NEW TESTAMENT GIVING--part 9

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 9

At the end of the twelfth chapter of Romans Paul reinforces a truth plainly taught by the LORD during HIS ministry upon the earth. He says “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:20-21) The LORD may from time to time send someone into our lives who appears to us to be an “enemy” or someone who we are at odds with over various matters. We are not called to mark them out as targets of our wrath(for that is the LORD’s prerogative) but rather to inundate them with kindness. This is totally contrary to the natural mindset of men and must be considered preposterous according to that mind and impossible to carry out in the power of the flesh. However we have the mind of CHRIST and HE said, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Paul said we are to be mindful of their needs even as the LORD said, “For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.” (Mat 25:35) If anything should be obvious in the lives of GOD’s people it should be this sort of spirit. (see Mat.25:31-46) To whom much is given, much is required. We often spend much time wrangling over this doctrine and that (often even profitably) but the demonstration of our discipleship to CHRIST is not seen by the world in our doctrinal correctness but rather by our love one for the other as brethren. (see John 13:35) How can the sons of GOD who know themselves to be the objects of mercy not demonstrate a merciful and kind heart unto their fellow man, most especially they who are believers. “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)
Then in the thirteenth chapter of Romans Paul touches on several points related to the spirit of giving which should be demonstrated by those in whom the SPIRIT of GOD works. He begins by reminding these Roman Christians (who dwelt at the very seat of the earthly governmental power of the Roman empire) that there is no power that can exist in the world (be it human governments or principalities of darkness) without HIS express will and purpose. Even the atrocities and injustices of governments are not outside of that purpose and can only take place as HE is pleased to direct their occurrence. Even the wrath of man shall praise HIM and HE will restrain the rest.
Therefore the sons of GOD should not occupy themselves with schemes and plans to subvert or overthrow these earthly governments. This is not our calling. The governments of this world are ordained by HIM, (both good and bad) for the ultimate good of the children of GOD (see Rom.8:28). It is outside the scope of our subject matter here to delve into the intricacies involved in the Christian’s involvement in the governments of this world but suffice it to say we are not to stand out in the crowd because of our civil disobedience or civic (or patriotic) pride but because of our commitment to CHRIST. (see I Pet.4:15)
With this in mind he sets forth the proper principle for paying taxes. This mindset is akin to that which he set forth when he reiterated the old testament principle of “thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.” Rather than paying taxes simply because we will go to jail if we don’t; we should consider that the LORD has provided “governments” for our benefit and it is only proper that we should be willing to pay for that which someone does for us. I will leave it to others to define the proper “amounts” that the government is entitled to (probably much less than they demand) but we ought not to object to paying for benefits (in fact we should do it gladly) which we receive which are provided by others whether they are GOD’s ministers in governmental affairs, those that minister unto us the word of life, or those who provide any other service whereby we benefit. (see v.7)
Some have taught that verse 8 would instruct us not to incur any monetary debt, such as mortgages, consumer loans, etc. While the children of GOD should be prudent in their financial dealings (walking circumspectly) and should be aware of the advice given in Proverbs concerning monetary “debt”, this verse does not have reference to that kind of debt particularly. Rather Paul is simply saying that we should not “owe” someone in the sense of not being willing to pay that which is due having reference to verse seven. It does not matter whether it is a “debt” of respect, honor, taxes, or payment for services rendered. We continually “owe” our brethren love because we can never completely discharge that “debt” since the law of the SPIRIT of life in CHRIST JESUS demands it.
The SPIRIT of CHRIST is that which moves the sons of GOD not only to be generous with the material goods HE has placed at their disposal but to even be willing to give up some of their liberty (if necessary) for the good of their weaker brethren. Paul made it very clear in his writings that there is no food or drink, time or season which can bring the free born sons of GOD into condemnation. All things are lawful for them. However not all things are expedient (practically useful). “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” (Rom 14:21) It is only proper that the strong brother who clearly understands his freedom in CHRIST should defer in these matters to brethren of a weaker conscience who may be offended by the taking of such things or may be emboldened to partake of such things themselves which they do not have a clear conscience about. (see v.14,15;22,23). I have known of some brethren who have insisted in exercising their liberty regardless of whose weak conscience may be offended. This is totally contrary to the mind of CHRIST and is indicative of a disregard for the benefit of the sons of GOD, being a demonstration of selfishness rather than the spirit of new testament giving.
Paul sums it all up in the beginning of the fifteenth chapter by saying, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom 15:1) This is again contrary to the way our flesh thinks yet HE who has called us out of the darkness and into the light has not left us without a WITNESS to the absolute truth of that principle.

(to be continued, DV) mam