NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-part 4

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING - What are we to give to?

If we are taught to be cheerful givers, exactly what are we supposed to give our money for? The only place we can find a reliable answer is in the word of GOD, the Bible. If we listen to the appeals of the “money changers and tax collectors” we might be convinced of the necessity to give to a multitude of causes which have no scriptural foundation.
At the outset let me say that the “church” is not a “depository” for the money of the saints nor can it be proven from the scripture that any New Testament church had an ongoing regular treasury. Some have taught that the only way that a person can properly “give” of their funds to the LORD is to bring them to the “local church” so that they might be deposited in that organization’s bank account. This idea is generally built on the old testament concept of bringing all the tithes into the “storehouse”.(see Mal.3:10) The problem with this teaching is that nowhere can a parallel be made between the New Testament assembly of the saints and the Old Testament treasury or storehouse. Nor can it be shown that the New Testament church is an “organization” (which is a whole new topic to be discussed at another time). On top of that there is no command in the new testament requiring or asking GOD’s people to tithe their money or any example of an ongoing and regular collection of funds in the assembly of the saints. This is probably quite a shocking statement to those who have long sat under ministries which spend a great deal of time emphasizing “ten percent” giving even to the point of promising great reward to those who do and certain leanness to those who don’t. Modern day “offertories” are a complete figment of the fertile imaginations of those interested in perpetuating kingdoms which have been established by flesh and blood which are dependent on money.
It is outside the scope of these articles to discuss tithing in detail but it is beneficial to read all of the old testament passages which mention tithing and see that tithing in the scripture is not always mentioned in the context of paying a ten percent sum of money. (see Dt.14:22-28 for example) If “tithing” is a “requirement” and as many teach, carries with it the prospect of great blessings of a financial nature, how does that fit with what the LORD said, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)? If it is a “requirement” (as some erroneously teach,) how can there be with it the expectation of financial reward. This is just a ploy on the part of the “money changers” to persuade and entice men into giving greater sums of money. Never once did Paul or any of the apostles ever teach such doctrine or encourage men to give for the purpose of personal gain.
The first record of, the saints in the New Testament, giving of their funds can be found in Acts 2:42-46; 4:32-37. The early church in Jerusalem was under great persecution and the livelihoods of many had been disrupted. The HOLY SPIRIT moved upon some of them to sell their lands and possessions and give the money from that sale for the general provision of all of the brethren gathered there. This was an unusual situation which was evidently not repeated in other places in the same fashion. At least it is not recorded for us if it did. Circumstances could arise at any time (and no doubt have since this era) where the need for such selflessness toward the brethren would be repeated, but this example is not one which is set forth before us in order that we might duplicate it on a regular basis. Rather, it stands as an illustration of the great love that these early believers had for one another and serves as a pattern for our regard for those who are called with us. They counted the well-being of their brethren of more value than their earthly possessions. “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.’ (Phil 2:3)
The flesh always tries to counterfeit true spirituality, so it should come as no shock to us that Ananais and Sapphira (see Acts 5:1-11) thought they could garner favor among the apostles by claiming to be giving the complete proceeds from a possession which they sold. Some men still seem to think they can impress the HOLY SPIRIT with their feigned liberality. Most “tithe gatherers” are impressed and obsessed with the amount someone gives but there is no indication in the scripture that notice is ever made of individual generosity (most certainly not coupled with promises of material blessing). This incident should stand as a stark reminder that the blessings of GOD are bestowed by HIS sovereign will and cannot be purchased. (see Acts 8:18-20)
The next reference to money in the early church has to do with concern for its disbursement rather than its collection. (see Acts 6:1) As the number of disciples grew so also did the normal problems associated with sinful humanity. Even the church is not free from hypocrites and impostors. By nature men are complainers and usually find reasons to murmur and whine unless restrained by the HOLY GHOST.
There arose among the Gentile believers some who thought they were being discriminated against in the disbursement of funds from the common treasury. This was primarily noted by them as a neglect of their widows (who had no livelihood) who were being provided for by the brethren. Evidently there was already a shift away from everyone taking their living out of a common fund, supplied by those who had wealth of one sort or other, to that of supplying the needs of the truly poor. In any event one of the first “problems” that arose in the early church had to do with money. The apostles deemed it a serious enough dilemma that they appointed seven men to oversee this matter. We have little information about this situation but the lack of further mention of it seems to indicate that the ministry of these seven solved this problem.
(to be continued, DV) mam