Stuff: How Much Do I Give Away?

Guiding Question
How much do I give—and what does God's way of giving really look like?

Summary

This message by Robert Lewis confronts the often uncomfortable topic of financial giving in the Christian life. Framed with humor and humility, Lewis opens by acknowledging the tension many feel when giving is discussed, especially in a culture steeped in consumerism. Using the metaphor of an oyster forming a pearl from an irritant, he illustrates how embracing the discomfort of generosity can lead to spiritual transformation.

Lewis unpacks the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10 to highlight the grip that "stuff" can have on our hearts. He then guides the congregation through two core questions: "What is God's way of giving?" and "How much should I give?" He offers seven biblical principles of God’s giving way and addresses common objections, cultural challenges, and personal resistance. Finally, he offers a practical, time-bound challenge to try tithing for three months as a faith experiment.

Outline:

1. Opening Illustration – The draw of material possessions and the irritation of giving.

2. Mark 10: The Rich Young Ruler – A man owned by his possessions, unable to accept Jesus’ call.

3. The Oyster Metaphor – Giving as an irritant that can become a pearl through spiritual transformation.

4. Seven Biblical Descriptions of God’s Way of Giving:

   • Voluntary and from the heart

   • Regular and proportional

   • The first check written

   • Begins now, regardless of circumstances

   • Comes with a promised return (in this life and the next)

   • Declares belief in Jesus’ promises

   • Reflects God's character as a giver

5. How Much Should I Give?

   • It's a personal decision, guided by scriptural examples.

   • The tithe (10%) is presented as a historical and spiritual benchmark.

   • Giving above 10% is shown in every specific example in the Bible.

6. Practical Challenge – Try giving 10% for three months and evaluate the spiritual fruit.

7. Closing Prayer and Encouragement – Inviting listeners to experience abundant life through giving.

Key Takeaways

• Giving is always counter to the flesh; it's an irritant that can produce transformation.

• True biblical giving begins from the heart, not from guilt or pressure.

• Regular, proportional, and faith-first giving are part of God’s design for generosity.

• Scripture does not command a tithe in the New Testament but consistently holds up 10% or more as the example.

• Generosity is a declaration of faith and a reflection of God’s character.

• Practical, faith-filled steps like short-term tithing trials can lead to surprising spiritual and material blessings.

Scriptural References

• Mark 10:17–22 – The rich young ruler’s confrontation with Jesus.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “God loves a cheerful giver.”

• 1 Corinthians 16:2 – Regular and proportional giving.

• Proverbs 3:9 – Honor the Lord with the first of your income.

• 2 Corinthians 8:1–3 – The generosity of the Macedonian churches.

• Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you.”

• 1 Timothy 6:18–19 – Laying up treasure for the coming age through generosity.

• Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave…”

• Malachi 3:10 – “Test me now in this… see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven.”

Recorded 5/30/04