Sunday, March 15, 1998 This Week’s Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Psalms 24:1, Proverbs 3:9-10, and Luke 18:12, we learned about the importance of being obedient in our giving and also in being motivated to give. A recent survey in this country has determined that Catholics only give about one percent of their gross income to the church and that Baptists only give slightly less than three percent. Using Luke 18:12 as its reference text, the Quarterly stated that the Pharisee gave one tenth, or a tithe, of his earnings. Since this passage appears in the New Testament, the Quarterly concluded that tithing is a New Testament teaching. In Psalms 24:1, the Bible tells us that everything belongs to God. So, when we give to the Lord's work, we are in essence merely giving back to Him what already belongs to Him. In Proverbs 3:9-10, the Bible teaches that our giving reveals our faith in the Lord. Therefore, when we give to His work, we are also demonstrating to others that we trust Him to meet our needs and to take care of us.
Regardless of an individual's feelings about whether or not tithing is really a New Testament teaching, each of us should seek ways to demonstrate our faith in Christ. Giving is one way to show that kind of faith, but there are others. We can show our faith by our daily walk with the Lord and by trying to stay away from places and situations which bring reproach upon Him. We can demonstrate our faith to those around us by the conversation of our lips. We do well when we provide our finances to support the Lord's work. We do well when we live a holy life before others and try to share with them our hope in Christ. We also do well when we guard against the inappropriate use of our tongues and by saying a kind word instead of hasty, harsh words. Giving is important, but so is right living, a good attitude, and having a desire to tell others about Christ. As people who have trusted their eternities to Him, we should determine within ourselves to trust our whole being to the Lord. That includes our finances, our time and also the use of our spiritual gifts.
The conclusion of this lesson is really very simple. Each of us should use all that we have, or at least be willing to use all that we have, in ways which will point a lost and dying world to Jesus. No work on this earth has any greater importance than that of sharing the Gospel with those around us. As you go through the coming week, do what the Holy Spirit would have you to do so that you might be an encouragement and positive witness to others.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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