LESSON TWO
Examples of Perfect Giving
Giving began with God. His supernatural expression of giving was in the sacrifice of his only begotten Son that we might receive forgiveness for our sins, become children of God, and enjoy eternal life.
God continues to give of himself today in love, forgiveness, peace, power, and purpose. By this he enables us to live full, meaningful lives.
Giving was the lifestyle of our Lord Jesus. A concise description of his lifestyle appears in the Book of Acts, which records, “He went around doing good” (Acts 10:38). Jesus gave in feeding the multitudes. He gave in healing the sick. He gave in teaching his disciples. He gave in empowering his disciples for evangelism. He gave in compassion for the poor. He gave in offering rest to the weary. He gave in dying on the cross for our sins. He gave in sending his Holy Spirit.
Giving is also an attribute of the Holy Spirit. He strengthens and encourages us (Acts 9:31), renews us (Titus 3:5), reveals things to us (Luke 2:26), and helps us (John 14:6 NASB). He leads and guides us (Luke 4:1; Acts 13:2,4; John 16:13), brings the love of God to us (Romans 5:5), teaches us (Luke 12:12; John 14:26), and empowers us (Acts 1:8; 4:31).
Nowhere can we find more perfect models of stewardship than in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As you study this lesson, prayerfully consider how you can apply their examples to your life.
Lesson Objective: To follow biblical examples of stewardship
BIBLE STUDY
Read Luke 23 and 24, and Colossians 1 and 2
Before you consider the many verses below, be sure to read the Bible passages listed above.
If you click on the verses in the study below you can see the entire verse! If you are not on-the-go, consider opening a physical Bible and looking up the passages.
Stewardship of God the Father
- Read John 3:16. What was God’s greatest gift to mankind?
- What else does God give us (Romans 2:4,7; 1 John 5:11)?
- Read John 3:34, 10:10, and 14:16. What has the Father given us to enable us to live abundantly?
- List some characteristics of God’s nature that make giving a priority with him.
Stewardship of God the Son
- List acts of Christ that indicate perfection in his stewardship (Philippians 2:5–8).
- What was Christ’s supreme purpose in life (John 6:38; Hebrews 10:7)?
- Read John 12:23–33.
As part of God’s will for Jesus, what was involved (verses 23, 27, 32, 33)?
In verse 24, Jesus uses the example of a grain of wheat that is planted in the earth. In what sense does a grain of wheat have to “die” to bring forth fruit?
How does that apply to us (compare verse 25)?
If, as a Christian, you are unwilling to make any sacrifice to reach others for Christ, to suffer any hardship, to face any self-denial, to suffer any persecution, but instead you want everything to be comfortable, easy, and effortless, how will this affect your fruit-bearing? - List some characteristics of Christ’s nature that make giving a priority with him.
Stewardship of God the Holy Spirit
- What are some duties the Holy Spirit performs as God’s steward, as revealed in the following verses?
John 16:13
Romans 5:5
Romans 8:14
Romans 8:16
Romans 8:26
John 16:7–11
In what way does this convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit help us in evangelism? - When the Holy Spirit controls a person, who is glorified (John 16:14)?
- List characteristics of the Holy Spirit’s nature that make giving a priority with him.
LIFE APPLICATION
Questions
- How does the giving nature of God the Father inspire you to give?
- How can you best apply to your life the example that Jesus set? Be specific.
- What does the Holy Spirit want to do in your life at this time?
- List ways you can cooperate as suggested in Acts 4:31, Ephesians 5:18–20, and Romans 12:1, 2.
- How can you follow biblical examples of stewardship?
Memory Verse: “So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me.'” (John 8:28 NLT)