The Proud Religious Leaders and the Widows Two Mites

I. Sins Found too often in Religious Leaders 20:45-47

II. The Widow's Two Mites 21:1-4

III. 23 Principles of Giving from 2 Corinthians 8 & 9

1. Great generosity is often best displayed by those who have little 1-2
2. Giving to God Calls us to stretch our faith. (3)
3. Giving comes willingly for the people of God. (3b-4)
4. Self-giving comes before monetary giving (5)
5. Giving is a “grace”
   6Giving is not to be coerced (8)
6. Christ is the greatest example of giving (9)
7. To follow through is proof it was really in our heart to do it. (10-11)
8. The inability to give a large gift, does not mar what is given, even if the amount is small. (12)
9. Those who are more affluent should be more generous in their giving (13-14)
10. It is God who blesses and prospers both the gift and the giver. (14-15)
11. Churches need to make sure that the finances are in the hands of honest, spiritual men.
12. It is not enough to be honest before the Lord; we must also be demonstrably honest before men.
13. People have a right to expect that their offerings will be used properly.
14. Those in authority are accountable for how they use the money given by the people of God.
15. Giving is a tangible proof of our love. (8:24)
16. We should set goals and to have a plan for regular giving (9:1-5)
17. If you sow, you will reap. If you don't, you won't. (6)
18. N.T. giving is a matter of the heart. (7)
19. Give cheerfully
20. God will supply our needs. (8-12)
21. Giving is a tangible testimony of our conversion (13-14)
22. Christian giving opens, centers, and closes on the gift of God's Son to us. (15)