Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
Sincerity, not Profit
We at times shy away from this topic because some preachers have blown this out of proportion. Yet the very existence of these counterfeit “gospel peddlers” proves to us that there is genuine stewardship – if there is a fake, it is only because an authentic exists. Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:17 says that we are not like many who peddle the word of God for profit. Instead, we speak in Christ, before God, with sincerity!
We do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, we speak:
- In Christ
- Before God
- With sincerity
Honor the LORD with Your Wealth
Proverbs 3:9-10 urges us: 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
God reveals our identity in Him as sons. Sons honor their father. Malachi 1:6 questions, “If I am a father, where is My honor?” One significant way we honor God, as Proverbs 3:9 highlights, is through our wealth. Our giving should flow from a place of sonship and honor. God values the heart of the giver, exemplified by the widow’s faith-filled offering. Giving must be done willingly, as noted in Exodus 25.
How Not to Give
According to 2 Corinthians 9, God does not desire grudging or compulsory giving. He loves cheerful givers, motivated by gratitude, understanding God gives power to generate wealth. Cheerful giving reflects trust in God’s providence, assuring sufficiency and abundance for every good work.
The Context: Faith-Filled Giving
Proverbs 3:5-8 instructs us: 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This brings health and nourishment.
Faith underpins our financial giving, trusting completely in God’s providence. Abel’s sacrifice was excellent because it was faith-based (Hebrews 11:4).
Then Your Barns Will Overflow
There is abundance for faithful stewards. However, motivation matters; giving solely for receiving blessings is incorrect. Genuine giving is driven by love and honor, naturally leading to reciprocal blessings, analogous to loving actions in marriage. Proverbs 21:27 warns against offerings with wicked intent. God values the giver’s heart over the gift itself, emphasizing giving as honor, not necessity.
The Accurate Order of Giving
2 Corinthians 8 commends the Macedonian churches for their generous, sacrificial giving. Paul outlines the accurate order:
- First, to the Lord: Genuine giving begins with a personal surrender to God. Our giving flows from our identity as sons, accepted by God, and free from evil intent or selfish motives.
- Commitment to the Local Church: True stewardship includes commitment to the local church under genuine leadership. This positions believers accurately within the body of Christ.
May we grow in accurate financial stewardship, manifesting as sons of God.
