worship the one true God, receive mentors who will change their lives, and see the abundant, joyful life they can have build on Christ.
Missions - Your building is why missionaries are funded, why churches are planted, why solar panels are put on the roof of a home in Mexico, why community events happen here, and why every single week we have testimonies of transformation and salvations!
So much more!
By embracing both giving and building, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, not only securing an earthly impact but also investing in eternal rewards. Let us step into this calling with open hearts and hands, ready to be transformed and to transform the world through our generosity.
Reflection Questions
How does your current giving reflect your faith in God’s provision?
In what ways can you move from occasional giving to consistent building in your church community?
What fears or hesitations hold you back from giving more freely?
Further Resources
"Generous Justice" by Timothy Keller
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, "The Secret Sauce" on YouTube by Pastor Kyle Veach from View Church.
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