GOSPEL-DRIVEN GIVING

RiseCity.Church

GOSPEL-DRIVEN GIVING

Gospel-driven giving, often referred to as tithing, is a concept deeply rooted in Christian teachings and is seen as an act of worship, obedience, and stewardship. Let's break down this concept and its significance within Christianity and the Church.

Biblical Foundation: The practice of tithing finds its origins in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In these passages, God commands the Israelites to give a tenth of their produce, livestock, and income to support the Levites, who were dedicated to serving in the Tabernacle or Temple, and to help the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Leviticus 27:30-33).

New Testament Principles: While the New Testament doesn't explicitly command Christians to tithe, it reaffirms principles of giving generously and sacrificially. Jesus commends the practice of tithing but also emphasizes the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). He encourages giving with a cheerful heart, without seeking recognition or reward (Matthew 6:1-4). Additionally, the apostle Paul instructs believers to give generously, not reluctantly or under compulsion, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Act of Worship and Obedience: For Christians, giving is not merely a financial transaction but an expression of worship and obedience to God. By giving back a portion of what He has blessed us with, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives and resources. It reflects our trust in His provision and our desire to honor Him with our finances (Proverbs 3:9-10).

Stewardship: The concept of stewardship underscores the idea that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. We are entrusted with resources—whether it's money, time, talents, or possessions—and are called to manage them wisely for God's glory and the benefit of others (Luke 16:10-12, 1 Peter 4:10). Tithing is one way to exercise faithful stewardship by allocating a portion of our income for the advancement of God's kingdom and the support of His work on earth.

Supporting the Church and Ministry: Tithing plays a crucial role in sustaining the work of the Church and supporting ministry initiatives. It enables the Church to carry out its mission of proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing believers, caring for the marginalized, and meeting the needs of the community (Malachi 3:10). Through faithful giving, believers participate in God's work of transforming lives and spreading His love to the world.

In summary, gospel-driven giving, or tithing, is deeply rooted in Christian faith and practice. It is a spiritual discipline that involves worshiping God with our finances, obeying His commands, practicing stewardship, and supporting the work of the Church and ministry. Through generous and cheerful giving, Christians demonstrate their commitment to God's kingdom and participate in His redemptive work in the world.

GOSPEL-DRIVEN SERVING

Understanding gospel-driven serving and service in Christianity is essential for believers seeking to live out their faith authentically. Here's an explanation of these concepts, supported by relevant Scripture: Example of Jesus: Jesus Christ Himself set the ultimate example of service. In Mark 10:45, Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." His entire life was characterized by selfless service, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross for the salvation of humanity. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example by serving others with humility and love. Call to Service: Throughout the New Testament, believers are called to serve one another and the broader community. In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Service is not optional but a fundamental aspect of living out our faith. It is an expression of our love for God and our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Gifts and Talents: Each believer is uniquely gifted by God for the purpose of serving others and building up the body of Christ, the Church. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, Peter writes, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." Whether it's through teaching, serving, hospitality, or any other gift, we are called to use our talents for the benefit of others and for God's glory. Servant Leadership: In Christian leadership, the model of servant leadership exemplified by Jesus is upheld. Jesus taught His disciples, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28). Christian leaders are called to lead by example, humbly serving those under their care and stewardship. Impact on Community: Gospel-driven service extends beyond the walls of the church and into the community. James emphasizes the importance of putting faith into action through acts of service and compassion: "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:15-17). Serving others tangibly demonstrates the love of Christ and has the power to transform lives and communities. In summary, gospel-driven serving and service in Christianity are rooted in the example of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the New Testament. It involves humbly using our gifts and talents to serve others, both within the church community and in the broader world, for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

GOSPEL-DRIVEN WORSHIP

Understanding gospel-driven worship in Christianity is fundamentally centered on Jesus Christ as the focal point of our devotion, regardless of the context or setting. Here's an explanation emphasizing Jesus as the focus of worship, supported by relevant Scripture: Jesus as the Center of Worship: Gospel-driven worship places Jesus Christ at the forefront of our adoration, praise, and reverence. He is the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), the one through whom we have access to God the Father (John 14:6). In every aspect of worship—whether in song, prayer, preaching, or sacraments—Jesus is exalted as Lord and Savior. Worship in Spirit and Truth: Jesus teaches that true worshipers worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). This means that our worship is not merely outward rituals or traditions but flows from a sincere heart surrendered to God's will. It involves genuine devotion, authenticity, and a desire to honor Jesus in all aspects of our lives. Sacrifice of Praise: In the New Testament, believers are urged to offer sacrifices of praise to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:15). Our worship is an acknowledgment of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, where He offered Himself as the perfect atonement for our sins (Hebrews 9:14). As recipients of God's grace and mercy through Jesus, we respond with gratitude and worship Him with our whole being. Glorifying Jesus in All Things: Gospel-driven worship extends beyond formal gatherings in churches to encompass every aspect of our lives. Whether we eat, drink, work, or serve others, we do everything for the glory of God through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17). Our daily activities become acts of worship when done with a heart surrendered to Jesus and a desire to honor Him in all things. Living Sacrifices: The apostle Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is their true and proper worship (Romans 12:1). This involves offering our lives—our thoughts, words, and actions—as a continual sacrifice of worship to Jesus. As we live out our faith in obedience to Him, our entire lives become a testimony to His glory and grace. In summary, gospel-driven worship in Christianity revolves around Jesus Christ as the focal point of our adoration, praise, and devotion. It is characterized by a heart surrendered to Him, genuine authenticity, and a desire to honor Him in all things. Whether in formal gatherings or daily activities, our worship is a reflection of His worthiness, grace, and lordship in our lives.

GOSPEL-DRIVEN COMMUNITY

Understanding gospel-driven community and relationships is essential for believers seeking to live out your faith authentically. Here's an explanation of these concepts, supported by relevant Scripture: Biblical Foundation: The concept of community and relationships is deeply rooted in the Bible. In the Old Testament, God establishes the importance of community through the covenantal relationships with His people, such as the covenant with Abraham and the covenant at Mount Sinai (Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 19-20). In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love and unity among believers, declaring that the greatest commandments are to love God and love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-40). Gospel-Centered Relationships: Gospel-driven community is characterized by relationships centered on the Gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Believers are united by their shared faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, regardless of differences in background, ethnicity, or social status (Galatians 3:28). The Gospel transforms individual lives and forms a new community where grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation are central (Ephesians 2:13-22). Fellowship and Communion: In the early Church, believers devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread together, and praying with one another (Acts 2:42-47). This communal life reflects the unity and mutual support found in gospel-driven community. Through fellowship, believers encourage and edify one another, bearing each other's burdens, and sharing in both joys and sorrows (Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Accountability and Discipleship: Gospel-driven community fosters accountability and discipleship among believers. Christians are called to encourage one another in faith, to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, and to hold each other accountable in living out the teachings of Jesus (Hebrews 10:24-25, Matthew 28:19-20). This involves walking alongside one another, offering guidance and support, and helping each other grow in spiritual maturity. Mission and Outreach: Gospel-driven community extends beyond the walls of the Church, engaging in mission and outreach to share the love of Christ with others. Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). Together, believers work to fulfill this Great Commission, proclaiming the Gospel and demonstrating God's love through acts of service, evangelism, and compassion (Acts 1:8). In summary, gospel-driven community and relationships are foundational aspects of Christianity and the Church. Rooted in the Gospel, they embody love, unity, fellowship, accountability, discipleship, and mission. By living in authentic community and nurturing gospel-centered relationships, believers reflect the transformative power of Christ and participate in God's redemptive work in the world.