First They Gave Themselves to the Lord
Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland
Sunday 20 October 2019
Rev.
Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor
New Testament Lesson: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
PRINCIPLES OF GIVING
We give in the context
of relationships – 2 Corinthians 8:5
Principle: “And they
did not do as we expected, but first they gave
themselves to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”
themselves to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”
Vertical dimension of
giving:
We give in the context of our relationship with the Lord.
“…first they gave themselves
to the Lord…
Horizontal dimension of
giving:
We give in the context of our relationships with other believers.
“…first they gave themselves
to the Lord and then to us…”
We give because we want
to, not because we have to – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“Each person should give what they have decided in
their hearts to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver.”
We give because we want
God’s purposes to be realized – Malachi 3:10
"'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that
there may be food in my house. Test
me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will
not throw open the floodgates
of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will
not have room enough for it.'"
How much should I give?
Pastoral guidance – whatever
you decide:
Never put yourself in a position
where you are trying to figure out how to give God less.
where you are trying to figure out how to give God less.
MONDAY MORNING
Q: Have you given yourself
to the Lord?
Q: What is your total
household income?
Q: What percentage of this
do you give to God’s work in/through PPC?
The disciplines of stewardship and
self-offering are a grateful response to God’s love for the world and self-giving in Jesus Christ. As
Christians, we are called to live lives of simplicity, generosity, hospitality, compassion, and care for
creation. Tithing is a primary practice of Christian stewardship and
self-offering. We are accountable to God for how we use our material goods,
spiritual gifts, and
time in God’s service.
Book of Order: Part II of the Constitution
of the Presbyterian Church USA - Directory for Worship W-5.0103
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