Scripture: James 1:17

C.I.: In Giving

In this series from the Gospel of Luke - we are looking at things which require “Total Commitment.”
We have seen Faith & Forgiveness require T.C. – Today we will see that GIVING demands the same.

I. “GIVING”: More than Just the Surplus (Luke 21:1-4)

A. Getting the Whole Picture, (vs. 1-2)

1. Jesus is in the midst of the last week of His life & ministry. – Things aren’t going well…
a. For He is in the temple, the place where God’s people come to seek the presence of God.
1) (20:1), “It came about on one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and
preaching the gospel, that the chief priests & the scribes with the elders confronted Him.
2) (20:19), “And the scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour.”
3) (20:21-23), “And they questioned Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, - and You are not partial to any, but you teach the way of God in truth. – Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ – But He detected their trickery.”
4) Sadly, it was in the place where He should find open hearts – He is brought to despair!

2. Under the strain of this kind of pressure for the past several hours Jesus sat down to rest.
a. (21:1), “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.”
1) The temple treasury was in the court of the women. – It contained 13 trumpet shaped boxes.
2) During the Passover Week – Jews from all over the world converged on Jerusalem.
3) This was NOT for the commanded tithe – this giving was for the free-will gifts of the people.
4) In His fatigue (notice, He looked up) – having heard the clanging of large gifts into the collection boxes – Jesus saw something that gave Him hope.

b. (21:2), “And He saw a certain poor widow putting in two small copper coins.”
1) “lepta” = peel, rind – These were the thinnest (of least value) coins of the realm.
2) In spite of her poverty – this woman still saw God – as worthy of her free-will gifts.
3) And so we see – the “Total Commitment” that arises from a heart – focused on GIVING!

B. “What’s Left” or “What’s Left Over?” (vs. 3-4)

1. (v. 3), “And He said, ‘Truly I say to you, - this poor widow put in more than all of them.”
a. The people ahead of her were “rich” (v. 1) – How could she have “put in more”?!
1) Notice: Jesus is NOT comparing the giving of this one woman – against any ONE of them.
2) For He says she, “…put in more than ALL OF THEM”!!
3) So when comparing all they gave – against what she gave – Jesus says she gave most!!

b. (v. 4), “… for they out of their surplus put into the offering; - but she out of her poverty - put in all
that she had to live on.’”
1) The “rich” still had plenty upon which to live – “Surplus” = What’s Left Over after we have taken care of all of our own needs.
2) Yet God does not measure our giving - on the basis of what we give – but on what we keep.
3) This woman (explain ptwcos) – gave SACRIFICIALLY – her giving cost her something!
4) If we are now to measure our giving using God’s standard – would it change what you give?!

c. When we give out of our poverty - instead of our surplus – it shows where we place our faith.
1) This was the kind of giving – which characterized our brethren in the early church –
(Acts 2:45), “And they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.” – (Acts 4:34-35), “For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them – and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet; - and they would be distributed to each, as any might have need.”
2) For as our faith increases – so will our giving.
3) (II Cor. 9:10-11), “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, - will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; - you will be enriched in everything for all liberality.”
4) By our giving – do we show that WE REALLY TRUST GOD?! Do we measure our faith – by our giving of “what’s left over” after we’ve taken care of ourselves - or is it measured by “what’s left” - after we have given to God??!

2. This principle, once accepted, will translate into changes that reach far beyond our wallet…
a. Once we choose to be totally committed to the Lord in our giving, - then we will begin being TOTALLY COMMITTED to our giving to Him - in other areas of our lives.

b. In regards to our time:
1) (Acts 5:42), “And EVERY DAY, in the temple and from house to house, they went right on
preaching and teaching Jesus as the Christ.”
2) (Eph. 5:15-16), “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most
of your time.”
3) Some people will choose not to return tonight to be with God’s people. – If this used to be
your practice – were you giving to God from your abundance or need?! – Tonight???

c. In regards to our talents and abilities:
1) (Col. 3:17), “Whatever you do in word or in deed, do all to the glory of Christ, giving….”
2) (I Pt. 4:11), “Whoever speaks, let him speak as it were as the utterances of God; whoever…
3) (Mk. 12:30), “You shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart … strength.”
4) Do we give God our efforts when we “feel like it” – have the “time for it” – or…?!

That day at the treasury – many people gave money to God – some gave large amounts. – But only a poor
widow woman attracted the attention of Jesus. – For in her giving she was “TOTALLY COMMITTED”!!!

If we at Golden will be totally committed in giving Jesus our time, talent & money – I believe Jesus to “look
up” from His despair - over the state of the religious - and see a people who are totally committed to Him!

Ultimately, what God desires for us to totally commit to giving Him – IS OUR LIVES!!! Matt. 28:19