The Truth About Giving: A Discipleship Guide on Biblical Generosity
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
PART 1: God’s Heart for Giving
➤ Giving Begins with God
- God is the first giver.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave…” — John 3:16
- Generosity reflects His nature and image.
➤ You Were Created to Be a Giver
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
- Giving isn’t about money—it’s about becoming more like God.
PART 2: Debunking the Lies of Culture and Social Media
Match the numbers below to see what the world says and learn what The Word of God commands.
1. "Church just want your money."
2. "Tithing is Old Testament law, not for today."
3. "God doesn’t need my money."
4. "I’ll give when I have more."
5. "I give in other ways, not financially."
6. "I don’t tithe to the church; I tithe by giving to the poor
2. "Tithing is Old Testament law, not for today."
3. "God doesn’t need my money."
4. "I’ll give when I have more."
5. "I give in other ways, not financially."
6. "I don’t tithe to the church; I tithe by giving to the poor
1. The church is a vehicle, not a thief. Giving is to God, through the church (Malachi 3:10).
2. Tithing predates the Law (Genesis 14:20) and Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 23:23).
3. Correct. But you need to give to break greed and develop trust in Him (Luke 12:15).
4. Generosity isn’t about amount—it’s about the heart. The widow gave 2 coins and was honored (Mark 12:41–44).
5. Financial giving is distinct and required in Scripture (Proverbs 3:9–10, 2 Corinthians 9:6–8).
6. That’s not tithing—that’s almsgiving. The tithe belongs to the house of God (Malachi 3:10). Giving to the poor is biblical, but it is not a
substitute for tithing. Both are distinct and commanded.
2. Tithing predates the Law (Genesis 14:20) and Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 23:23).
3. Correct. But you need to give to break greed and develop trust in Him (Luke 12:15).
4. Generosity isn’t about amount—it’s about the heart. The widow gave 2 coins and was honored (Mark 12:41–44).
5. Financial giving is distinct and required in Scripture (Proverbs 3:9–10, 2 Corinthians 9:6–8).
6. That’s not tithing—that’s almsgiving. The tithe belongs to the house of God (Malachi 3:10). Giving to the poor is biblical, but it is not a
substitute for tithing. Both are distinct and commanded.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse…” — Malachi 3:10
“He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord…” — Proverbs 19:17
Tithing supports God’s house. Almsgiving supports those in need. Both are necessary, but
not interchangeable.
PART 3: What the Bible Says About Tithing Today
➤ Is the Tithe Still Required?
Yes—tithing is a starting point, not a ceiling.
- Pre-law: Abraham tithed before Moses (Genesis 14:20)
- In the law: Commanded under Moses (Leviticus 27:30)
- By Jesus: Affirmed and never canceled (Matthew 23:23)
- Post-resurrection: Grace calls us to do more, not less
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart…” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Tithing teaches:
- Prioritization (“First fruits” – Proverbs 3:9)
- Trust (“Test Me…” – Malachi 3:10)
- Participation (Funding kingdom work – Nehemiah 10:38–39)
PART 4: Giving Is Worship
Giving is more than obligation—it is an act of worship.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” — Proverbs 3:9
“They presented Him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11
In Scripture, worship often included sacrifice and offering. When we give:
To worship without giving is to praise with our lips but not with our lives.
- We acknowledge God’s worthiness
- We express gratitude and reverence
- We lay down what matters to us in honor of Him
To worship without giving is to praise with our lips but not with our lives.
PART 5: The Spirit of Generosity vs. Legalism
Tithing is not a payment for blessings—it’s a faith response and a kingdom principle.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth…” — Proverbs 3:9
New Testament giving is:
- Cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Sacrificial (2 Corinthians 8:2–4)
- Consistent (1 Corinthians 16:2)
- Proportionate (“As he may prosper”)
Don’t just tithe—be generous. The early church sold property to meet needs (Acts 4:32–35).
PART 6: Why Giving Is Spiritual Warfare
Giving:
- Breaks the power of mammon (Matthew 6:24)
- Fights against selfishness and fear
- Aligns your treasure with your heart (Matthew 6:21)
- Builds the house of God and funds ministry expansion
“Bring the whole tithe… and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven…” — Malachi 3:10
PART 7: Reflection Questions
- Do I see giving as a burden or an act of worship?
- What lies about giving have I believed in the past?
- Have I truly tested God in the area of giving?
- Am I growing in generosity, or staying stagnant?
- How can I build a legacy of generosity in my family?
PART 8: Practical Steps for Discipleship
• Start with the tithe (10% of all income)
• Give consistently and cheerfully
• Pray over your giving—make it personal
• Budget to include generosity goals
• Teach your children and family to tithe
• Use giving as a faith builder, not a religious task
• Let your giving be between you and God—but not absent from your life
Closing Charge
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” — 2 Corinthians 9:15
Giving is not a hustle, pressure tactic, or spiritual tax. It’s a holy opportunity to partner with
God and build His kingdom. When you give, you declare war on greed, fear, and
materialism—and invite heaven into your finances.
God and build His kingdom. When you give, you declare war on greed, fear, and
materialism—and invite heaven into your finances.