Stott on Stewardship

John Stott -

Anglican theologian, Dr. John Stott, uncovers 10 important principles of giving from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 in this 15-page booklet, challenging the reader to a more thoughtful, more systematic and more sacrificial approach to generous giving.

Highlights:

1. The emphasis in Christian giving is on the generosity of God, not the generosity of people.
2. Though all believers are called to be generous, some are given a particular gift of giving.
3. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross challenges us to imitate His sacrificial giving.
4. Paul puts the affluence of some alongside the needs of others and calls for an adjustment.
5. We can all be stimulated to greater generosity by the example of others.
6. What we reap is both for eating and further sowing.
7. Our Christian giving expresses our theology because our gift symbolizes support of the cause to which we are giving.
8. The ultimate result of giving is thanksgiving to God.
9. 10 thought-provoking study questions are included

Potential Concerns:

Some may raise an eyebrow by Stott’s assertion that “a little friendly competition” is helpful in stimulating greater generosity (though he draws this concept directly from the text. See 2 Corinthians 9: 1-5).

When giving a rationale for Christian giving to be carefully supervised, Stott emphasizes the goal of avoiding criticism. True, but this point could have been stronger with more attention given to how carefully supervised finances honor God and are a witness to the world.

Available at: Generous Giving                    Download copy of review