The Foundational Commands of Jesus

Giving

Principles of Bible Study

Bible study method

Purpose

Understanding the Meaning of Giving and a Heart of Offering to God

The Bible

Acts Overview

Story: The Sharing of Possessions Among Believers

³²All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³Các sứ-đồ lại lấy quyền-phép rất lớn mà làm chứng về sự sống lại của Đức Chúa Jesus-Christ; và hết thảy đều được phước lớn. ³⁴that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. ³⁶Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 4:32-37

Key Verse:

¹“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

²“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.- Matthew 6:1-4

Sword Method

Bible study method

Step 1: The Guard

Who is in this story?

There are two types of characters: real characters & fictional characters (in the parable).

All believers, apostles, Barnabas (Joseph)

Where does this story take place?

Consider the geographical location where the story takes place.

The Church in Jerusalem

When does this story take place?

Consider the timeframe of the story, whether a specific time or a general period.

The early church period, shortly after Peter was imprisoned and then released.

What happens in this story?

Summarize the story, condensing key events to provide an overview.

The Church was experiencing significant growth, and the early believers practiced giving.

Step 2: The Blade

What does this passage teach about God?

Focus on what helps us understand God. Who is He? What is He like?

JesusChúa có quyền năng để chúng ta cậy vào. (33) (Rô-ma 1:16 – Quyền năng, dạn dĩ, mạnh mẽ)
Chúa Jesus đã sống lại. (33)
Chúa là Đấng ban ân điển cho những ai tin vào Chúa Jesus. (33)

Step 3: The Handle

What does this passage teach about people?

There are two types of lessons: positive lessons—to follow & negative lessons—to avoid.

- Believers in the Church were selfless and united (of one heart and mind) in Christ. (32)
- Làm công việc Chúa thì phải cậy sức Chúa mà làm. Các môn đồ lấy-cậy quyền phép của Chúa Jesus (Ma-thi-ơ 28:18-20; Công Vụ 1:8; Rô-ma 1:16 – tự tin, dạn dĩ, mạnh mẽ) để làm chứng về Ngài. (33)
- Serving the Lord must follow the right process. (33)
  - Step 1: Rely on God's power
  - Step 2: Do God's work (according to His Word)
  - Step 3: Both the giver and the receiver will be greatly blessed.
- Willing to give up personal possessions to offer and support others in the Church. (34, 37)
- Joseph/Barnabas was a real person cited as an example of giving.

Step 4: Using the Sword

What lessons can be learned from this story?

Distinguish between lessons and applications. Lessons must come first; applications should be based on the lessons.

People:

Who gave? – All believers in the Church. (32)
Who received? – The Church of God received through the stewardship of its leaders. (35, 37b)

What to Give:

Giving financially is a priority.
Giving oneself.

How to give:

Without ostentation or boasting. (Matthew 6:1-4)
In unity and selflessness (32a), without selfish gain (32b) → Giving should not be for personal benefit but for the common good of the entire Church.
A heart always willing to sacrifice and let go in order to give. (37)

→ Giving starts with the will (willingness), which leads to action.

Purpose:

For the work of the "Gospel". (33)
For the needs of others (from within the Church to those outside). (35)

Conclusion

Examination

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Have you ever given? Reflect on your past giving. Have you noticed any positive impact it has brought?
If there is a need in the Church or any individual’s need, are you willing to share what you have to meet that need?
Do you believe that God, the Provider, will always supply for you so that through you, He wants you to be generous to others and the Church?
Bạn có tin rằng mọi sự dâng hiến đều sẽ hướng bạn đến sự góp phần vào công tác của Phúc Âm Chúa Jesus Christ không?
Do you believe that giving goes beyond material offerings and that we are participating in spreading God's love and expanding His Kingdom on earth?

What is the Gospel?

Application

&

When we give, we must:

Give in a spirit of unity.
Give not for personal gain or selfishness, but for the common benefit of the whole Church.
Give with a heart and mind always ready to sacrifice and let go.
Giving always begins with love, which creates willingness and leads to action.

Prayer

&

Pray for:

For everyone to begin giving to support those in need and the work of the Gospel.