Foundations | Essential Practicing for a Growing Christian Life | Session 4
Giving is about much more than money. It is about stewardship, worship, trust, and ultimately, the condition of our hearts.
Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). The way we handle what God has entrusted to us reveals something about what we value—and whom we trust.
So what does biblical Kingdom giving look like?
God Established a Pattern for Giving
Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent pattern of God’s people giving back to Him.
The principle of the tithe—giving a tenth—appears even before the Law of Moses. Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek in Genesis 14:19–20, and Jacob committed to give a tenth to the Lord in Genesis 28:20–22.
Under the Law, the tithe became an established part of Israel’s worship. It was considered holy to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30), supported those who served in ministry (Numbers 18:21–24), sustained worship, and helped provide for those in need (Deuteronomy 14:22–29).
When God’s people experienced seasons of spiritual renewal, their giving was affected as well. In both 2 Chronicles 31 and Nehemiah 10, renewed devotion to God included renewed faithfulness in giving.
But the tithe was not the only way God’s people gave.
Scripture also describes freewill offerings—voluntary gifts given above regular giving for particular needs and purposes. In Exodus 35, the Israelites willingly brought offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. Their hearts moved them to participate in what God was doing.
Together, these establish a pattern: regular, faithful giving alongside special, voluntary generosity.
We still see a similar pattern today. Regular giving supports the ongoing ministry and mission of the local church, while special offerings allow us to respond generously to missions, ministry opportunities, capital needs, and other Kingdom purposes.
Putting Kingdom Giving Into Practice
The question then becomes personal: How should I handle the resources God has entrusted to me?
The New Testament teaches us to give intentionally and generously. Giving should not simply be whatever happens to be left over. It should be personal, planned, proportional, and practical.
Jesus warned us not to build our lives around earthly treasure:
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” — Matthew 6:20
For many believers, the biblical pattern of the tithe provides a practical starting point: intentionally giving 10 percent of our income to the Lord through the local church. Beyond that, we can prayerfully participate in special opportunities such as missions offerings, ministry projects, capital campaigns, and supporting those who are taking the Gospel to others.
The goal, however, isn’t merely reaching a percentage.
The goal is faithfulness.
Giving teaches us to put God first. It loosens the grip that greed, ambition, and selfishness can have on our hearts. It reminds us that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God and that we are stewards rather than owners.
And when we give, we have an opportunity to trust Him with what remains.
When the Giving Question Becomes a Heart Question
Christians sometimes debate whether the Old Testament tithe is binding on believers today. Some point out that Christians are no longer under the Mosaic Law, while others emphasize that the principle of giving a tenth predates the Law and that Jesus referenced tithing in Matthew 23:23.
But underneath the debate is a question every believer must still answer:
What does my giving reveal about my heart?
Perhaps we believe we cannot afford to give. Perhaps we struggle to trust church leadership. Perhaps God’s Kingdom simply isn’t receiving much priority in our financial decisions. Or perhaps money has become a source of security that we have difficulty surrendering.
Whatever the reason, Jesus forces us to confront the deeper issue:
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” — Matthew 6:24
Money makes a terrible master, but it can become a powerful tool when surrendered to God.
That is why giving is ultimately an issue of discipleship.
If He Has You, He Has Everything
George W. Truett once told the story of an offering being collected when a boy who had no money climbed into the offering basket. His message was simple: I don’t have anything else to give, so I give myself.
That picture captures the heart of Kingdom giving.
God is not ultimately after a percentage of us. He wants us.
And when He has our hearts, everything else—including our finances—comes under His lordship.
Our giving records may reveal more about our spiritual lives than we realize. They show what receives our priority, where we look for security, and whether we truly believe God can be trusted with what He has given us.
So rather than simply asking, “How much do I have to give?” perhaps we should ask better questions:
What does my giving say about what I treasure?
Am I faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to me?
Is there a step of obedience or trust that God is asking me to take?
Kingdom giving isn’t simply about funding ministry. It is about forming disciples whose hearts, priorities, and resources are fully surrendered to the King.
