: We saw in our last study that tithing is foundational to our stewardship in giving. It is the minimum standard and the threshold for beginning to give by grace. The Israelites, who willingly gave an offering for the outfitting of the tabernacle, and David, who stored up from the spoils of conquest for the future construction of God's temple, were already giving the commanded tithes.
Those who cavil at this teaching for our New Testament time as “legalism” are ignoring the practice and testimony of the early church fathers as well as numerous great Christians down through the history of the church. It is as we obey God in this matter that He pours His grace into our hearts and we prove both His ability and willingness to give through us from His inexhaustible “riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Grace giving is entirely voluntary. The only constraint is that of love and gratitude for how God has “graced” us. Paul did not lay down any command about grace giving (2 Cor. 8:8), but he recommended it heartily (2 Cor. 8:10)! Furthermore he reminded his readers that their giving by grace was the proof of the “sincerity of their love” (2 Cor. 8:8b).
Grace giving is “expedient” for us if we would prove God's promise that He will “cause all grace to abound” toward us (2 Cor. 9:8). Our hearts will follow our treasure (Matt. 6:21). You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving!
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Pastor Robert Vradenburgh
Grace Giving Friendship Baptist Church Sunday - AM
Bob Vradenburgh is the senior pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has spent 40 years in full-time Christian service: the first 20 years as a missionary and the past 20 years in the pastorate. Bob’s passion is the expository preaching of God’s Word,...
