Giving That Reveals the Heart

Pastor Eric Bucci

Genesis 4; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4 (ESV)

I. Genesis 4 — The Original Version
Genesis 4:3–5 (ESV)
“In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering He had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.”

Truth:
The first murder in the Bible happened over an offering.

Generosity is a issue.

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II. Why We’re Talking About This
We’ve been studying 1 Corinthians this year, and chapter 16 brings us to giving.

Paul answers four major questions from the Corinthians (each beginning with “Now concerning…”):

1. Relationships & Marriage — 1 Corinthians 7
2. Christian Liberty (Gray Areas) — 1 Corinthians 8–10
3. Spiritual Gifts — 1 Corinthians 12–14
4. The Offering / Giving — 1 Corinthians 16:1–4

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III. 1 Corinthians 16:1–4 (ESV)
“Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I come, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.”

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IV. Jesus on Giving — Why It Matters

Jesus taught about constantly:
• 42% of His parables involve money
• 16 of 38 parables are financial
• Over 2,300 verses in the Bible reference money/possessions
• Money is mentioned twice as often as prayer and faith combined
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
“You cannot serve God and money.”
1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”

Truth:
Money will either with your devotion or complement your worship.

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V. Paul’s Instructions About Giving
(1 Corinthians 16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8–9)

1. Give Generously
2 Corinthians 9:6–7 —
“Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly…
God loves a cheerful giver.”

2. Give Proportionately
“As he may prosper.”
The biblical baseline = the tithe (not law, but heart).

3. Give Graciously (With Thanksgiving)
Paul calls giving charis — grace.
2 Corinthians 8:1–7 — Macedonians gave even in poverty, trial, and deep joy.

Truth:
Generosity breaks the grip of .

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VI. The Cain & Abel Heart Test
(Examine your own heart.)

Abel’s Heart:
• Gives first
• Gives best
• Worships through giving
• Celebrates others
• Open-handed
• Fully obedient
• God-centered
• Surrendered

Cain’s Heart:
• Gives eventually
• Gives leftovers
• Convenient-based giving
• Jealous of others
• Closed hand
• Partial obedience
• Self-focused
• Resistant

Reflection:
Which heart am I giving with today?

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VII. Key Truths to Remember
• Generosity is a heart issue.
• Money will compete or complement.
• Generosity breaks the grip of greed.
• We give because God gave first — John 3:16.

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VIII. Next Steps
Ask yourself:
• What is the Holy Spirit showing me about my giving?
• Where am I like Cain?
• What step of obedience or generosity is God asking of me this week?
• What does first fruits giving look like in my life?

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IX. Discussion Questions
(For groups, couples, or over coffee)

1. What stood out most from Cain and Abel’s offerings?
2. Why did God accept Abel’s offering but not Cain’s?
3. How does giving reveal the heart?
4. Why does Jesus talk about money so much?
5. Which of Paul’s giving principles do you feel challenged by?
6. How has money competed for your heart in the past?
7. What step of generosity can you take this week