Sermon for 11/04/07

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Sermon for 11/04/07
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LIVING IS GIVING: So What’s With This “Tithing Thing?”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, AMEN

Main Theme: What God KNOWS and we do not, is that LIVING (real living) IS GIVING! Both the past and the future, (before the fall in the Garden of Eden, and in the future in Heaven), are defined by a lack of selfishness, and we will lovingly be focused on loving God and others! But while we are broken people living in a broken world, we must learn to give up self and pour ourselves out for others – as is God’s will. When we give freely, regularly, and generously we demonstrate faith in God’s care, and trust in His wisdom. Though we are not bound any longer buy the Old Testament law, tithing still stands as a landmark – indicating a growing and trusting faith in God. We’ll search through some FAQ’s about tithing (not an eternal law) – but our focus is based on God’s eternal law – that Giving is Living!

1) TITHING? You don’t hear a lot from Lutheran pulpits about the subject of “Tithing.” What you will hear about constantly is the idea that we are “Saved by Grace!” So, let me ask this of you long term Lutherans, “Does anyone here think tithing has anything to do with gaining salvation?” Of course not! We’re saved by Christ’s grace and faithfulness on the cross, not by anything we do! Tithing has nothing to do with our salvation! Period! But sometimes too much silence on a subject like tithing can leave us with questions or assumptions that can confuse us in our attempt to become faithful disciples. My prayer today is that God’s Word will open your eyes first to a far larger principle of God – a life-giving principle - an eternal law! I’m talking about the eternal law that says “Living is giving!”

2) ETERNAL LAW! Now some may wonder, “But Pastor, wasn’t ‘tithing’ a part of God’s law?” There is no doubt that tithing existed in the Old Testament – and yes, it was a part of the law of Israel. Everyone was to bring 10% of their increase to the Lord! But the tithe was a time related tool – not an eternal law! The tithe pointed to an eternal law! What do I mean by eternal law? Well, it is a principal that existed before time began, and will exist after this world has long disappeared! It is a principal that tells us about the very nature and character of God! Let me explain by asking you this: 1) Before the fall in the Garden of Eden, did Adam and Eve have to give 10% of everything they received to God? (Pause) Of course not! Adam and Eve understood that everything was God’s! Before becoming sinners – were Adam and Eve worried about having enough resources? No! They loved and trusted in God to care for them! And was Adam’s and Eve’s focus on themselves? Hardly! They spent their day worshipping God, caring for one another, and taking care of the animals and the rest of creation! Before the fall, we lived according to God’s will – and we accepted His eternal law: living was all about giving! Pouring yourself out for God, others, and the rest of creation! While God’s eternal law was lived out, there was no need for or discussion about tithing!

3) HEAVEN! Now let’s leap into the future - and enter the gates of heaven. There we are made perfect – as God intended us to be. Will we remain self-centered? No! Our focus will be on God! Worshipping Him perfectly and lovingly 24/7 in all we say and do. And… loving one another selflessly, pouring ourselves out for one another! It will be… well, heaven! So I ask you, 2) Will heaven require us to give 10% of everything we receive to God? Of course not – in heaven everything is God’s! And without sin messing everything up, we will faithfully rejoice - trusting that God will provide for all our needs! And eternally we’ll experience God’s truth that proclaims: Living is Giving! But there will be no “tithing” in heaven!

4) LIVING IS GIVING! So, if tithing did not exist before the fall, and will not exist in heaven, then any “law” about tithing must obviously be short-term and time-related; NOT an eternal law! The first Old Testament offerings were sacrifices of herd and crops. Sacrifices demonstrated to God where their priorities were! And when presented with obedient, thankful, and loving hearts, God smiled! When given reluctantly, or not at all, God was saddened and sometimes rightly angered at His self-centered children. Obviously they cared more about their possessions and self than Him! This tithing law was given to Abraham and others, hoping to move God’s people to embrace a greater eternal law: Living is Giving! And tithing was instituted to help them experience the joy that comes from pouring yourself out for God and others! The gift of 10% was not the focus, the tithe was simply the physical and visible evidence of a spiritual and invisible love – reflecting human hearts beating as one with God’s own heart! So tithing was not an “eternal law”, but a temporary law that pointed to an eternal law – that Living is Giving!

5) LAW! Remember; the Old Testament law was given to 1) inform us of God’s will, 2) open our eyes to our sinful ways, (Romans 3 tells us, vs. 20, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”) and 3) prepare us for what came next: the gift of God’s grace and mercy as seen in Christ’s death and resurrection! Verse 21 says “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.” And what happens to the law after that? Are we bound to it? No! Galatians 3:24-25 says “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” And Romans 3:28 tells us “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” Later in 4:16 Paul says “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” And in 7:6 we read “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” You and I have been released from the law that says we must tithe.

6) STANDARD! Now having said that, we have NOT been released from God’s eternal principal that says “Living is giving!” It just means that throughout time God has changed the standard for that giving. For instance, the reason that our altar this morning isn’t covered in blood and flies, is that we no longer are required to sacrifice animals in order to worship God! Beginning with Cain and Able, humanity gave blood sacrifices to God in an attempt to fulfill God’s will. The Lord’s desire for us to be givers has never changed, but the standard has. Later “tithing” became the standard for giving, still designed to open the hearts of the people to God’s will - that “Living is giving!” Unfortunately, we sinners often perverted the “gift of love” into a way of justifying ourselves, so as to earn our own salvation. Our sin prevented the law from creating giving hearts. While some brought their tithes to God from the heart, others did so out of religious duty and self-justification. Some just stopped bringing “the tithe” altogether. God has never stopped declaring that “Living is giving”, but the standard for doing so has changed, from animal sacrifice, to 10 percent giving of everything received, and now to something new…

7) THE SPIRIT! What is that something new? The Spirit living in us! Paul told the Galatians, (5:18) “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.” Through Christ, God is providing us with something internal that can change within us what we cannot – Himself! The external law did not change the heart to become more Holy, but the Holy Spirit dwelling in us can! Freed from the law, the Apostle Paul now saw the awesome grace that allowed Him to (Philippians 3:9) “…be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” We discover that “Living is Giving” as He abides in us! The more the Spirit persuades us to surrender to His control, (to reign supreme in our lives), the more we trust Him to transform our hearts so that “Self” decreases as He increases within us… and we become more and more Christ-like! Because “giving” is the nature of God, it becomes our nature too! …when we are led by the Spirit!

8) LED BY? Are you led by the Spirit? Do you understand and seek God’s “giving nature” as your own? Jesus only has to look into your soul to see the answer instantly. The rest of us might be able to get an indication as to the extent the Holy Spirit lives within us, through observing one another’s giving. In terms of our time, talent, and treasures, careful observation can indicate where our priorities are. One bible scholar said, “Give me ten minutes with your checkbook or calendar and I can generally tell the extent to which the Spirit is leading you.” His blunt statement is not a “mystery” to us, because we are only too aware that greed also lives within us, and there is a constant battle going on between selfish desires, and the Spirit. There is always a war going on within us between the “fear” of scarcity, and the “faith” that says God’s promise to provide for our needs is to be trusted. The “hoarder” within us wants to selfishly gather in and store away money and material goods, while the Spirit calls us to free the soul by selflessly meeting the needs of a neighbor in crisis. How regularly we give, how generously we give, and how joyfully we give, indicates whether we are led by the Spirit.

9) TEST TO TRUST! Now does that mean “tithing” no longer has any place in a Christian’s life? We are certainly not bound by it, but what is it about the percentage 10% that caused God to choose it in the first place? Why not 5%, or 15%? It’s simple really. Anyone who has ever become a tither can witness to this; Tithing is a “bench mark”, a “guide post”, that when reached – indicates that you have matured in your faith to the extent that you now truly trust in God’s promises to provide! Anyone can give 1, 2, or 3% of their giving; but it makes very little impact on our lives. (Sadly, it makes very little impact on anyone else’s life either!) It indicates a desire to want to trust God, but the hurdle to do so still remains in front of us. There is not true trust given at this point yet; we’re still “testing the water” so to speak. And there is certainly nothing wrong with testing the waters. God insists on it. In Malachi, (3:10), the Lord is coaxing His people to trust His promise (that “Living is Giving!”) by saying “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.” God knows that if a person grows to give 10% without reservation or hesitation – they have come to truly trust Him, and He is free to bestow upon them blessings upon blessings.

10) TRUST OR TEMPTATIONS! It’s like a large lake in winter with ice over it; thick near the edges, and dangerously thin the further you go out. Imagine someone evil scattering candy all over the surface, and a father looking out of his window, horrified to discover his children out on the lake gathering it up. Running to the lake’s edge, he calls for his children to come to him! As the ice cracks beneath their feet, they are absorbed with collecting the sugary delights. It is not that the children are unaware of their father’s presence, but they are self absorbed with getting their fair share of the treasure! As he calls to them, he realizes that their ability to walk away from the sugary temptations to safety will rest on their trust in their father’s word. He promises if they come to him he will provide something better! Those who love their father more than the temporary pleasure the candy offers, will listen to his call, and walk towards him, and the safety of the solid ground he is standing upon. There comes a point in their journey, when the father breathes easier, and begins to rejoice, because the child’s trust in Him has led them to reach the thick ice and safety. They have demonstrated their trust in him by abandoning their treasure hunt and obediently walking towards his open arms! The relationship is indeed, more important than the dangerous temptations.

11) HE/HIS/HIM! So it is with tithing. It is one indicating point in our spiritual growth where our new commitment to giving proves we trust in God’s promises rather than in the lure of the world’s temptations. Tithing is an indicator that we have reached solid spiritual ground, and have grown from just listening to His voice from a distance, to joining Him where He is. We have now grasped His hand, and are following Him wherever He would lead us. (Now, if you’re homeless, or married to a non-Christian who will not condone tithing – God understands; and there is still “time” and “talent” available to give.) But for those in Christian homes blessed with financial resources, tithing is one additional indication that we have placed our relationship with Him OVER anything else around us! We trust in Him, not things, not money, not worldly temptations! He is number one! His Spirit so lives within us now, that His will dominates our life! And His will is that we “Live to Give!”

12) NOT THE SAME! Let me ask, are some of you still out on thin ice? In chasing worldly treasures, do you keep finding yourself breaking through the ice. So many in the church wonder why, if they believe in God, does the icy cold brokenness of the world never let them catch their breath! And yet, while He calls to them from the shore, they merely wave at Him from a distance and continue to collect the world’s candy! Believing that God exists is not the same as trusting in and worshipping God as a committed and faithful follower! Saying His name out loud on occasion, or coming to His house once a week, is not the same as letting Him come live within you! You’ll find that the thick ice, the solid ground is where God is! Is He in your heart? Believing God exists, is not the same as trusting in Him! God is promising that true life, a life filled with inner peace, joy, and contentment comes from allowing the Spirit to fill you, and guide you towards a life of giving.

13) BLESSINGS! To HEAR that “Living is Giving” is not the same as actually doing it! If Jesus is truly growing within us, we can’t just “talk the talk”, we have to “walk the walk!” It’s true, there is no law requiring any child of God to tithe! But tithing is an indication, a guidepost, that demonstrates that the Holy Spirit has led us to solid ground! Try it. Test it to see if it's true or not. Everyone who tithes keeps tithing because they know it works. The Bible says to test God, tithe, and see if he doesn’t pour blessings upon you. Some people think, "If I tithe, I'll get lots of money." Ehhhh…wrong, but thanks for playing! Scripture says that God will pour blessings upon you! And tithers KNOW what that means. Fear is replaced with faith! Worries melt away as trust in Christ increases! And the joy that giving brings, will fill and change your life! And these blessings will bless others as well!

14) GROSS OR NET? Let’s address a couple of Frequently Asked Questions: 1) Question: "Should we tithe off our gross or net income?" First, the fact that the question is asked, means we are still hung up on legalistic concerns and missed the whole point of the message! The bible never addressed this issue – and neither will we! Why? Because, led by the Spirit, we are simply called to give generously, regularly, and joyfully! The tithe is but a “starting point”! Why do I say that? Because God’s true goal is that we discover that everything we are and have is to be given to Him - according to His will. Don’t fret about gross or net income figures – be led by the spirit and give joyfully as He leads you!

15) CHURCH/OUTSIDE? Question two: 2) "Does all our giving (or tithe) have to go to our church or can part of it go to outside ministries?" Answer: The Bible simply tells us to give to the Lord. Yes, most definitely we should be giving to the church we attend, serve at, and worship in! It is our primary ministry. You and I made a pledge to support All Saints’ family and ministry when we joined! Still, if a Christian believes the Lord is leading them to give, say…12%, does that entire 12% have to go to the church, or can it be split between the church and other Christian purposes? Well what does the bible teach? We are not legally required to do anything! We let the Spirit lead us! The bible simply instructs believers in Christ to give generously, cheerfully, and regularly. There is no Biblical formula for how to split giving between a church and say… outside ministries.

16) EVERYONE? But I do teach my confirmands that there are 6 questions to ask if you are trying to decide if something is right or wrong, and one of those questions is “What would it be like if everyone did what you want to do?” In this case, let’s say you’re at 12% giving and you choose to only give 3% to your local church family? What would it be like if everyone at All Saints’ did the same? Well, we’d have to shut down. That’s why Charlotte and I, (while we have no legal requirement to do so), choose to give a minimum of 10% to All Saints’, and the rest to wherever the Spirit moves us! Because if everyone did the same, this congregation would more than thrive; having so much excess we’d joyfully be making a Christ-like impact on our community that would change the lives of so many! Let the Spirit lead you – but ask yourself, “What would it be like if everyone did what you want to do?” Each and every believer should pray to God for wisdom in regards to how much and to whom God would have them make their offerings.

17) LIVING IS GIVING! Friends, Christ wants you to live! He sends His Spirit to dwell within you now, knowing that “Living is Giving!” It’s the opposite of what the world teaches, and so He offers the gift of faith - that we may trust, believe and act upon His will! He promises; the more you give, the more you will live! Tithing is merely a benchmark that indicates a deepening faith walk with Christ! “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.” Receive the Spirit, (who longs to free you from your fears), that your heart may beat to the rhythm of God’s heart – and that everything you say and do may demonstrate a divine belief that “Living is giving!” Praise God! AMEN!

Sermon/Confessional Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that we seem more absorbed with gathering in and hoarding than we do with giving. We hold secret fears that somehow we may not get our fair share of the world’s treasures. Truth is Lord, we don’t trust you to provide for all our needs. Forgive us! And release your Spirit in our hearts to provide what is missing; faith and trust in you!

Lord, we’d like to believe that we do not stand upon the thin ice of greed, but it is not true! We continue to hunt for and gather in worldly treasures instead of trusting in your voice and walking toward the safety of your arms and a lifestyle of joyful giving! Draw us closer to you this day, and guide us towards the spiritual blessings that come to those who give as Christ gave to us!

And now Lord, although you know us better than we know ourselves, listen as we share in a moment of silence, those other parts of our lives that need to be forgiven, washed clean, healed, and recommitted to you! (made anew.)

(Silence)

Lord, thank you for helping us see that nothing we are or have is truly ours – but are gifts from you! Thank you for removing us from the bondage of the law, and setting us free in grace! Show us how to give – not because we have to, but as faithful and loving responses to your unconditional and eternal love! AMEN

Assurance of Forgiveness:

Friends, listen to the good news: The Lord, who declares that “living is giving”, …that Lord has mercifully heard your confession and eagerly forgives you all your sins. Go now, and open your hearts to the Spirit of God – giving regularly, generously, and joyfully, as Christ has given to you! Give and live! And… Praise God! AMEN

Opening prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we come this morning from a world that is absorbed with gathering in, collecting, hoarding, and counting our treasures! And yes, admittedly we have been swept up in it at times… But the blessings we truly seek – inner peace, contentment, and true joy – are never found in what the world promises. But here, in this Holy Place, we find what we hunger and thirst for! Here, in your arms we find the blessings that make our hearts rejoice! You give, so freely, what we need: healing when we are physically, spiritually, or emotionally wounded; forgiveness when burdened by our sins; wisdom when we need guidance; comfort and assurance when we are confused, lost, or grieving; faith when fears overwhelm us; hope when all seems lost! But most of all, you give us unconditional love, and we come now to swim in it, be drenched in it, to stand with open arms as you pour it freely and generously upon us! For these divine blessings we worship you, praise your name, and sing with thankful hearts! Teach us now to give as your Son has given to us! It is in His name we pray, AMEN!

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