Part 1: Theology of Giving Study

As a setup for this study, watch BibleProject’s video on how we see generosity in the Bible.

Theology of Giving Scripture Study

Mission Increase invites donors, ministries, and churches to join us in celebrating a Biblical response about giving. While the Scriptures and examples cited are not exhaustive, they certainly in sum, point us towards the nature and character of our incredible God!

We have assembled a collection of 42 passages from the Old Testament and 47 from the New Testament covering a variety of elements on giving and subsequently, provision. At the same time, they give us clear insight and excellent direction as to a roadmap from God for our generation.

Read the following statements and supporting verses and make observations as you read the following passage.

Suggested Study Practice
- Circle repeated words and phrases
- Underline the promises
- Draw a box around any commandsMark every reference to God with a triangle
- Is there cause and effect (e.g., words like therefore, because, so that, etc.)?

Part 1: Theology of Giving

The giving of life from God-sovereignty, providence
- Genesis 1:26-31
- John 10:10
The giving of relationship from God-fellowship, covenant
- Genesis 3:9
- I Corinthians 11:23-26
The giving of Jesus from God-personal relationship, lordship
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- John 3:16
The giving of the Holy Spirit from God-power, peace
- Joel 2:28-29
- Acts 1:8
The giving of the Scriptures from God-direction, wisdom
- Exodus 20:1-17
- II Timothy 3:16-17
The giving of the cross from God-forgiveness, redemption
- Isaiah 53
- Luke 23:33-49
The giving of eternal life from God-salvation, hope
- Psalm 23
- Colossians 1:27
The giving of the fruit of the Spirit from God-freedom, fruit
- Isaiah 61:1-3
- Galatians 5:22-23
The giving of prayer from God-communion, help
- II Chronicles 7:12-16
- Matthew 6:9-13
The giving of love from God-holiness, wholeness
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9
- I John 4:7-21

Part 2: Our Response to God

We give God our heart-trust and obey
- Ezekiel 36:26-27
- John 3:1-15
We give God our mind-trust and obey
- Isaiah 26:3
- Romans 12:1-2
We give God our life-trust and obey
- Joshua 1:1-9
- Matthew 4:19
We give God our time-trust and obey
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- John 9:4
We give God our talent-trust and obey
- Exodus 4:10-13
- Matthew 25:14-30
We give God our testimony-trust and obey
- Psalm 51
- Acts 4:13-20
We give God our treasure-trust and obey
- Deuteronomy 8:11-18
- I Timothy 6:17-19
We give God our will-trust and obey
- Isaiah 6:1-8
- Matthew 26:36-46
We give God our relationships-trust and obey
- Genesis 22:9-19
- Acts 2:42-47
We give God our plans-trust and obey
- Jeremiah 29:10-14
- Mark 8:34-38

Part 3: Giving as Provision, Provision as Giving

Scriptures on provision:

Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8, ESV)
You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you had sworn to give them. (Nehemiah 9:15, ESV)
I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. (Psalm 132:15, ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (I Corinthians 10:13, ESV)
Pillar of cloud and fire, Exodus 13:17-226.
Crossing the Red Sea, Exodus 14
The Lord provides water, Exodus 15:22-27
The Lord provides manna, Exodus 16:1-7
The Lord provides meat, Exodus 16:8-21
The Lord provides rest, Exodus 16:22-30
The Lord provides victory, Exodus 17:8-16

Further passages on provision:

Abraham and Isaac, Genesis 22:1-14
All your needs, Philippians 4:10-20
Provision for widow and son, I Kings 17:8-16
The “upper room healing of a child”, I Kings 17:17-24
Suffering servant, Isaiah 53
Deliverance, Daniel 3:8-25
Daily bread, Matthew 6:8-13
Stewardship of provision, Matthew 6:19-21
Paul, II Corinthians 11:22-33
Faith examples, Hebrews 11

OPTIONAL: Additional Study Material

Neither Poverty no Riches

This book is a helpful reference. While there is not an expectation to read the whole thing, chapter 6 on Paul’s letters may be of particular interest as it relates to your role as an Area Director.