|
|
|
Offerings in Faith/Righteousness vs. Money |
Greetings!
Introduction
One of the greatest convictions and/or guilt that can be placed on people is the guilt of giving money through the concept of tithes and offerings. The focus and attention we place on money is understandable. However, the misunderstanding of why the 'Store-house' or Church has become empty has much less to do with money, than it does with offerings given to God through faith/righteousness.
This revelation bulletin is guaranteed to be an eye opener and create some great discussion. Our goal is not solely to create a discussion. Rather, it is to make people 1) Aware of what scripture says that God is really looking for in offerings, 2) Remove any guilt over money, and 3) Create a hunger and desire to live by faith.
This Bulletin includes the following topics
- What God is looking for in our offerings?
- How is righteousness obtained - A true eye opener
- Exceeding the righteousness of the Pharisees
- Summary |
What God is looking for in our offerings? | |
The passage in scripture that is used most frequently to get people to give money is found in Malachi 3:8-11. "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty.
This passage is a powerful way to get people to give. However, the missing element is what God considers to be an offering. We assume it means money. However, if you go back to Malachi 3:3 you will find that God is not looking for money; rather He is looking for offerings in righteousness. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness (Malachi 3:3)".
God is not looking for offerings in cash, money orders, checks, or any other currency. Rather He is looking for offerings in righteousness. This may be a newsflash for many people. Yes we should tithe, but we are to give the offerings we give in righteousness; not in currency. |
How is righteousness obtained - A true eye opener | |
If we are to bring offerings in righteousness, how do we obtain 'righteouness.' According to scripture the only way we can obtain righteousness is by exercising faith. Examine the following passages to confirm that righteousness is obtained by having faith.
· Romans 3:21-22: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
· Romans 4:3: "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
· Romans 4:13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
There are many passages that validate that righteousness comes only by faith. Unfortunately many people have equated 'righteousness' to 'holiness'. This false equation has confused many and caused many individuals and religions to try and earn righteousness by being more 'moral' or more 'holy'. More morality, goodness, kindness, money, holiness, or religion will give you righteousness, which is the only offering God accepts.
This explains the very reason why the Book of Hebrews states that without faith we cannot please God. "Without faith it is impossible to please God ..." Hebrews 11:6. If God desires righteousness, and if righteousness comes by faith, there is no other way to please God! All my money, gifts, talents, energies, and efforts cannot earn the righteousness that God is looking for in offerings. This being the case, any church, religion or ministry that focuses only on money will find that they are ultimately powerless and as Malachi states 'Empty.' The store house will be empty if money (tithes) and Offerings (righteousness, earned by faith) are not combined in God's house.
|
Exceeding the righteousness of the Pharisees | |
This scriptural concept of righteousness explains how Jesus could so easily say "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20). Many people have worried over this passage and wondered how our moral and religious manners could exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus knew exactly what He was saying. He was indicating that religious righteousness cannot get you into the Kingdom of God. Jesus knew that a righteousness that is obtained by Faith exceeds the righteousness that is earned through religious behavior. Faith in Jesus Christ and all that is promised through His name is the only faith --- that brings righteousness that exceeds the righteousness that the scribes and Pharisees demonstrated.
The Apostle Paul explains the difference in Romans 10:3 "Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness."
From this passage we clarify that there are two separate views of righteousness; 1) Righteousness that comes from God, and 2). A religious persons form of righteousness. The righteousness that comes from God is the very righteousness that is earned by having faith.
This simple faith offering makes my place in the Kingdom of God fairly certain. My faith in Jesus Christ, and my faith in all He died for, lets me exceed the religious person's form of religion.
|
Never threatened by Money but by Faith |
Pam and I believe that faith earns/obtains righteousness and that our offering of faith is pleasing to God. We know that the more faith in God that we demonstrate the more righteousness we earn. This concepts helps validate an old saying "Faith is the only currency that heaven responds to."
However, we also know that God's work needs funding, so we believe in tithing. The combination of our offering in faith/righteousness combined with our tithe is pleasing to God. However, we have realized a very interesting aspect within many religious circles.
The interesting aspect is that a person's money is always well received by ministers and people; while their increased faith has threatened many ministers and people. Money and willingness to support God's work financially seldom threatens or challenges people. However, on many occasions when people step out in faith to believe in Christ's promises, they have been rejected, criticized, and at times asked to leave because this type of faith has threatened the leaders, as well as organizations who survive solely on financial means. Faith that earns righteousness is far more difficult for most leaders or organizations to manage, than the finances that accomplish temporal and earthly means.
Most people are greatly welcomed, warmed, and appreciated when they speak with our pocket book to support financial needs; however, when stepping forth in faith/righteousness that exceeds the 'norm' of religion, they generally have upset those operating in the 'norm' of religion. Money talks, and faith walks in some circles of religion. The unwavering faith of Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, Silas, Stephen, John, and many others threatened religion and caused unrest among the organized ministry. Peter and John said it best to the beggar asking for money; "Silver and gold have I none, but what we have we give to you ... in the name of Jesus rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6) Peter exercised an offering in faith/ righteousness, and God met the need. |
|
Summary |
We trust this bulletin has helped you see the reality that both tithes and offerings are needed to please God, and advance the kingdom on earth. The tithes can indeed advance the work of God on earth, but your offerings of faith must exceed the righteousness of the religious folks. Are you bringing offerings in righteousness, or are you bringing offerings of money? The store-house, church, ministry, family, or organization that operates only in money will find that they are powerless and always in need of more money, simply because it operates without faith which earns God's righteousness.
May each leader, minister, and individual complete a visual balance sheet to see if their faith which earns righteousness is as measureable as their financial contributions. Remember, the only way to please God is through Faith!
We live in a day where money may be scarce, but faith is even more scarce! The difference is that Faith is produced free of charge, requires no extra work, and has a bigger pay-back than money can ever buy. May we all pray, seek and ask ourselves how we can demonstrate our faith in a God who has all things under His control.
Please pray for understanding why Jesus would ask the following question in Luke 18:8 "...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" Christ's Love,
|
|
|
|
|
