(I Cor. 16:1-2)
Intro:
A. Practical, simple, results-oriented
B. Used word “order” (Gk. “tagma”, as a military command, expected to be obeyed.) (see Eccl. 12:13, Heb. 5:8-9)
C. Was more than a convenient, logical way to facilitate
meeting needs of poor—emphasized love and grace of
giving more in II Cor. 8:8
D. What Are the details of Giving
I. DO SO IN ORDER TO OBEY GOD
A. Some consider it a task, others a blessing
B. Passing emotions spur some
C. Did not leave the business of finances in His church to
Schemes of men—
He developed and set the pattern in place:
II. GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES HIS PEOPLE IN—
A. The perfect timing “Every first day of the week”
1. Weekly giving avoids temptation to hold back some
if gave annually
2. Supposes every member will
a. Give each week
b. Give where he is a member (only those elders
planning on his gifts)
c. needs are weekly, even if you are away.
(car payment, house payment still due if you
are away on 1st of the month?)
B. Right People giving: “Everyone of You”
1. Each part of the body (family) is to do its part—see I Cor. 12
2. Is a way of indicating degree of commitment, faithfulness
in stewardship (Luke 10:16)
3. Individual matter needs to be taught to children early, with
opportunity to participate (If give $25 for weekend
entertainment, but $1 for contribution, send a poor signal)
C. Right Place to Give: “In store”, literally means “put into the
Treasury”
1. “All glory be given Him in the church (Eph. 3:21)
2. Local churches were to be repository for funds (II Cor. 8:1-11)
3. Church at Philippi did so (Phil. 4:10-19)
4. Only way practical is a common collection
What if each person decided how to and where to give
All his offering elsewhere—Where would the local church be?
5. Give to other causes over and above
6. Always remember issue is not to “what” do we give but to
“whom” we give
D. Right Person Deciding “As he hath prospered”
1. Purposing also suggested (II Cor. 9:6-8)
2. Right to remember the source of whatever prosperity one enjoys
(Deut. 8:18, Psa. 103:2)
a. What we give is not ours, what we keep is not ours!
(I Chron. 29:12)
b. How much of His do we keep (I Cor. 4:7)
3. Giving back has been a divine principle from old times
(Deut. 15:10)
4. He will provide well for the generous giver (Mtt. 6:33, Lk.6:38,
Psa. 37:25)
E. The Right Reason to Give
1. Based upon planning “as he has purposed in his heart (II Cor. 9:7)
2. Sacred reason (Ex. 35:21) of old
3. Is not encouraging impulse giving but certain amount or certain
percentage
4. Do not have authority to use what should be given in any other
way! (Ex. 22:29)
5. Have no trouble understanding regular, fixed amounts in debts
F. The Right Percentage to Give
“as he may prosper”
1. Law spelled out 10%--perhaps often
2. New Testament puts us on our honor, based on our love for God!
3. Term would suggest we give out of all we have received (salary,
bonuses, stock, dividends, increase in value on sales)
4. No indication giving left-over will please
a. “first fruits of thine increase” (Prov. 3:9)
b. David “I will not offer that which
5. Better covenant offers chance to show appreciation (Heb. 8:6-8)
G. The Right Manner—cheerfully, willingly
1. Not grudgingly (II Cor. 9:7), of necessity (II Cor. 9:7)
not out of compulsion (II Cor. 9:5)
2. But, Cheerfully, readily, willingly (II Cor. 8:12, 110:3)
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