For spiritual leaders, discussing giving can be uncomfortable. However, the Bible commands us to teach about generosity. A member of our local church recently asked me, “Don’t you think the church asks too much of us?” I wasn’t surprised by the question, as many believers ponder this before making contributions. It sounds like a few pointed sermons on giving could help, right?
Deuteronomy 15:10 reminds us to give generously to the poor, without hesitation, knowing that God will bless us in all we do. This verse captures the essence of giving. Our society is imperfect, and there are people in need who require our assistance. Giving should not be limited to material possessions; we can also provide emotional support and meaningful advice to our friends.
After being presented with the question of whether the church asks too much, I assured her that giving is a virtue. It’s a spiritual inclination to help others. It is a sign of spiritual maturity, extending beyond giving to the church. Whether you’re a pastor, church administrator, or member, here are 12 sermons on giving that can help cultivate the spirit of generosity.
1. Giving Is Giving to God
Pastor: Sid Litke. Open Door Bible Church in Port Washington.
Scripture: Leviticus 27:30
In his sermon titled “Connecting to God through Giving,” Litke humorously highlights how pastors often avoid discussing giving. He emphasizes the need for spiritual leaders to change the way they communicate about stewardship with the congregation. Giving, according to Litke, is an act of giving to God and reflects His unconditional love.
Within the sermon, Litke teaches that giving is an integral part of discipleship, essential for preaching, evangelizing, and stewardship. This message is part of a series on “Biblical Financial Stewardship,” which holds significant value for those interested in learning more about the church’s finances.
The sermon emphasizes that God Himself is a generous giver, and as Christians, we are stewards of the gospel and bearers of light for those in darkness. By setting an example of generosity, Christians draw closer to God and deepen their knowledge of Him. Trust in God is fostered through acts of generosity, allowing believers to experience a stronger connection to Him through giving.
2. Motivations and How Christians Give
Pastor: Mark Adams, Church of Christ
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:1
In his insightful sermon on giving, Adams explores the connection between giving and spiritual growth. Through simple biblical truths about money, he emphasizes that God is the ultimate giver and owner of all things. Every possession we have is a gracious gift from God, and our role is to be faithful stewards and managers of His resources.
Adams provides various examples to illustrate why Christians should prioritize giving. The sermon highlights the importance of giving anonymously and with a cheerful heart. Adams emphasizes the significance of actively participating in the use of donations as a way to encourage giving.
By weaving together teachings from both the New and Old Testaments, the preacher demonstrates the consistency of God’s message regarding giving. If you are seeking to inspire people to give to God, this sermon by Adams is a valuable resource that can provide guidance and encouragement.
3. The Importance of Giving Your First and Best
Pastor: Todd Wilson, Calvary Memorial
Scripture: Proverbs 3:9-10
Whether you’re a churchgoer, part of a fellowship group, or actively serving as a pastor, evangelist, or disciple of Christ, have you truly dedicated your best to God? In his sermon, Wilson addresses this question by emphasizing our purpose in this world as ambassadors of the Father’s business. He candidly discusses the uneasiness he experiences when preaching about giving.
To overcome any discomfort and apprehension associated with delivering sermons on giving, I recommend listening to this enlightening sermon by Todd Wilson. He delves into why offering our first and best to God brings Him delight. Similar to Litke’s teachings, Wilson reveals that giving is the pathway to drawing closer to God.
Wilson highlights that God Himself set the example by giving His first and best — Jesus Christ. To be radiant lights in the world, we must embrace a giving lifestyle akin to God’s. By doing so, Wilson explains, we strengthen our faith and deepen our trust in God’s providence.
4. Giving Is a Matter of the Heart
Pastor: Sduduzo Blose, Sandton Adventist Church
Scripture: Mark 12:38-44
Blose eloquently addresses the sensitive topic of giving, emphasizing that the significance of giving lies not in the amount but in the condition of one’s heart. In his sermon, he reminds us that Jesus, in Mark 12:44, praised the widow who sacrificially gave all she had to live on despite her poverty.
Through his sermon, Blose delves into crucial questions about giving. He explores who should give and why, as well as how and to whom we should give. Blose approaches this topic from a spiritual standpoint, dissecting the meaning of a “heart” oriented towards heavenly treasures.
The sermon powerfully underscores the importance of understanding giving as a matter of the heart. By doing so, Blose emphasizes the need to avoid delivering sermons on giving in a misguided manner that fails to capture the true essence of giving.
5. Putting Your Money Where Your Heart Is
Pastor: David O’Neil, Time Square Church
Scripture: Mathew 6:21
In his sermon, O’Neil uses the phrase “My right hand shouldn’t know what my left hand is giving” to convey the essence of generous giving. He emphasizes that God is more concerned with the sincerity of our hearts than the amount we give. By engaging in acts of giving, Christians reflect the giving nature of God and demonstrate His love through tangible assistance to the poor.
This sermon serves as a valuable resource for your sermon preparation. O’Neil draws from Paul’s teachings and references passages from the Old Testament to illuminate the principles of giving. He likens offerings to expressions of gratitude toward God.
O’Neil seeks to convey that giving is not solely about a specific percentage or monetary value but about the condition of the heart and a spirit of appreciation. He prompts us to reflect on the insignificance of money compared to the eternal life God has given us.
Ultimately, O’Neil asserts that Christians can nurture their confidence, trust, and faith in God by offering themselves and their resources in gratitude.
6. The Offering
Pastor: Victor D. Pentz, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Pentz provides valuable insights on the topic of offering, discussing the reasons behind making offerings and addressing the question of how much we should give. Likewise, he draws a connection between our standards of living and our standards of giving.
Regarding offerings, Pentz emphasizes that they:
- Engage Christians in the work of God
- Serve as acts of worship towards God
- Foster a deeper relationship with God
- Express gratitude towards God
- Serve as investments for eternity
The preacher delivers a sermon on giving, combining real-life examples and biblical passages. By merging human perspectives with biblical teachings, he emphasizes the significance of offerings. Therefore, this sermon is valuable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of giving.
7. The Laws of Giving and Receiving — The Power of the Seed
Pastor: David D. Ireland, Church of Christ
Scripture: Luke 6:38
Ireland highlights the law of reciprocity, emphasizing its significance in various aspects of life. He considers it one of God’s fundamental laws that, most importantly, we receive in return when we give.
The sermon challenges misconceptions about this law, offering a fresh perspective on the purpose of giving. Ireland explains that the law of reciprocity extends beyond material possessions.
By listening to this insightful and engaging sermon, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the law of giving and receiving.
8. Am I Generous?
Pastor: Robert Morris, Gateway Church
Scripture: John 12
Morris motivates believers to embrace a spirit of generous giving without hesitation. This sermon connects generosity with the works of God, challenging listeners to examine their own generosity. Through illustrations and scriptural quotes, Morris prompts the question, “Am I generous?”
In addition, the sermon explores the concept of extravagance in giving and highlights the rewards that come with a generous heart. It emphasizes that God values and rewards those who give generously. Delve into this sermon on generosity to gain insights into the three levels of giving: offerings, tithes, and extravagant offerings.
9. Will Man Rob God?
Pastor: Mark Driscoll, Trinity Church
Scripture: Malachi 3:6-18
To gain insight into the ways we may unknowingly take from God, I recommend watching Driscoll’s sermon on the topic. Driscoll fearlessly explores thought-provoking biblical themes surrounding offerings. He delves into the scriptures, particularly focusing on Malachi’s teachings.
According to Malachi, failing to fulfill our offering obligations can hinder us from receiving blessings and promises from God. In the same vein, tithing and giving allow us to open our hearts to heavenly blessings.
When we disobey the commandments and neglect our tithes, we rob God and deprive ourselves of the blessings that come with giving. For a deeper understanding, I encourage you to listen to Driscoll’s sermon on this important subject.
10. What Are the Benefits of Giving?
Pastor: Andre Henderson, One Lord One Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:7
In his sermon on the advantages of giving, Pastor Dre addresses the question of what we gain through giving and explores whether the law of reciprocity applies to everyone. He emphasizes that giving tithes in the church is a way in which God tests our faith and brings us closer to Him, inviting blessings from above.
Pastor Dre recognizes the challenges that spiritual leaders may face when addressing the topic of giving in their sermons. However, he emphasizes that understanding the benefits that givers receive makes sermon preparation easier.
By referencing various scriptures, Pastor Dre emphasizes the spiritual significance of giving and highlights that it is a virtue, a personal connection with God, and a matter of the heart. Certainly, this is an important lesson to take to heart.
11. How Giving Makes You Joyful
Pastor: Gary Hardin, Enon Grove Baptist Church
Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20
In his sermon on the connection between giving and joy, Hardin emphasizes how abundance follows us as we give. He illustrates how Christians can experience joy by leading a life of generous financial giving.
In other words, helping others and directing our attention to those in need helps us find peace and joy. Hardin highlights Paul’s teachings that sufficiency is found in Christ rather than material possessions. He further explores the lessons of contentment and its role in attaining spiritual maturity.
Through giving, we become partners in God’s ministry. As a result, our faith is increased and our personal relationship with Him improved. Exploring Hardin’s sermon will provide a clear understanding of how simple acts of giving can bring about joy in our lives.
12. Faith, Financials and Formula
Pastor: TD Jakes, Potter’s House of Dallas
Scripture: Philippians 3:13
In his sermon, Jakes poses the question, “Where art thou?” as he delves into the spiritual stance of Christians in relation to giving. He emphasizes that offerings and tithing can serve as a means to detach oneself from the past. In short, giving can give us a second chance.
Jakes draws a parallel between losing a day without a plan and the spiritual loss incurred by a lack of generosity. He enlightens listeners on trusting God in all aspects, including finances. The concept of first fruits and prioritizing God in every aspect of life is also explored by Jakes.
