The Spiritual Family

20. Financial Responsibility

Why should we give? "The earth is the Lords and everything in it" (Ps.24:1). "Silver is mine and gold is mine, says the Lord" (Hagg.2:8). It is clear from the Bible that all money and all earthly possessions belong to the Lord. Yet He doesn't want us to just be His slaves, but has given us a privilege to be stewards of His money and His possessions. He could have demanded 50% or 80% of what we earn. Instead, He offered us to bring Him only10% of our income as a proof of our faith. He doesn't need our money!

It is God's will is for everyone to prosper. He said to His people, "There should be no poor among you…for the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations, but will borrow from none" (Deut.15:4, 6). Why is there so much poverty in the world then? Well, isn't it God's will for everyone to be saved? (2 Pet. 3:9) Yes! Is everyone saved then? No. We see that God's will on earth is not always done in the lives of individuals. Since the fall of men spiritual death, sickness and poverty is working in the world. "The whole world is under the control of the evil one" (1 Jn. 5:19). Jesus said, " the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (Jn. 10:10). God prepared the way out for those who believe. He even said that we could test Him in this: to bring our tithe into His house and see if He will not throw open the gates of heavenly blessings for us. He also promised to rebuke the thief for the tither's sake (Mal. 3:10:11).

Giving is a way of receiving. God's ways are opposite from the ways of the world. While we were in the world's system of values, we were looking for a way to earn more so we can spend it on ourselves. In the kingdom we are generous and cheerful givers as God Himself is. He already gave us His most treasured possession - His only son Jesus. "Give and it will be given to you." - is God's principal that works the same way in any country. Because we receive God's provision just like we received salvation - by faith in His promises, it's very important to give in faith. Avoid legalistic approaches and don't make members of the spiritual family feel that they have to give before they can believe God for receiving. Do not introduce financial responsibility in the group too early.

We receive so we can give again. We should give with pure motives in our hearts. The wrong motives to give would be: 1) trying to "deserve" a place in heaven, 2) to get rich yourself, 3) so people would praise you. God wants us to be prosperous so we can be His channels of provision to others. Jesus came to preach the Gospel to the poor and He commissioned us to do the same. When we serve God with our money we are: 1) proclaiming Jesus as Lord over our finances, 2) spreading the Gospel in our neighborhoods and around the world, 3) taking care of the needs of the poor among us.

Where should we give? That would depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Home fellowships can give to: 1) a local church, 2) support missionaries and ministers of God' Word, 3) take care of the needs in the group 4)support Home Fellowship Leaders Int'l. The best may be to collect money and then make contributions together as a body. Pray for wisdom and direction.

Give, receive and give again!

1. Why does God want us to give? (Mal. 3:8-12)

2. Did the New Testament cancel tithing? (Luke 11:42)

3. Should poverty prevent us from giving? (2 Cor. 8:1-5)

4. What does God desire to do for us as we give in faith? (2 Cor. 9:8-11; Luke 6:38)

5. How did the early church handle financial responsibility? (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37)

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