Giving (Matthew 6:1-4)
We’ve been working through Jesus’ epic sermon on the Mount. We’ve taken four months just in Matthew Chapter Five – so much great content. Today, we’ve reached - wait for it - the start of Chapter,, Six!
It’s also been over seven months since we first went into lockdown. Once again, we have a weekend of uncertainty. Here in Birmingham we’re wondering, are we about to go into Tier 3? Will there be a new national lockdown?
Spare a thought for those who work in the entertainment and performing arts world. We have people in our growing community work for the CBSO, a theatre…
 So many concert venues and theatres are still closed, others eventually re-opened but for significantly smaller audiences. At what point does a venue become unviable? How small can an audience be before the curtain is closed on them for the last time? We need the arts. They help tell stories, give us a different perspectives on life.
I get the odd person asking me if churches are in the same predicament. For sure, these remain challenging times. We’re all having to adapt to different ways of doing church. But Church is NOT a building. Yes, we have a building on the Chester Road; and it looks quite religious – big tall building with a pointy roof by the crossroads – you can’t miss it! 
But, right now, you and I are not in that building – and, right now, we’re very much church. Being church, doing church, wherever we are. Because church is Growing Community of people, the body of Christ.
What’s more, what we do is for an audience of one.  It’s ultimately all about God and what He has wired us to be and do.
So, when we worship, we’re not just singing to lift our spirits (though it does), and we’re not just singing to encourage others (which it also does). We’re worshipping God – the maker of heaven and earth. It’s for an audience of one.
During November we’re going to look at some actions that are for an audience of one. And what that calls us to be and do.
Jesus starts with an easy one – giving. Here’s where we’re going with this. 
Giving is something we all can – and should – do. Whatever your faith or spiritual outlook. Just do it – for an audience of one. 
Don’t give to impress others. You’ll come across vulgar and shallow: give because you can; give because it’s good to do something good with money; give because you are made in the image of generous God.
Giving is something we as a church are just starting to get better at. It’s a sign of growing spiritual health.
But giving is not about fundraising. Sponsor me so I can do something fun is not giving. Giving is not even especially a finance matter. Giving is principally a discipleship matter: it’s what you do in response to Christ and what you see Him doing; it’s about surrendering all we have to Christ – whole-life discipleship; it’s about living by faith, not by sight.
Jesus said, when you give. Not if you give. It never occurred to him that people don’t give or wouldn’t give. Giving was a routine part of Judaism – it was spiritual, not just humanitarian. 
When the harvest was reaped, people gave a percentage – first fruits. It was a way of expressing gratitude for the harvest – and to God, the Creator of the sun, rain, and land. Rather than moan about/ resent the tithe – which means a tenth – they would give away, they rejoiced over the 90%. They realised, 90% of abundance was better than 100% of famine.
People also gave so that no-one would be left out, excluded. Not everyone was blessed in same way. Some had plenty, others little. To avoid the big festivals becoming just for the wealthy, the ‘middle class’, ALL would give so that those without could still take part. 
People have always given – been generous – because it seems instinctive, just the right thing to do.
So Jesus said, when you give…Don’t announce it with trumpets. Some were making a show of their giving. Literally. They were acting the part of a generous person. Like a stage actor plays the part of another person. What we translate here as ‘hypocrite’ comes from the Greek word for ‘play acting’ – people who are pretending to be something thing are not. 
And so Jesus called them out. You who pretend to be generous but aren’t... hypocrites. Strong word. In fact, Jesus ‘called out’ hypocrites 12 times in Matthew’s Gospel. Once for each of the Twelve tribes of Israel? Once for each of the Twelves Disciple? Enough times to include me/ us too!
Imagine you’re selling the Big Issue. Maybe you were born into very different circumstances, not of your choosing. Or events beyond your control stripped you of all your privilege… Someone pulls up in a high-value car, struts over to you and with a very loud and visible manner, makes a big issue of buying your Big Issue. They’re doing it for the attention of the crowd, not because they want to read it or to support you. It’s all about THEM and THEIR needs. Not about you and your needs. Amongst other things, you might think, what a hypocrite.
Jesus said, when you give don’t make a show of it as the hypocrites do in the synagogue or on the streets. Giving is for all, whether you’re religious or not. 
By the way, hypocrisy exists, both in and outside of the church. Don’t use that as an excuse to avoid God’s call on your life.

Instead, Jesus said, when you give, don’t let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. Jesus was using hyperbole, exaggerated language, to make his point. No form of giving is possible without your body parts co-operating. Jesus was saying, when you give, just do it for an audience of one. God: don’t give to make yourself feel proud; don’t give to inflate your ego; don’t give to make you feel more superior than others.
Don’t get me wrong, there is joy in giving. Paul says, the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Just do it for an audience of one. For God, who sees what others can’t – your motive, your heart. “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” v.4
Some get a little side-tracked by this “what is done in secret.” They worry it doesn’t count if others become aware you have given. But remember, in chapter 5 Jesus also said: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds. Why? So they may glorify your Father in heaven.” 5:16
It’s very hard to give without anyone else knowing: gifts have to be received, counted, and accounted for; the church bank statement has to be reconciled; Gift Aid has to be justified…  Problems arise when organisations get secretive about their finances. Jesus was simply saying, don’t be motivated by the applause of others; Give for an audience of one. Check your motive.
Maybe our preoccupation with what is done in secret is, we’re embarrassed about money, about our giving. We’re still preoccupied with what others will think of us. When it’s for an audience of one there’s no need to be secretive or embarrassed. All that matters is that God knows and sees our heart.
Giving comes out of our relationship with God.  We who have received SO much from God, don’t hold on to what He has blessed us with. We hold it lightly, knowing we are stewards of His wealth – it’s not ours. When we give we are simply releasing what was never ours in the first place so God can continue to bless others in the way he has already blessed us. We give because it’s a God-thing, a spiritual discipline, we give out of joy.
So what’s your next step?
Paul says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Maybe now’s the time to make your first spontaneous one-off gift. You can Give Now. Go to ChesterRoadBaptist.org.uk/Give
Done that? Maybe for you it’s to now start giving regularly. A good way to do that is by standing order – planned giving.
Already doing that? Is it time for you to start giving a percentage of your income. Many tithe, others are working towards that.
Already doing that? For a few of you, it’s about giving sacrificially. God gives us all different gifts. A few of you have been blessed with the spiritual gift of giving. When the Early Church’s mission and ministry was getting going, Barnabas sold land/ property. Maybe for you it’s about leaving a legacy gift, even a property, in your Will.
Whatever, however, each of you should simply give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
May you and I experience joy as we give.

DannyBrierley@ChesterRoadBaptist.org.uk