What does the Bible really teach about giving?

Help with sermon prep by making observations on giving found in 2 Corinthians 8-9. Share those with me via the comments or via email. Together let’s clear up some misconceptions about what the Bible really teaches about giving. 

Sunday I begin 2 Corinthians 8-9 and Paul’s challenge to the Corinthians to take up a collection. This is one of the richest sections on giving in the New Testament. 

We need to be taught on giving for any number of reasons.

• People in our culture are loaded down with debt.
• Despite being one of the wealthiest cultures in history, American Christians give away a low percentage. (See 6 Facts About the Giving of American Christians)
• Many Christians are influenced by the Prosperity Gospel.
• Yet other Christians fail to recognize the blessings God gives to those who give.
• The Church of Christ has an unprecedented opportunity to store up treasure in heaven. Our opportunities for sharing the joy of Jesus have never been greater!

So here’s my challenge to our church family — and anyone else who wants to help. Read 2 Corinthians 8-9 and make as many observations about what is taught about giving as possible. For example, 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches, “God loves a cheerful giver.” What would happen if we really meditated on that principle?

Here are a couple of parameters for the exercise:

• Share your observations about the biblical text. Don’t quote someone else. Read 2 Corinthians 8-9 and consider what the Spirit impresses on you!
• For this exercise, use only 2 Corinthians 8-9. The Bible says a great deal about money. But for now, let’s focus in this one section. 

Again: It’s a simple exercise. Read 2 Corinthians 8-9 and make observations about what this section of Scripture teaches about giving.

See also:

Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money

Christian Smith on Why Americans Give So Little Financially

Don’t Store Up Treasure on Earth: John R.W. Stott on What Jesus Doesn’t and Does Mean