Excel in the Grace of Giving
Adrian Thornton

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul is encouraging the church in Corinth to finish something they had earlier started. That is, an offering they wanted to give to the church in Jerusalem, which was struggling under persecution.

Referring to his earlier letter (1 Corinthians), Paul celebrates the progress they have made in other areas of their discipleship, like their faith, speech, knowledge, and earnest love.

Building on those areas, Paul calls the church to excel also in the grace of giving. Just like other areas of our faith, giving is something we are to excel in. I remember when I was in my early twenties and God challenged me to become a regular giver.

I used to play bass in the worship band, and I was often on stage when the offering buckets were passed around for the giving. At the time, I ‘conveniently’ avoided the offering most weeks because of this, until the Lord challenged me.

I don’t remember it being critical, but just that gentle whisper of the Spirit bringing to my attention what I wasn’t doing and nudging me in the right direction. Ever since, I have become a regular giver, and can say, have excelled in the grace of giving.

Speaking about money in church can sometimes be awkward. For me, as someone who is employed by the church, it definitely feels awkward. There is also a sad history of the mismanagement of money in some churches, as well as an unhealthy focus on prosperity.

Being aware of this, I don’t think we should chuck the baby out with the bath water. Money plays a big part in our lives, and if we aren’t careful, it can become our master instead of our servant.

The rich young ruler walked away from a relationship with Jesus because of his wealth (Mat 19:22). Paul warned Timothy about the desire to get rich and how many people have wandered from the faith because of it (1 Tim 6:6-10).

There is a lot we could say about money and giving, but what I want to focus on in this message is the principles that underlie the practice of tithing.

Tithing is an Old Testament practice established in the Mosaic Law. Tithe means tenth, and to tithe is to dedicate a tenth of what you earn or own to the Lord. In fact, to tithe is to return to the Lord what is already His.

There are two underlying principles of tithing, and they both carry over into the New Testament. The first is to honour the Lord with the first and best of what you own. The second is to support the Levites and Priests in the work of temple ministry.

As New Testament people, these principles still apply today. Jesus reflects the first in Matthew 6:33, saying, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Paul reflects the second principle when talking about the importance of financially supporting those who are called to the ministry. He says in 1 Corinthians 9:14, “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”

If you want to excel in the grace of giving, then it begins with the principle of tithing by giving to God first from your income. This honours God by seeking Him first and trusting Him for provision. Second, it supports the work of ministry in your local church.

Tithing, or regular giving, is one of three biblical ways to engage in giving. The second is special offerings, and the third is to live a generous life towards others. These three practices are found through the Bible and are what it looks like to excel in the grace of giving.

The question I want to leave with you is, Are you excelling in the grace of giving?