Kingdom Matters Part 2: Understanding Giving as Stewardship

In the realm of our spiritual journey, the act of giving holds a profound significance. It’s a concept deeply embedded in the Bible and established throughout scripture. The very fact that God so loved the world that He gave His son as a living sacrifice is a demonstration of the very nature of God. 

Let’s delve into the wisdom contained in 2 Corinthians 9 that sheds light on the essence of giving: 

“Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].”

2 Corinthians 9:7 (AMPC)

Most New Testament believers suggest this verse is a verse that means we are no longer under the law and are free to give as and when led by the spirit, yet this verse offers us a rich tapestry of insights into the nature of giving and stewardship. Let’s break it down:

“As he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart.”

This implies that giving should be predetermined, a decision made before the act of giving itself. As a Church, we predetermine our partnerships and seeds to sow each year and month ahead of time. As believers, we should have a clear plan for giving.

“Not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion.”

Giving should not be driven by feelings of reluctance, sorrow, or compulsion. It is not about adhering to a law, yielding to guilt, or feeling condemned.

“What was the context: Spirit Led or Self Predetermined?”

The act of giving in this context was not about the Holy Spirit’s guidance but rather a predetermined partnership decision and a heart filled with grace. This is not to say that the Holy Spirit will not prompt or guide you in your giving. However, that was not the main concept in the above scripture.

In 2 Corinthians 9:1-5, this passage clarifies the commitment to generosity and sowing seeds for a bountiful harvest. Paul’s words in these verses emphasise the readiness and zeal of the Corinthians in their generosity. It highlights the importance of preparedness in giving.

“Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; or I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago, and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

“Under the New Covenant, the Spirit leads us into voluntary and joyful giving through a revelation of Kingdom principles and partnership rather than ceremonial obligation.” – Shaun Smit.

Key #1:

Stewardship is about the responsible management of resources rather than the illusion of ownership. In 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, we recognise that God is the ultimate provider, offering the seed for sowing and the bread for sustenance. It is our responsibility to steward and identify which is which. Understanding this dynamic leads to a multiplication of blessings and fosters a sense of gratitude and thanksgiving towards God for those on the receiving end. The parable of talents found in Matthew 25:14-29 vividly illustrates the essence of stewardship, highlighting the imperative to multiply the resources entrusted to us.

“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

Matthew 25:29 NLT

Key #2: 

Stewardship is synonymous with generosity and partnership within God’s socio-economic system. When it comes forth from a sincere heart and rooted in faith, generosity aligns with divine principles, activating the law of increase. It’s essential to recognise the pivotal role of the local church in fulfilling the Great Commission and providing care and support to its community and outreaches locally and globally.

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NKJV

Key #3: 

Stewardship entails serving the Lord rather than being enslaved by Mammon, symbolising worldly wealth, fear and greed. 

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other,  or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” – Luke 16:10-16 NKJV

It’s an acknowledgment that we cannot simultaneously devote ourselves to God and the pursuit of material gain or greed of holding on unless obtained through the Kingdom’s methods. To serve God involves unwavering faithfulness and trust. Ultimately, money stewardship transcends mere financial management; it’s a matter of the heart, reflecting our priorities and values in alignment with God’s divine economy.

Rabbi Kimchi, quoted by Dr. Lightfoot, says, 

“This world is a house; heaven the roof; the stars the lights;  the earth, with its fruits, a table spread; the Master of the house  is the holy and blessed God; man is the steward, into whose hands the goods of this house are delivered; if he behave himself well,  he shall find favour in the eyes of his Lord; if not, he shall be turned out of his stewardship.” 

Tithing and generosity disrupt:

• The influence of the Spirit of Mammon

• The worship of idols, and

• The grip of fear (as cautioned in Matthew 6:33 – “Do not worry”).

Tithing and generosity foster:

• A dedicated servanthood to God,

• Responsible stewardship of Kingdom resources,

• A meaningful partnership with the Kingdom of God, and Acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord over the realm of finances.

In essence, Kingdom stewardship of finances and resources is an invitation to align with God’s economy, moving from self-centredness to God-centredness. 

It’s a shift from reluctance and compulsion to joyous and purposeful giving. Giving isn’t merely an act; it’s a way to participate in God’s abundance and advance His Kingdom. Understanding giving as stewardship is embracing the divine responsibility to multiply what we’ve been entrusted with for the glory of God and the betterment of our world.