Giving

In Acts 2, we read that an important part of the church is to give money, caring for the needs of those in the community. It says:

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Acts 2:44-45

As we lead our disciples and teach them to lead others within the church, it is important that they learn how giving money to the work of God and his community has been done throughout Biblical history and how giving money to the church should work. Depending on the background and experience of your disciples, you may need to break each of the sections below into separate 3/3rds Group studies with individual and church-wide applications as the Holy Spirit will lead you to follow.

As we study, let’s ask and answer important some important questions:

• What did God command his people to do as they gave money?
• How was the money handled?
• What should be the state of our hearts as we give?

Read these scriptures for each of the questions below to learn how giving has worked both Biblically and historically. Answer each of the main questions using the Discussion questions to help you arrive at your answer.

What did God command his people to do as they gave money?

• Genesis 14:18-20 (Abraham’s giving before God’s command)
• Leviticus 27:30-34
• Deuteronomy 12:4-7
• Nehemiah 10:32-39

Discussion

• How much was to be given?
• Who would it be given to?
• Why are they giving?

How was the money handled?

• Numbers 18:20-21
• Numbers 18:25-29
• Acts 2:44-45
• 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

Discussion

• Who did the money come from and go to in each of these cases?
• What was it intended for?
• What should be done by those who receive the funds?

What should be the state of our hearts as we give?

• Malachi 3:6-12
• Matthew 6:1-4
• Matthew 23:23
• Mark 12:41-44
• Luke 8:9-14
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
• Matthew 6:19-21

Discussion

• How are we to give?
  • What outward ways are we to manage our giving?
  • What should be the condition of our hearts?
• What can we learn about our spiritual risks in our giving?
• What can we learn about our spiritual rewards through our giving?