Why Give?
In Leviticus 27:30-32 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2027:30-32&version=NIV) it says “a tithe of everthing from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord… every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be Holy to the Lord” (NIV). We at Victory Church believe that tithing is not just an Old Testament command, but an eternal principle seen when Abraham tithed off his spoils to Melchizidek King of Salem, a type and shadow of Christ, long before the Mosaic Law had even been given (Genesis 14:18-20 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2014:18-20&version=NIV)). When looking in the new testament, we see many examples of early christians bringing their offerings to God (Acts 4:35 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Acts%204:35&version=NIV), 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%208:1-7&version=NIV)). The issue of giving underpins many principles that are central to the Christian faith:
Giving as worship
Throughout the Bible we see giving as a form of worship to God. Whether it be for repentance, for his protection or prosperity, or simply because God is worthy, giving and sacrifice has been used throughout the centuries to bring us closer to God by opening another way for us to say “I Love You” to the creator of the heavens and the earth. (Leviticus 14:12-19 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2014:12-19&version=NIV), 2 Samuel 6:12-15 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%206:12-15&version=NIV), Genesis 4:4 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Genesis%204:4&version=NIV))
Serving two masters
In Matthew 6:19-24 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:19-24&version=NIV), Jesus said that you cannot serve both God and mammon. When we look at the surrounding scriptures we see that Jesus was dealing with matters of personal wealth and finances. Whenever we choose to disobey God or give into our flesh we are effectively telling God that we don’t want Him in our lives and that we would rather serve another “master,” one who’s very purpose is to be the enemy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The importance of obedience
1 Samuel 15:22 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2015:22&version=NIV) states that obedience to God’s word is of utmost importance to God… even above sacrifice! In Romans 14:9 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Romans%2014:9&version=NIV) & 1 Corinthians 6:20 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206:20&version=NIV) we see clearly in the word that Jesus is to be the Lord over our lives. The Bible also says in Psalms 24:1 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2024:1&version=NIV) & 1 Corinthians 10:26 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:26&version=NIV) that the earth is the Lord’s and all the fullness thereof. This means that all things come from God and all things are God’s! In Deuteronomy 8:18 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%208:18&version=NIV) it says that even the ability to work and make wealth comes from God, clearly showing that everything we do belongs to the One who gave it in the first place! It’s with this principle that we show God that we truly fear, honor, respect and love Him by obeying His commands.
It’s about the heart
As the old saying goes, where your heart is, that’s where your treasure lies. When looking at scripture, we see that Jesus’ stated not to worry about what we are going to wear, drink, or even eat, but to seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things will be taken care of (Matthew 6:25-34 (http://www NULL.biblegateway NULL.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-34&version=NIV)). This principle reveals that where you spend your time and money shows exactly what your priorities are and indicates where your heart truly lies.