NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 15
Paul’s description of his attitude in the service to which he is called is very telling. Those whom GOD has sent with the calling to be teachers and preachers in the church are to give themselves unto that calling without regard to gain or loss. They are to have no notion of their own benefit in this service but rather their concern is to be for the benefit of those to whom they are called to serve. “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.’ (2Cor 6:10)
These men are not set apart as some separate class of individuals such as in the mindset which makes a distinction between the “laity” and the “clergy”. Such distinctions cannot be found in the scripture. These men possess no sacerdotal powers nor are they given privileges before the throne of GOD which other believers do not possess. Neither can the church “confer” such powers or privilege upon them. Peter says of all believers, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1Pe 2:9) Yet the LORD has given some men particular gifts and callings which are not shared by all of the saints. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” (Eph 4:11) They are servants by word and example unto the flock over which the LORD hath made them overseers.
Those to whom this calling is given are not at liberty to pick and choose when and where they will perform this calling. Neither can they choose whether or not they will perform this calling. This is not a “career path”. As Paul said, “Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! “ (1Cor 9:16) Though Paul made tents to supply his physical needs he knew that his calling was not tentmaking. He made tents in order to be able to preach freely, preaching was not a sideline occupation nor a hobby, it was the very purpose for which he was put upon the earth. He pursued it without regard to his own interests, being primarily concerned for the good of those to whom he was called to serve. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
It has pleased to LORD often to allow those, (whom HE has called), to labor in relative obscurity and often without due honor among men in order that it be illustrated that the kingdom of GOD cometh not with observation. The design of the gospel ministry is not to set an example of earthly wealth and recognition among men, nor to show it to be an “honorable profession” but to demonstrate that it is to the poor and needy that the kingdom is given. Yet at the same time we can say that it is a shameful thing for those who have received benefits, at the hand of those who are thus sent, to neglect their well-being. (see Luke 22:22)
GOD alone shall have all glory, both in the prosperity of those HE calls and in their lack. HE has ordained such for their benefit and the benefit of those to whom they minister. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. “ (Phil 4:11-13)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING- Part 14
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 14
Let’s turn our attention to the only place in the whole New Testament where a “collection” is directly mentioned. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1Cor. 16:1-2) The word translated “collection” in verse one is translated “gatherings” in verse two.
This is an amazing fact considering that most modern churches take up a collection every time they meet or at least whenever it is most convenient . This concept of taking up a “general offering” on a regular basis has no grounds in the New Testament. As we examine this “collection” which is mentioned here we see that:
Money was being collected for a particular purpose. In the case mentioned here he has reference once again to a gathering of funds which are to be taken to the saints in Jerusalem. So we can conclude that the only collections mentioned in the scripture were for the opportunity for the saints to show benevolence to other believers.
This collection was to be participated in according to the prosperity which GOD had blessed men with and not in order to become prosperous. The whole idea that tithing will ensure the blessings of GOD upon those who participate in it is completely of the flesh. It is a scheme designed to coerce men into giving more of their money. The promised expectation of financial solvency resulting from the practice is designed as a means to prompt men to give of their money whose hearts are not made tender by the SPIRIT of GOD who causes HIS people to be cheerful givers.
This collection was made for a specific time. “That there be no gatherings when I come.” Paul’s direction was that they gather this money together and have it ready so that there would be no need to do so when he was present. I have to laugh when I think of how exactly backward that is to how many so called “love offerings” are taken in the present day. These “offerings” are never made in advance but always when the emotions and feelings of men can be manipulated with the greatest of results by those skilled in fleecing the flock.
I would conclude that there were no “regular” collections made in the New Testament churches. When collections were made it was done for the singular purpose of showing due benevolence to believers in need. Should we conclude from this that it is wrong to take up a collection for other purposes? I don’t think so but if we do so, we must always do it remembering that we are not “directed” to do such by the scriptures nor should participation in such collections ever be coerced in any fashion. Rather than “passing a plate” it seems more in keeping with New Testament principle to have such collections made by providing a receptacle where such contributions can be made with some measure of privacy. (see Mat.6:3) Gifts made to those who bestow labor among the saints should be individually imparted rather than supplied from a general fund. According as each is prospered so let him give.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Let’s turn our attention to the only place in the whole New Testament where a “collection” is directly mentioned. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1Cor. 16:1-2) The word translated “collection” in verse one is translated “gatherings” in verse two.
This is an amazing fact considering that most modern churches take up a collection every time they meet or at least whenever it is most convenient . This concept of taking up a “general offering” on a regular basis has no grounds in the New Testament. As we examine this “collection” which is mentioned here we see that:
Money was being collected for a particular purpose. In the case mentioned here he has reference once again to a gathering of funds which are to be taken to the saints in Jerusalem. So we can conclude that the only collections mentioned in the scripture were for the opportunity for the saints to show benevolence to other believers.
This collection was to be participated in according to the prosperity which GOD had blessed men with and not in order to become prosperous. The whole idea that tithing will ensure the blessings of GOD upon those who participate in it is completely of the flesh. It is a scheme designed to coerce men into giving more of their money. The promised expectation of financial solvency resulting from the practice is designed as a means to prompt men to give of their money whose hearts are not made tender by the SPIRIT of GOD who causes HIS people to be cheerful givers.
This collection was made for a specific time. “That there be no gatherings when I come.” Paul’s direction was that they gather this money together and have it ready so that there would be no need to do so when he was present. I have to laugh when I think of how exactly backward that is to how many so called “love offerings” are taken in the present day. These “offerings” are never made in advance but always when the emotions and feelings of men can be manipulated with the greatest of results by those skilled in fleecing the flock.
I would conclude that there were no “regular” collections made in the New Testament churches. When collections were made it was done for the singular purpose of showing due benevolence to believers in need. Should we conclude from this that it is wrong to take up a collection for other purposes? I don’t think so but if we do so, we must always do it remembering that we are not “directed” to do such by the scriptures nor should participation in such collections ever be coerced in any fashion. Rather than “passing a plate” it seems more in keeping with New Testament principle to have such collections made by providing a receptacle where such contributions can be made with some measure of privacy. (see Mat.6:3) Gifts made to those who bestow labor among the saints should be individually imparted rather than supplied from a general fund. According as each is prospered so let him give.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING PART 13
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 13
Paul sets forth his determined purpose to let nothing hinder his ministry, most especially not charges of freeloading or taking financial advantage of those to whom he is sent to minister. He carries this same thought right on into chapter ten where he says, “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1Cor. 10:32-33) This attitude is at the very heart of the principle of New Testament giving. Let each esteem the other better than themselves. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Paul had learned this principle well.
In chapter eleven Paul admonishes the Corinthians for some very “ungiving” attitudes. Division and strife had become so rampant among them that it had even caused their love feasts to become opportunities to manifest their sectarian spirit. Rather than the strong deferring to the weak, they were lording their strength over the weak and each man was determined to seek his own benefit rather than that of his brethren.
This sort of spirit is that which is totally contrary to the concept of brotherly love. GOD has designed the church to be a gathering of brethren whose love to one another is the very hallmark of their discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35) So Paul reminds these at Corinth that the church is woven together and each member is interdependent with the other. “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1Co 12:25-27)
Then he says something in chapter 13 which is stunning in the clarity with which it describes the very nature of New Testament giving. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1Cor 13:3) The whole blessing of giving as the LORD has set it forth is in giving out of a cheerful heart or more plainly a heart that is motivated by nothing but love for the brethren and more especially a love for JESUS CHRIST. The legalist expects to be “rewarded” at some future time for all of his efforts and gifts. Yet this scripture says that to give all of ones goods to feed the poor and to do it without the proper mindset is to completely miss the blessing of it.
The blessing of giving is in the giving, itself, not in the prospect of reward. Such a concept offers no motivation at all for a religious man but for that man in whom the SPIRIT of CHRIST dwells it is a glorious truth. To be able to bestow our goods for the benefit of others for no other reason than our love to them through CHRIST is a great occasion for blessing for the sons of GOD. To give expecting nothing in return is the very acme of true charity.
The Greek word which is translated “charity” is “agape”; which, of course, is the purest kind of love. Is it not interesting that this word “charity” in our modern vernacular is most closely associated with “giving”? Such is true love.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Paul sets forth his determined purpose to let nothing hinder his ministry, most especially not charges of freeloading or taking financial advantage of those to whom he is sent to minister. He carries this same thought right on into chapter ten where he says, “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1Cor. 10:32-33) This attitude is at the very heart of the principle of New Testament giving. Let each esteem the other better than themselves. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Paul had learned this principle well.
In chapter eleven Paul admonishes the Corinthians for some very “ungiving” attitudes. Division and strife had become so rampant among them that it had even caused their love feasts to become opportunities to manifest their sectarian spirit. Rather than the strong deferring to the weak, they were lording their strength over the weak and each man was determined to seek his own benefit rather than that of his brethren.
This sort of spirit is that which is totally contrary to the concept of brotherly love. GOD has designed the church to be a gathering of brethren whose love to one another is the very hallmark of their discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35) So Paul reminds these at Corinth that the church is woven together and each member is interdependent with the other. “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1Co 12:25-27)
Then he says something in chapter 13 which is stunning in the clarity with which it describes the very nature of New Testament giving. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1Cor 13:3) The whole blessing of giving as the LORD has set it forth is in giving out of a cheerful heart or more plainly a heart that is motivated by nothing but love for the brethren and more especially a love for JESUS CHRIST. The legalist expects to be “rewarded” at some future time for all of his efforts and gifts. Yet this scripture says that to give all of ones goods to feed the poor and to do it without the proper mindset is to completely miss the blessing of it.
The blessing of giving is in the giving, itself, not in the prospect of reward. Such a concept offers no motivation at all for a religious man but for that man in whom the SPIRIT of CHRIST dwells it is a glorious truth. To be able to bestow our goods for the benefit of others for no other reason than our love to them through CHRIST is a great occasion for blessing for the sons of GOD. To give expecting nothing in return is the very acme of true charity.
The Greek word which is translated “charity” is “agape”; which, of course, is the purest kind of love. Is it not interesting that this word “charity” in our modern vernacular is most closely associated with “giving”? Such is true love.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 12
Paul gets very personal in the ninth chapter of first Corinthians and sets forth probably the clearest exhortation in all of the scriptures concerning the value of the ministry of the word. Paul was always in some measure the Rodney Dangerfield of the apostles. He constantly had to remind some of his absentminded disciples that it was he, an apostle, who was used by the LORD to bring the gospel to them. By his own admission he was not a great orator and did not seek to curry favor with those under his ministry. He preferred truth to popularity. Many of those who claim to be preachers of the word in our day would do well to follow his example. He could never be accused of scratching itching ears.
One of the reasons that he was forced to continually remind his disciples in various locations of his apostleship is that there was no lack of those (who came along when he was away), seeking to build a following of their own by using his foundation and perhaps calling his “credentials” as an apostle into question. Sadly there are many, today, who are involved in “ministries” of one type or other who do basically the same thing, and in many cases for the same reason that many did in those days, which was for money. (see Tit. 1:11)
It is difficult for a preacher to deal with the subject which he does here without coming across as desirous of other men’s riches. Had he not set the example which he did of making it a practice to provide for his own needs (see v. 12) it would have been even more difficult if not impossible. This difficulty seems to have vanished in great measure today as the vast majority of Christendom has opted to make preaching the word more of a profession than a calling. Many “preachers” receive a salary and benefits just like they would in any secular job. Numbers of so called ministers shamelessly ply their hearers for “love offerings” and “seed gifts”. Most feel it is their right and privilege to live in relative ease and many define that as outright extravagance. I believe Paul would be appalled at this state of affairs should he be able to visit the present day.
Evidently there were many among these Corinthians who placed a very small value on the ministry of the word such as Paul provided. He reminds them that any man who labors for another man’s benefit is worthy of being paid for that service. No one should expect that they are entitled to receive benefits and blessings from another’s efforts and labor and not be expected to reward those labors. He sets forth the fact that a man who expends such effort for their benefit (especially when they willingly and gladly receive it) has a right to expect that those ministered to should place as high a value upon his labors as those who minister are willing to impart of themselves.
It is shameful when men do not value the blessings which others bestow upon them in material things, how much more when those blessings are spiritual in nature. Paul says “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (1Cor. 9:11) How could someone claim to value spiritual blessings and yet withhold such blessings as they are able to bestow (of a material nature), in appreciation for those who ministered these things to them? It must never be that those who have given of their lives to feed the flock of GOD with spiritual food, should ever be in want of their material needs because of a lack of due diligence on the part of those who have received the fruit of their labors.
Paul says, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1Cor. 9:14) Now we need to notice that he is addressing himself to those who are receiving the blessings of preaching and not to those who are called to the ministry of preaching. Many gospel preachers have used this passage of scripture as though it is setting forth a mandate for them to eschew providing for their own needs while shifting the total maintenance of their material needs to the backs of those they minister to. Paul rather abruptly puts any such notion to rest by setting the example for those that follow in the calling to which he was called. (see Acts 20:33-35) He said, “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.” (1Cor. 9:15)
Those whom GOD calls to this ministry should pay close heed to Paul’s reasoning and realize that he is not advocating a “professional” arrangement or contract for services rendered. The enemies of the gospel are always seeking something which they can use to tear down the preaching of it. If they cannot assail the message of it they will assail the motivation and character of those whom GOD has called to proclaim it. So the elders are to be blameless, that is: not to be those who put themselves in situations which lend themselves to criticism. Let it be said that Paul is not here saying that he has refused all of the gifts that some have offered (see II Tim.1:18; II Cor.11:9; Phil.4:14-16) only that he would not make a charge for his services nor would he be put in a position of being dependent on them. He makes a point to confirm that he has labored to provide things for himself and those who ministered with him.
In practical terms I believe the scripture teaches that those whom GOD calls to preach the gospel should consider the provision for their needs to be their own responsibility. They should labor just as others do to provide things honest in the sight of all men. The difference between their own labors and those of others is that their first responsibility is unto the ministry to which they are called and sent, they must not sacrifice that ministry to which they are called for any job or career. That calling must always be the priority of their lives. As Paul said to Timothy, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2Tim 2:4) There are of necessity some sacrifices that are made in the lives of those whom Paul says “endure hardness” and as he testified, “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil 4:11)
In the same practical terms, those who are ministered to by these men who are sent by GOD, should consider the value of their ministry and be willing to bestow material goods and money to them, not simply according to their need, but according to the quantity of blessing which each one receives from that ministry and according to the amount of labor one might bestow. (see I Tim.5:17) Do all of these things as unto the LORD and for HIS glory. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2Cor 9:7)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Paul gets very personal in the ninth chapter of first Corinthians and sets forth probably the clearest exhortation in all of the scriptures concerning the value of the ministry of the word. Paul was always in some measure the Rodney Dangerfield of the apostles. He constantly had to remind some of his absentminded disciples that it was he, an apostle, who was used by the LORD to bring the gospel to them. By his own admission he was not a great orator and did not seek to curry favor with those under his ministry. He preferred truth to popularity. Many of those who claim to be preachers of the word in our day would do well to follow his example. He could never be accused of scratching itching ears.
One of the reasons that he was forced to continually remind his disciples in various locations of his apostleship is that there was no lack of those (who came along when he was away), seeking to build a following of their own by using his foundation and perhaps calling his “credentials” as an apostle into question. Sadly there are many, today, who are involved in “ministries” of one type or other who do basically the same thing, and in many cases for the same reason that many did in those days, which was for money. (see Tit. 1:11)
It is difficult for a preacher to deal with the subject which he does here without coming across as desirous of other men’s riches. Had he not set the example which he did of making it a practice to provide for his own needs (see v. 12) it would have been even more difficult if not impossible. This difficulty seems to have vanished in great measure today as the vast majority of Christendom has opted to make preaching the word more of a profession than a calling. Many “preachers” receive a salary and benefits just like they would in any secular job. Numbers of so called ministers shamelessly ply their hearers for “love offerings” and “seed gifts”. Most feel it is their right and privilege to live in relative ease and many define that as outright extravagance. I believe Paul would be appalled at this state of affairs should he be able to visit the present day.
Evidently there were many among these Corinthians who placed a very small value on the ministry of the word such as Paul provided. He reminds them that any man who labors for another man’s benefit is worthy of being paid for that service. No one should expect that they are entitled to receive benefits and blessings from another’s efforts and labor and not be expected to reward those labors. He sets forth the fact that a man who expends such effort for their benefit (especially when they willingly and gladly receive it) has a right to expect that those ministered to should place as high a value upon his labors as those who minister are willing to impart of themselves.
It is shameful when men do not value the blessings which others bestow upon them in material things, how much more when those blessings are spiritual in nature. Paul says “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (1Cor. 9:11) How could someone claim to value spiritual blessings and yet withhold such blessings as they are able to bestow (of a material nature), in appreciation for those who ministered these things to them? It must never be that those who have given of their lives to feed the flock of GOD with spiritual food, should ever be in want of their material needs because of a lack of due diligence on the part of those who have received the fruit of their labors.
Paul says, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1Cor. 9:14) Now we need to notice that he is addressing himself to those who are receiving the blessings of preaching and not to those who are called to the ministry of preaching. Many gospel preachers have used this passage of scripture as though it is setting forth a mandate for them to eschew providing for their own needs while shifting the total maintenance of their material needs to the backs of those they minister to. Paul rather abruptly puts any such notion to rest by setting the example for those that follow in the calling to which he was called. (see Acts 20:33-35) He said, “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.” (1Cor. 9:15)
Those whom GOD calls to this ministry should pay close heed to Paul’s reasoning and realize that he is not advocating a “professional” arrangement or contract for services rendered. The enemies of the gospel are always seeking something which they can use to tear down the preaching of it. If they cannot assail the message of it they will assail the motivation and character of those whom GOD has called to proclaim it. So the elders are to be blameless, that is: not to be those who put themselves in situations which lend themselves to criticism. Let it be said that Paul is not here saying that he has refused all of the gifts that some have offered (see II Tim.1:18; II Cor.11:9; Phil.4:14-16) only that he would not make a charge for his services nor would he be put in a position of being dependent on them. He makes a point to confirm that he has labored to provide things for himself and those who ministered with him.
In practical terms I believe the scripture teaches that those whom GOD calls to preach the gospel should consider the provision for their needs to be their own responsibility. They should labor just as others do to provide things honest in the sight of all men. The difference between their own labors and those of others is that their first responsibility is unto the ministry to which they are called and sent, they must not sacrifice that ministry to which they are called for any job or career. That calling must always be the priority of their lives. As Paul said to Timothy, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2Tim 2:4) There are of necessity some sacrifices that are made in the lives of those whom Paul says “endure hardness” and as he testified, “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil 4:11)
In the same practical terms, those who are ministered to by these men who are sent by GOD, should consider the value of their ministry and be willing to bestow material goods and money to them, not simply according to their need, but according to the quantity of blessing which each one receives from that ministry and according to the amount of labor one might bestow. (see I Tim.5:17) Do all of these things as unto the LORD and for HIS glory. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2Cor 9:7)
(to be continued, DV) mam
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