This is lesson 1 of several lessons on “The Bible, The Christian, and Finances.” I trust you will be helped and inspired in the area of finances.

UNTHINK Money, Part I

Kentucky Fried Chicken has recently come out with a new process of cooking chicken. They call it “Kentucky Grilled Chicken” and their advertisements plainly declare that KFC wants us to UNThink chicken. They want us to rethink the recipe of eleven herbs and spices fried in tasty grease! The famous chicken restaurant was founded by Colonel Harland Saunders born 119 years ago (1890). KFC is spending millions of dollars to get us to UNTHINK chicken. It must be important to them!

As we begin our study on “The Bible, The Christian and Finances” it will be necessary for all of us to unthink money.

We all have been taught a philosophy about money from this world’s perspective. We are going to have to “unlearn” a lot about finances, if we are to be Christians honoring to the Lord. It needs to be understood by all that the Bible, God’s Word, is the final authority in this study concerning finances.

The following Bible truths about money will help us as we lay a foundation for our study:

Money is not evil. Just last week I overheard a man make the statement that “Money is the root of all evil”. Of course, we know this is not true. The Bible, in I Timothy 6:10 says, “The love of money is the root of all evil”. There’s a big difference in these two statements. To love money is a wicked sin within itself. To love money will bring forth the “root” of evil! Many think all rich people love money, and of course many do; however, one can love money and have very little of it! We must realize that money is neutral, that is, it is not immoral nor does it have moral value. It is the attitude toward money and the use of money that is displeasing and sin unto the Lord.

As Christians, we may need to UNTHINK our attitude toward money. No where in the Bible do we find it is wrong to posses money, only if it is acquired in a wrong manner. Study I Timothy 6:6-12 to begin to develop a Biblical attitude toward money!

Paul taught the Corinthian Church about this important matter of giving. Paul urged the Christians “see that ye abound in this grace also” (II. Cor. 8:7.) Paul was on his third missionary journey and was collecting offerings for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He was urging the Christians at Corinth to have the same giving grace as others in Macedonia.

Let’s look at some of the qualities that were included in the “Grace Giving” of the Macedonian Christians.

1. Grace giving takes place even in difficult times. The
working of God’s grace made it possible for these Christians to give
“in a great trial of affliction” (v. 2.) These folks were going through a rough time. Note it wasn’t just an affliction, but “a great trial of affliction.”

They also gave during “deep poverty.” These folks found a way to give when they were “flat broke”! God always provides when we allow His grace to work in us! Warren Wiersbe says, “Grace giving means giving in spite of circumstances.”

2. Grace giving always gives willingly (v 3 & 12.)
These example Christians first gave themselves to the Lord (v. 5.) A willing mind (v. 12) and a willing heart result from offering first ourselves to our Saviour. When we offer ourselves to Him - it frees us from ourselves! These Christians needed no “begging” or “coercing” from Paul, they were more than willing!

3. Grace giving is giving cheerfully (II Cor. 9:7.) Grace
giving is not only willingly, it is also cheerfully! The key is
“not grudgingly.” The willing heart produces a cheerful heart. In this verse we see something about God that we see elsewhere. We see that “God loveth a cheerful giver”. Notice it is our attitude (cheerful) that God loves! God loves it when we give with enthusiasm. These Christians were pleading with Paul to allow them to be included in the giving (8:4). They “prayed us” means they were pleading with Paul.

4. Grace giving proves the sincerity of our love for the
Lord (II Cor. 8:8.) God is interested in our words “I love you, Lord” and He is also interested in our actions. Our actions prove our words! Our grace giving proves to the Lord the sincerity of our love for Him.

5. Grace giving is giving like Jesus gave (8:9.) Though
Jesus was rich in heaven He became poor, according to this verse (that ye through His poverty might be rich.)

Jesus gave Himself sacrificially. He gave Himself for the sacrifice of all man’s sin. When we practice grace giving we will be called upon sometime for a sacrificial gift. That is giving until it hurts. It means doing without so you can give.

The entire “grace giving” teaching is summed up in the last verse of II Corinthians 9, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

When we are truly thankful for God’s gift of His Son, we can enjoy the blessings of grace giving because “It is more blessed to give than receive.”