NEW TESTAMENT GIVING- part 8

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 8

The next time we see an example of giving in the New Testament we see it demonstrated by some who were not even Christians. Luke writes, “And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.” (Act 28:2) (see v.7 also) GOD is able to produce kindness in men where it does not exist otherwise, most especially in order to bless and preserve HIS elect in the process. (see Isa.43:4) It pleased the LORD to set this stage and bring about a chain of events that resulted in Paul’s sojourn on this island for a period of three months.
The scripture does not record that Paul preached the gospel to these people nor that any of them believed, but it seems unlikely that Paul could have been anywhere for that period of time and not been found proclaiming the unsearchable riches of CHRIST. The very fact that these people loaded them with provisions and necessary things upon their departure seems to indicate that some change was wrought in them causing us to believe that it is likely that faith was given to some. Even the wicked can be stirred up to help men in suffering so we are not surprised at their magnanimity in the original circumstances. Yet it seems that some of them were still moved to meet their needs even when their immediate distress had passed.
The provisions and lodging which the LORD sees fit to provide may not always be to the liking of those HE sends nor will HE always allow them to be at ease in performing the work HE requires, but HE will never send a man to accomplish a task but that HE will prepare the way and provide the means. (see Mark 11:1-6; 14:13-16) HE sent Paul and gave him a skill (tentmaking) to provide for his needs, then when he was unable to perform that task HE prepared men with magnanimous hearts to provide such things as are necessary. Paul spent no time in trying to garner funds to prosecute the task GOD had sent him to do. Yet he graciously received such things (as were provided by others whom the LORD had fitted to that task) giving thanks to GOD. Yet it seems that he continued to labor to provide for himself since Luke tells us that he dwelt in his own rented house for two years. (see Acts 28:30)
The creation of the “professional ministry” has created a mindset among many who feel that they should have a privileged lifestyle simply because they have been given a particular gift and calling among GOD’s people. It seems that Paul foresaw this likelihood as he labored with his own hands to set an example for those who would follow him and admonished them with his words as well.
Paul sets forth (in the 12 chap of Romans) the very claim that JESUS CHRIST has upon those whom HE has purchased with HIS own life’s blood. He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom 12:1) There are no levels of commitment for the sons of GOD to pick and choose from. Our “reasonable” (or expected) service to CHRIST is that of total commitment. Involved in this “reasonable” service is the admonition that we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think.
If we recognize that everything we have been given is a product of HIS grace then that leaves no room for personal glory. The body (which is HIS church) of CHRIST is made up of many members. Each one is appointed a measure of faith (v.3) and gifts (v.6) according to the grace that is given to every man. No gift is to be disrespected nor is any to be exalted. How can anyone boast of their abilities or make demands based on those callings when each one has received them according to the good pleasure of HIM who has called us. Nor is there any indication that others should place some upon a pedestal because of certain gifts that they may possess. Whether a man should prophesy, exhort, or teach, he must wait upon unction from the GIVER of gifts, and must apply himself unto that to which he is called. As Paul said “Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel” (I Cor. 9:16). Such a calling does not entitle one to a stipend nor to some rank or title related to their gift and calling. I would interject here that the practice of referring to those with preaching gifts by some title is (IMHO) but a throwback to the priestcraft of Rome. It makes no difference if the title is Reverend or Elder.
In verse 8 he says “he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity” I think this admonition is closely related to what the LORD JESUS said in HIS sermon on the mount, “ But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” (Matt 6:3) If GOD has moved us to give money, time, or whatever HE may have instructed us to do, let us do it without fanfare or a desire to impress others, but simply and quietly that HE alone may be glorified, for HE alone is worthy of glory. The passing of collection plates and labored appeals for funds seems somewhat contrary to this simplicity in my own mind.
In verse 11 he says for us to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the LORD.” The Greek word used for business here is most often translated “diligence” and I think the context of the passage indicates that he is exhorting them to be fervent and diligent in the calling that they have been given. If a man is called to feed the flock of GOD through teaching, exhortation, and prophecy, then he must be diligent to pursue and study the word of GOD. Some seem to think that a gift to preach is an excuse not to study the Bible; even boasting of their ignorance, which by the way is usually demonstrated when they open their mouth so as not to leave the hearers in doubt. A man may lack understanding but there is no excuse for ignorance of the text of the Bible, brought about by a neglect of it. If the apostles who walked with CHRIST HIMSELF, needed to study and pray, (see Acts 6:2,4; 2 Tim.4:13) how much more do we in the present time who have been called unto this ministry. It is no less true for any of those whom GOD has called and given other gifts for the edification of the body that they should pursue their calling with due diligence.
In verse 13 he admonishes the members of the body to be “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.’ (Rom 12:13) This is the primary reason that we are given in the New Testament that we are to be giving our money for. We have already discussed the example of the Christians at Antioch giving of their money to help the believers in Jerusalem (see Acts 11:29). The believer’s first responsibility in the giving of that which the LORD has blessed them with is to consider the well being of the saints. Money will not solve most problems that beset the sons of GOD but it can often be useful unto this end and GOD’s people must be considerate of this fact. Hospitality is but an outgrowth of a kind and considerate heart. Those who are blessed with this ability are richly blessed indeed.


(to be continued, DV) mam