Joy of Giving

Joy of Giving

Introduction
Jesus teaches that true blessing is found in giving. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). He also honored the widow who offered “all that she had” (Mark 12:41–44). In these words, our Lord reveals how disciples give and why it brings joy.

Jesus Expects Us to Give
The Lord assumes His people will be givers. “When you do a charitable deed…” (Matthew 6:2). Giving flows from grace received and becomes part of daily discipleship. Christians give in the assembly on the Lord’s Day and in life’s countless moments, offering help in Jesus’ name and seeking only His approval.

Give for the Right Reasons
Jesus warns against public show. Our Father sees in secret and rewards sincere hearts (Matthew 6:1–4). Giving is first God-ward: an offering of reverence and thanksgiving to the Father. Malachi rebuked careless sacrifices that withheld honor from God (Malachi 1:6–9). Our gifts should reflect His worth, not our convenience.

Giving Is an Act of Worship
Paul ordered regular giving “on the first day of the week” so the church could meet needs faithfully (1 Corinthians 16:1–2). When we contribute, we worship Jehovah with our substance, just as surely as when we pray or sing. Giving is a spiritual sacrifice offered in the presence of God.

Give Generously
Scripture ties generosity to God’s prior generosity. We lay by “as [we] prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Macedonians, though poor, abounded in liberality because they “first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:1–7). God multiplies seed for sowers, enabling “every good work” and producing thanksgiving to Him (2 Corinthians 9:6, 8, 10–12). The Scriptures also warn against withholding from God what belongs to Him (Malachi 3:8–10). He opens the windows of heaven to a trusting, obedient people.

Give with the Right Attitude
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving is planned, willing, and joyful. It is guided by purpose, not pressure; by gratitude, not gloom. Such hearts find the “more blessed” life Jesus promised, because they participate in God’s gracious work toward others.

Joy of Giving Sermon Outline:

• Text Windows

  • Acts 20:35; Mark 12:41–44 — Jesus’ blessing and the widow’s gift

  • 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 — Weekly, purposeful contribution

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1–7; 9:6–12 — Grace-fueled generosity and God’s provision

  • Matthew 6:1–4 — Motives seen by the Father

  • Malachi 1:6–9; 3:8–10 — Honor in offerings; trust in God’s promise

• I. Jesus Expects Giving (Matthew 6:2)

  • Giving is a mark of discipleship.

  • It includes congregational contribution and personal benevolence.

• II. Motives That Please God (Matthew 6:1–4; Malachi 1:6–9)

  • Seek the Father’s honor, not human praise.

  • Offer gifts that reflect reverence and gratitude.

• III. Giving as Worship (1 Corinthians 16:1–2)

  • First-day giving is orderly, regular, and congregational.

  • Our contribution is spiritual service rendered to God.

• IV. The Measure of Generosity (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1–7; 9:6, 8, 10–12; Malachi 3:8–10)

  • Proportionate to prosperity; rooted in self-surrender.

  • God supplies the sower and multiplies the harvest for good works.

  • Trust God’s promise to bless faithful giving.

• V. The Spirit of the Giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)

  • Purposeful, willing, and cheerful.

  • Planned in advance and offered with joy.

Call to Action
Offer yourself to the Lord anew, and then set your gift in His hand. Decide prayerfully what you will lay by in faith, honoring God in the assembly and serving others through the week. Give with joy, trusting the God who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food.

Key Takeaways

• Giving is expected of disciples and seen by the Father (Matthew 6:2; 6:4).

• Lord’s Day giving is worship and should be regular and planned (1 Corinthians 16:1–2).

• Generosity grows from first giving ourselves to God (2 Corinthians 8:5).

• God supplies and multiplies for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:6, 8, 10–12).

• Honoring God in offerings brings promised blessing (Malachi 3:8–10).

• God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

• Jesus declares the blessedness of giving (Acts 20:35) and honors sacrificial hearts (Mark 12:41–44).

Scripture Reference List

• Acts 20:35 — Jesus’ teaching on the blessedness of giving.

• Mark 12:41–44 — The widow’s two mites; value measured by sacrifice.

• Matthew 6:1–4 — Motives in giving; the Father sees in secret.

• Matthew 6:2 — Expectation: “when” you give.

• 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 — Weekly, purposeful congregational giving.

• 2 Corinthians 8:1–7 — Macedonian example; giving themselves to the Lord.

• 2 Corinthians 9:6, 8, 10–12 — Sowing and reaping; God’s supply for good works; thanksgiving to God.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 — Cheerful, purposeful giving.

• Malachi 1:6–9 — Honor and reverence in offerings.

• Malachi 3:8–10 — Robbing God vs. trusting His promise to bless.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO