Philip A. Eubanks: SevenNew Testament Insights

(1) Material possessions as an important area of life to which Christians must give careful attention comes through strongest in the passages from Mt. 6:19-34, where wealth and worry are key themes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and Lk. 14:33, where it is one of the three focal points describing faithful discipleship. Its importance is also evident in the examples of Jesus-followers from Acts 2 & 4 and 2 Cor. 8-9.

(2) God and His kingdom are pre-eminent over money and the material world, and disciples must seek God and His kingdom first (Mt. 6:19-34).

(3) Money competes in people’s hearts and minds for allegiance with God, as shown by the warning ‘You cannot serve God and mammon’ (Mt. 6:24).

(4) Generosity is an important practice Jesus-followers are to demonstrate and through which they are to care for those in need. Giving generously to help the poor is a way to ‘store up treasures in heaven’ (Mt. 6:20; Mt. 19:21; Lk. 12:33). The parable of the two eyes (Mt. 6:23) emphasizes the importance of generosity as does Paul’s commendation of the Macedonians in the ‘liberality’ of their giving (2 Cor. 8:2-3). The priority of giving to care for those in need is demonstrated in the examples of the early Jerusalem church (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37) and in the Gentile Offering raised by Paul (2 Cor. 8-9). While practicing generosity in care of the poor is not specifically mentioned in Luke 14:33, it is certainly embedded in its dictum.

(5) Money and material possessions, when managed according to biblical teaching, is an area that requires and promotes trust in God. This includes trusting God for daily provisions (Mt. 6:25:34), for the means to give generously (2 Cor. 9:8-11), and for the ultimate results of such giving (2 Cor. 9:10).

(6) Christian giving is an outgrowth from one’s commitment to God. The Macedonians extraordinary sacrificial giving was preceded by a renewed commitment to God (2 Cor. 8:5). In Luke 14, committed discipleship is inextricably linked to ‘renouncing all possessions’ (Lk. 14:33), which would include generous giving (Lk. 12:33). Barnabas, who demonstrates his commitment to God and his kingdom throughout the book of Acts, is held up as an exemplar in generosity (Acts 4:36-37).

(7) Christian giving is not just economic and practical; it has a deeper theological significance and a higher purpose as a grace-centered act of worship. This deeper understanding is most evident in Paul’s description of the Gentile Offering, which is discussed in greater detail below in addressing the tension between Luke 14 and 2 Cor. 8-9."

Philip A. Eubanks in "Live the Vision Church Culture: An Ethnographic Case Study and Theological Inquiry." PhD diss., Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (2024) 92-93.

Today represents the third of seven posts from the doctoral dissertation of my friend, Philip A. Eubanks. Click here to download his dissertation.

I listed his seven New Testament insights that build on one another for a purpose.

Like seven steps in a staircase, where would you find yourself? Did one of the steps stand out to you? If necessary, read the list again and the related Scriptures.

My aim in asking you to do this exercise is about more than your growth in giving.

I want you to exhibit Christian giving that reflects trust in God and His grace abounding in your life.