Biblical generosity was launched by Abraham

GENESIS 14 *
This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” *HEBREWS 7:1-2 NLT
Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. HEBREWS 6:20 NLT

Biblical generosity was commanded by Moses

You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored—and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. Doing this will teach you always to fear the LORD your God. DEUTERONOMY 14:22-23 NLT

Biblical generosity is _blessed by God _

“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” MALACHI 3:8-10 NLT
When I launch tithing God’s way, he launches blessings my way.

Biblical generosity is approved by Jesus

What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. MATTHEW 23:23 NLT
See also LUKE 11:42

Biblical generosity is taught by Paul

Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:13 NLT

Biblical generosity is needed in the church

Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1 NLT
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. PHILIPPIANS 2:13 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

What’s the reason that it can sometimes be weird, uncomfortable or difficult to talk about money in the context of church?
Read Malachi 3:8-10. What do we learn about God and generosity from this passage?
What makes tithing (giving the first 10% of your income) challenging? What makes it wonderful?
Do you tithe? What motivates you or keeps you from tithing? What encouragement do you need to grow in your giving?
It’s easy to become legalistic, either in giving or not giving. How can you grow in generosity so that you can connect with God’s work through Sandals Church?

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to be alone with God. Set aside your thoughts about money for just a moment. Be open to a conversation with God. When you’re ready, talk to God about the fact that your giving supports the work of the church. Ask him to show you how your giving is a reflection of the connection you have to the work Jesus is doing at Sandals Church. Ask God to show you how he wants you to be more engaged in this work as you take some next steps going forward.

Explore the Launch 2017 Series

Discovering God’s Purpose for My Life

Biblical Generosity

The Right Passion

Giving as Worship