Kingdom Giving (Divine Partnership)

We are living in an era when giving which is a kingdom principle

which is supposed to work hand in hand with blessing, prosperity
and Kingdom advance has been abused with disastrous results. It is
therefore of the utmost importance that we reverse this destructive
trend by bringing back the original order in which God had instituted
it as a beneficial part of our lives and not a destructive one.

Being a Ministry ourselves it is important to us that our partners

understand the correct kingdom way to give so that they can truly
befit from their partnership with what God has mandated us to do.

This is not just important for us as a ministry and our potential

partners but also critical for anyone partnering with other ministries
or ministers and their potential partners.

This will require us to understand two critical areas that need to be

in position for the benefits of giving to be actualized:
1.The requirements or positioning of the Giver
2..The requirements and positioning of the Receiver
Foundation Scripture: Exodus 35 verses 5 29

This is the thing which the Lord commanded: Now it was time
to do what God originally commanded Moses in Exodus 25-
31 regarding the building of the tabernacle and its associated items.

If it is a reduplication, it is a deliberate one, to point out the lesson

of the faithfulness of Moses in carrying out Gods instruction in
(Exodus 25:9)

Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a

willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD:..
Vs 29: The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the LORD,
all the men and women whose hearts were willing to bring material
for all kinds of work which the LORD, by the hand of Moses, had
commanded to be done.

-God told Moses to take an offering from the children of Israelonly

from those who had a willing heart.

a. Why did God do this?

b. He did this because God does not want us to give Him

an offering out of compulsionHe wants us to give Him
 an offering out of our love for Him, just as He blesses us
out of His love for us.

c. He gave them a choice to bring what they hadfrom

the costliest of treasures, down to acacia wood, to
goats hair. Every type of offering was needed for a
different aspect of Gods house. Every offering was
welcomed and received.

-Verse 29 says that the children of Israel brought to the Lord a

freewill offeringthose whose hearts made them willing were the
ones who gave.

-This shows Gods normal way of channeling resources to His work

even though He is All powerful by the gifts given from His people
with a willing heart.

-This idea is echoed in 2 Corinthians 9:7: So let each one give as

he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God
loves a cheerful giver.

-We should not give with the mindset of giving to a man , church or
organization, we should always see it from the perspective of giving
to God no matter who receives it.

-Hence we should perceive where we KNOW God to be functioning

not only concerning our lives but where we are aware that lives are
truly being transformed.

-This offering came from Gods command (To Moses to tell the
people how it is done, not commanding the people to give), and not
from Moses clever fund-raising techniques.
-Vs 10-19 All who are gifted artisans among you shall come
and make all that the Lord has commanded: God commanded
that the labor to make the tabernacle and its furnishings come from
the gifted artisans among the Israelites.
This means not just anyone can be in the ministry, they MUST be
gifted to bring transformation & change in the lives of the people.
-Vs 20-29 All the congregation of the children of Israel
departed from the presence of Moses: After Moses asked them
to give, he sent them home to decide what they would give.
This shows that Moses did not use manipulative techniques, such as
asking people to make quick, public decisions about their giving.
There was no manipulation at all in Moses request.
-Moses didnt have a contest pitting one tribe against another, to
see which tribe could raise the most money, or any other such
nonsense. God did the work in the hearts of the people.
-Everyone came whose heart was stirredeveryone whose
spirit was willingas many as had a willing heartall the
women whose hearts were stirreda freewill offering to the
Lordwhose hearts were willing: The idea of the freedom and
lack of coercion in the offering is repeated and emphasized
-The willingness of the people is mentioned repeatedly (vv. 21, 22,
26, 29; 36:2).
-Though their hearts were willing, they didnt know when to give, or
how to give until Moses told them. That is all that is required of
leadership, to inform about giving, the rest is between the people
and God,

-The Lords offeringan offering of gold to the Lordthe

Lords offeringa freewill offering to the Lord: It was also
clear exactly to Whom they gave the Lord, not to Moses or even to
the nation.

d. Both men and womenevery manevery man with whom

was found blue and purple and scarleteveryone with whom
was found acacia woodall the women who were gifted
artisansall the women whose hearts stirred with wisdom
the rulers brought onyx stones: In this we see just how
many among Israel gave to the work. It wasnt only the wealthy, but
every who could and who had a willing heart, gave. There were
many willing hearts.

-Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held
together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in
love, as each part does its work.

-The people gave what they could. Not all could give gold or
precious gems, but they could give some goats hair. Certainly, a gift
of goats hair could be just as welcome in Gods sight as a gift of
gold, if it was given with the right heart.

-(Vs30-35) The call of Bezaleel and Aholiab.

Defining the builders of the tabernacle or in todays

language those who are called into ministry or those who
should receive the offering.

-And Moses said to the children of Israel, See, the Lord has called
by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and
understanding, in knowledge and all manner of
workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver
and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to
work in all manner of artistic workmanship. And He has put in his
heart the ability to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of
Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do all
manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the tapestry
maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the
weaver; those who do every work and those who design artistic
works.

This is absolutely critical to ALL minsters us included, not just

anyone is authorised and there are key issues that have to be
outlined as to who can receive an offering otherwise the people
cannot receive the benefits.

- He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and

understanding, in knowledge and all manner of
workmanship: God chose Bezaleel and Aholiab to be the general
contractors for this building project. He equipped them with a
special outpouring of the Holy Spirit to do the work.

-Those who do every work and those who design artistic

works: The leaders of the work of building the tabernacle had a
unique inspiration of the Holy Spirit to do this important and
practical work. Since God wanted the work done according to a
certain pattern (Exodus 25:9), it made sense that He specially
inspired some to do the work.

-This tarbernacle being built is people,

1 Cor:3:16

Don't you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in
you?

Eph 2:19-22

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but

fellow citizens with Gods people and also members of his
household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In
him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy
temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to
become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

(36:1) The coordination of the work.

And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the Lord
has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner
of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all
that the Lord has commanded.
 - Every gifted artisanshall do according to all the Lord has
commanded: It was up to the workers under Bezaleel and Aholiab
to follow what the Lord instructed them to do.

-This tells us that for us to benefit from our giving it is critical that
where we are giving the Artisans who are gifted in wisdom and
understanding meaning:

I. Called by name (specific and distinct calling)

2. Filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding in knowledge

and all manner of workmanship (function and practical outcomes,
real transformation in lives)

3. Put in his HEART the ability to teach (Not natural or academic

knowledge)

4. Filled them with skill to do all manner of work (Practical yet amazing
outcomes and results)

5. Build according to design given by God, we have a mandate to build

very specifically nit according to what we or the people want
because any other design brings chaos into the lives of the
ministers and the people.

The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their
own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their
itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3).

The Greek word translated itching literally means to itch, rub, scratch, or tickle. To
want ones ears tickled is to desire massages rather than messagessermons that
charm rather than challenge, entertain rather than edify,

Itching ears is a figure of speech that refers to peoples desires, felt needs, or wants. It
is these desires that impel a person to believe whatever he wants to believe rather than
the actual truth itself. When people have itching ears, they decide for themselves what
is right or wrong, and they seek out others to support their notions. Itching ears are
concerned with what feels good or comfortable, not with the truth.

Giving in the New testament

With that background let us now examine how Paul handled the issue of giving.

1 Corinthians 9

Vs 3-6

My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to

eat and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife,
as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from
working?

Or is it only Barnabas and I: Most of the other apostles received

support from the churches they ministered to. Paul and Barnabas
were unique in this regard, choosing to work and support
themselves, so no one could accuse them of preaching for a money
motive.

Vs 7-14

Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard
and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not
drink of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things as a mere man?
Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of
Moses, You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain. Is
it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our
sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows
should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be
partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a
great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers
of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have
not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of
Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things
eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar
partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has
commanded that those who preach the gospel should live
from the gospel.

In an army, the soldiers are supported (Who ever goes to war at

his own expense?). The farmer is fed by the field he works in
(Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit?). The
shepherd is supported by the sheep he cares for (who tends a
flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?). Therefore,
it should not seem strange to the Corinthian Christians that Paul has
the right to be supported by the people he ministers to.

Does not the law say the same also? Pauls right is also stated
in the Mosaic Law. He appeals to Scripture, not only human
illustrations (Do I say these things as a mere man?).

i. In Deuteronomy 25:4, God commanded You shall not muzzle an

ox while it treads out the grain. This law simply commanded the
humane treatment of a working animal. In those days, grain was
broken away from its husk by an ox walking on it repeatedly (usually
in a circle). It was cruel to force the ox to walk over all that grain,
yet to muzzle him so he couldnt eat of it.
ii. Is it oxen God is concerned about? The principle
of Deuteronomy 25:4 is much more important than providing for the
needs of oxen. God establishes the principle that a minister has the
right to be supported by the people he is ministering to.

iii. The law about oxen stated a principle that had greater
application.

Why? That he who plows should plow in hope, and he who

threshes in hope should be partakers of this hope. It would be
cruel to starve those who are providing and preparing your food.

If we have sown spiritual things: Paul here makes it plain that it

is right for the spiritual work of Gods ministers to be repaid with
the material support of the people they minister unto. (Note the
condition is if and the emphasis is spiritual things much like
the wisdom and skill of Aholiab and Bezaleal)

If others are partakers of this right: It wasnt that the

Corinthian Christians refused to support anyone in ministry.
No, others are partakers of this right.

Nevertheless we have not used the right . . . lest we hinder

the gospel of Christ: Just as strongly as Paul affirms his right to be
supported by the people he ministers unto, he will also affirm his
right to not use that right, if using it might hinder the gospel of
Christ.

i. Here we see Pauls real heart. Paid or not paid, it did not
matter to him. What mattered was the work of the gospel. Was it
more effective for the gospel if Paul should receive support? Then he
would receive it. Was it more effective for the gospel if Paul should
work to support himself? Then he would do that. What mattered
was that the gospel not be hindered in any way.

ii. Paul was willing to deny himself such an important right

for the good of the gospel.

The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel
should live from the gospel:

Even though this summary statement is conclusive. and

this command is from the Lord meaning that anyone who preaches
the gospel has the right to be supported by those he preaches to,
the question is:

i. Should modern ministers assert or release their right to be

supported? They should do whichever will serve the gospel
and the church better. But if a minister does take support, there
should be proof in the lives of the people in the manifestations of
the transformation in their lives and evidence of the wisdom
understanding and skill that God has given him. Neither should he
demand but only express this truth and leave to God and the
people, after all:

The worker is worthy of his wages Luke 10:7, 1 Timothy 5:18

(speaking of ministry specifically)

ii. If a man who does not labour (he may be preaching allright)
takes his maintenance from the people of God, it is not only a
domestic theft but a sacrilege. He that genuinely is called to and
gives up his time to this labour has a right to the support of himself
and his family therefore the fact that someone receives or is
exercising this right does not mean they are entitled thus the poor
results we are experiencing in peoples lives.

(15-18) Pauls reward: to preach without relying on

the support of any man.

But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things
that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die
than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the
gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me;
yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly,
I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a
stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the
gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I
may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

I have used none of these things: Paul had the right to be

supported, but he did not use that right.

Nor have I written these things: In writing this, Paul was not
hinting for support by the Corinthian Christians. He shows them
the value, and the reasons, for giving up ones own rights.

Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! Pauls ministry was

not just a matter of choice or personal ambition; it was something
he was called to, something he had to do. He did not just have
preachers itch. He was called to preach and felt compelled to
fulfill that call.

2 CORINTHIANS 9 HOW GOD WANTS US

TO GIVE
Be ready to give.
Vs(1-2) The willingness of the Corinthian Christians to
give.

Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for

me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast
of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and
your zeal has stirred up the majority.

These are the same Corinthians he had rebuked when earlier, we

now see a change of heart!

Vs(7) Giving should come from a right heart.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not

grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

So let each one give: Giving is for each one. Every Christian
should be a giver. Because of small resources some cannot
give much but it is still important that they give, and that they give
with the right kind of heart.

As he purposes in his own heart: Giving should be motivated by

the purposes of our own heart. It should never be coerced or
manipulated. We should give because we want to give and because
God has put it in our own heart to give.

This can also be said in the sense that our

giving reveals the purposes in [our] own heart.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew
6:21)

Not grudging or of necessity: God does not want our giving to

be grudging (reluctantly, regretfully given with plenty of
complaining) or of necessity (given because someone has made us
or manipulated us into giving). This is more the spirit
behind taxation, not Biblical giving.

For God loves a cheerful giver: Instead of giving in

a grudging way or out of necessity, God wants us to
give cheerfully.

Vs(8-9) The right kind of giving is always blessed.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance
for every good work. As it is written: He has dispersed abroad, He
has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.

God is able to make all grace abound toward you: As we give,

we must be persuaded that God is able to reward our giving. Just
as God is able to make the sowing of seed abound to a great
harvest, so God is able to bless our giving.

Jesus taught that even the smallest gift, if given with the right
heart, would not go without a reward:

And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water
in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no
means lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42)

In rewarding our giving, God does it with all grace. Our giving
is rewarded in many different ways, materially and spiritually.
Materially, God may bless our giving by promotions with better pay,
unexpected gifts of money, and so on.

Spiritually, God may bless our giving by freeing as from many of

our bondages as a result of genuine ministers ministering to us from
the heart of God and releasing grace into our lives There is no end
to the ways we can be blessed when God is able to make all
grace abound toward us.

Always having all sufficiency in all things: The ancient Greek

word for sufficiency (autarkeia) may also be
translated contentment. This is how the same word is used in 1
Timothy 6:6: Now godliness with contentment is great gain. God
gives a special gift to the giving heart: always . . .
all contentment in all things. That is a lot of all!

May have an abundance for every good work: God blesses us

materially and spiritually so that we will have an abundance for
every good work. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to
others. God wants us to be channels of blessing, not reservoirs of
blessing.

Vs(12-14) Four benefits of the giving from the

Corinthian Christians.

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of
the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to
God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for
the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and
for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer
for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in
you.
a. Not only supplies the needs of the saints: First, on the most
practical level, the giving of the Corinthian Christians will supply the
needs of the saints. This is a good thing in and of itself, but their
giving did far more than that.

b. Many thanksgivings to God: Secondly, their gifts also caused

thanksgiving to God . They were giving more than money for food;
they were giving people a reason to thank God.

c. The obedience of your confession: Third, the giving of the

Corinthian Christians was evidence of Gods work in them. When
those in need received the gift, they would glorify God for the
obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for
your liberal sharing. The thanksgiving coming from the gift of the
Corinthian Christians would be for more than the gift itself. They
would also glorify God as they understood the gift meant the
obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and it
meant the Corinthian Christians had hearts of liberal sharing.

i. Paul puts it boldly. Giving among the Corinthian Christians was

evidence of their obedience to their confession to the gospel of
Christ. If a person does not have a generous heart, there is a sense
in which they are not obedient to the confession of the gospel of
Christ.

ii. Others would also thank God because the gift from the Corinthian
Christians will show that they have hearts of liberal sharing. This
meant God was really doing a work in the hearts of the Corinthian
Christians, and that was something worth thanking God for.

iii. Liberal sharing: The ancient Greek word

translated sharing is koinania. This is the same word used for the
ideas of fellowship and communion it means the sharing of things
in common.

When we share our lives, koinania is called fellowship

When we share remembrance of Jesus work for us through the

Lords Supper, koinania is called communion

When we share our resources so none would be

destitute, koinania is called sharing

d. And by their prayer for you: The fourth benefit from the gift of
the Corinthian Christians was that it would prompt the Jerusalem
Christians to pray for them. Paul expected that the Jerusalem
Christians would pray for the Corinthian Christians. This means that
when people are affected by your giving either materially or as a
result of ministry affected by your giving, their prayers of
thanksgiving affect your life.

In conclusion:

Giving is a vital part of Kingdom life and has immense benefits and
impact on human life, but must be engaged in the way God
prescribed and not the way we are accustomed to resulting in
disaster and not the blessings that God intended for us to have.

Our prayer is that this manuscript serves as a guideline to not only

be a channel of blessing for givers but also to ministers in the
correct way to receive and not collect offerings for the benefit
of all.

May God abundantly bless you as you embrace this truths and
partner with His Kingdom advance.

Charles & Susan Opiyo