It’s Not Your Money, Part 2: Who You Are, How You Give

RYAN ERVIN, ADULT MINISTRY PASTOR

“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of his life.”

Billy Graham

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and all creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26

So God created mankind in his own image,
     in the image of God he created them; 
     male and female, he created them. Genesis 1:27

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28

7 Identity Principles from Genesis 1

1. God creates order out of chaos
2. God delegates authority
3. God is never threatened
4. God creates conditions for light and life
5. God lives within limits
6. God reflects and celebrates
7. God has a plan

6 Biblical Guidelines for Giving

1.

On the first day of every week each one of you should set aside a sum of money… 2 Corinthians 16:2a

2.

 …in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 2 Corinthians 16:2b

3.

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 2 Corinthians 8:3-5

4.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,not reluctantly or under compulsion… 2 Corinthians 9:7a 

5.

…for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7b

6. Motivated by

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Small Group Questions

1. What experience of generosity have you had or seen that inspires you?
2. What do you think about being a “ruling image bearer of God?” Is that new to you?
3. What about the 7 observations from Genesis 1 stands out to you, either positive or negatively?
4. Which of the 6 Biblical Guidelines for Giving do you find most challenging?
5. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?