NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-part 10

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 10

In the 15th chapter of Romans Paul mentions that he must go to Jerusalem to “minister” to the saints there. This ministry of which he speaks is defined in the next verse, ”For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” (Rom 15:26) He mentions that a collection was made by the Churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the poor saints in Jerusalem. So this was a “ministry” of deed and not simply word. This is the same incident that he mentions to the Corinthians to stir them up by the example of these brethren who had given abundantly of those things which GOD had blessed them with.
Once again we can see that the sole reason for the collection of funds was for the relief of the saints. In this case it was those at Jerusalem who, for whatever reason, were in destitute circumstances. We do know that some of the property of the early Jewish Christians was taken from them and they were cast out of the synagogues which was tantamount to being blackballed by society. Also keep in mind that many of them had sold what property they had in order to provide for the needs of the brethren (see Acts 4:33-37) It is obvious that there was great need in their midst which these brethren in Macedonia were moved by the HOLY GHOST to supply. We can see GOD’s sovereign purpose in providing a people in need and a people able to supply that need so that HIS church might be blessed both in the giving and the receiving. These things don’t take place by chance but according to HIS wonderful design. GOD may bring some with lack to our awareness in order to pour out HIS blessings on those who HE moves to provide for that need, proving that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The greater blessing is always in the giving. But HE also brings about circumstances that give others the opportunity to see HIS hand of mercy demonstrated by supplying such things as they are in need of.
Then Paul sets forth what is a recurring theme that appears in his writings when he says, “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.” (Rom 15:27) We should not consider spiritual blessings as an entitlement. All blessings come to us from the hand of the LORD and it is set forth in HIS word that HE intends that we should value those blessings in the same fashion, (yea even to a greater extent) as those blessings which are temporal. If we feel it proper to “reward” those who bestow service and blessing to us in temporal things, how much more ought we to operate on that principle when we receive spiritual blessings from the hand of others.
In this particular instance he is reminding the Romans that the gospel was first given to the Jews at Jerusalem and it was through their instrumentality and faithfulness (humanly speaking) that the gospel was spread even into Rome and the rest of the world. He says that the Romans are “debtors” to them in this fashion. He rhetorically asks “ Would you receive such a blessing from them which was a labor of love bestowed upon you, and not be willing to minister to them of your money when they are in a place of need.? Would you consider this blessing of less value than some carnal treasure? Can you who have received of their abundance not minister to them of yours?” How valuable is the gospel to us? What a man spends his money on is usually an indicator of what he values.
It seems odd to me that men can profess to love the things of GOD and then act in a miserly way with a stingy spirit when it comes to the money that GOD has seen fit to entrust them with. “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” (Jam 3:11-12)
Then he says something in verse 31 that is very interesting as he asks them to pray, “that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints.” (Rom 15:31) One would think that they would gladly receive these gifts from the hand of the apostle. However we must remember that many of these Jews were not overly thrilled at the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles and therefore might be reluctant to receive their gifts. Human pride often hampers the reception of great blessings. If GOD moves upon someone to give a blessing we must be mindful that not to receive it as it is given is to deprive the person doing the giving of a great blessing. As we have pointed out earlier, GOD designs the giving and the receiving for the benefit of HIS children. On one occasion we may be the recipient of HIS blessing by giving and on another occasion by receiving. In either case HE alone is worthy of the glory in providing such occasions for blessing which we do not deserve in either case.
Next we hear Paul exhorting the Romans to show hospitality to sister Phoebe as she was coming among them for some purpose. Perhaps she was there on business or performing some acceptable ministry among them, nevertheless Paul encourages them to help her in any way possible, which would most likely be to show her hospitality in providing her needs while she was among them. He testifies in her behalf that she has a reputation of doing the exact same thing for him and others.
He expresses his thanks to the many brothers and sisters there who had ministered unto him in whatever needs he had when he was among them. Lifelong bonds are formed among the LORD’s people who show kindness and hospitality to one another in this fashion. Genuine love for the brethren is exhibited when we bless one another with such kindness and when such is withheld it seems quite odd that we would profess that we had much love one to the other. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal 6:10)


(to be continued, DV) mam