NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 19
Because there were many false teachers which had arisen (even in those early days of the church), Paul found himself in a position wherein he felt compelled to remind these Corinthians (whom he had taught in the way of GOD) of his apostle-ship and rightful place as their “father” in the gospel. Men by nature are fickle at best and often easily swayed by those who come speaking with silver tongues. Paul made no boast of eloquence (see II Cor.10:10; 11:6) and sought to impress upon them that the worth of a man’s message was in its substance rather than its style. (v.3,4) His chief concern for them was that they be found walking in obedience to CHRIST and not that they were entertained or had their egos stroked. It is rare to find churches today whose main purpose is not in making folks feel good about themselves. Psychology and empty assurance has replaced the soul searing message of GOD’s truth. Man rather than CHRIST is at the center of their message.
He does not spare them (the Corinthians) in pointing out that they were lacking in a due consideration of the worth of his ministry among them. He plainly and gladly preached and ministered among them, never making any demands for payment for his services. As we have pointed out before, he felt it necessary to labor with his own hands so that no man might be able to accuse him of preaching for money. It is a testimony to the shallowness of men by nature that they would have a tendency to devalue the worth of his ministry on that account. I have often witnessed this same phenomenon in the present time. TV preachers and so called traveling evangelists, by the score, are not ashamed at all to beg and cajole money from professing believers and amazingly many will gladly open their coffers and bestow wealth upon these charlatans and imposters while neglecting the needs of those whose main concern is their spiritual well being.
Paul points out that because he did not “require” of them that he be paid, it was still incumbent upon them to give due consideration for the service which he had rendered unto them. He even points out the fact that others (Macedonians) to whom he had ministered were forthcoming to supply such things as he was lacking because of his ministry among them even though he was presently engaged in such service to the Corinthians. (see II Cor.11:7-9) Those who are ministered to by those sent from the LORD’s hand should give due consideration to those who watch for their souls (see Heb.13:17). Even in this admonition Paul’s purpose was not to enrich himself but to benefit the Corinthians in stirring them up to receive the blessings which are incumbent in a giving spirit.
“To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” (2Cor 10:16-18)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-Part 18
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 18
Paul continues his exhortation unto the Corinthians to carry through with what they had promised to do in this matter of collecting an offering for the relief of the saints in Jerusalem. “For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.” (2Cor. 9:2) The best of intentions without action is no better than inaction. Our benevolence is intended to stir up the benevolence of our brethren as we build one another up in the most holy faith. But mere promises of benevolence without actually doing what we are motivated to do is but a mere sham and is like James said, “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:16-17) True faith always produces actions and not just words.
The very basis and principle of new testament giving is set forth in v.7, “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) When a “gift” is given grudgingly or out of necessity it is no “gift” at all, rather it is but a duty for which there can be no blessing. (see Luke 17:9-10) The scripture is very clear that there is a great blessing in giving, “he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (2Cor 9:6) This reaping is not something that comes later, like a reward for services rendered, but is a very present reaping as one sows. The blessing is in the giving not the future. We are not to give as though GOD is keeping a tally sheet and will reward us accordingly. Rather HE pours out HIS blessing and its enjoyment as we give. Only those who serve from a legal principle expect otherwise. A generous spirit is a great reward and enjoyment for those to whom it is given
It is in an understanding of this principle that HE does “increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” (2Cor. 9:10-11) Nothing can produce greater thankfulness in the children of GOD than to be found acting in the SPIRIT of CHRIST. In the activity of that which is produced in and through us by HIS SPIRIT we are moved to worship HIM and say with the apostle, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2Cor. 9:15) Giving of ourselves and our substance for the sake of the brethren, by the power and grace of GOD at work in us, is the nearest that we can come in this world to imitating HIM who gave himself for us, expecting nothing in return.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Paul continues his exhortation unto the Corinthians to carry through with what they had promised to do in this matter of collecting an offering for the relief of the saints in Jerusalem. “For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.” (2Cor. 9:2) The best of intentions without action is no better than inaction. Our benevolence is intended to stir up the benevolence of our brethren as we build one another up in the most holy faith. But mere promises of benevolence without actually doing what we are motivated to do is but a mere sham and is like James said, “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:16-17) True faith always produces actions and not just words.
The very basis and principle of new testament giving is set forth in v.7, “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) When a “gift” is given grudgingly or out of necessity it is no “gift” at all, rather it is but a duty for which there can be no blessing. (see Luke 17:9-10) The scripture is very clear that there is a great blessing in giving, “he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (2Cor 9:6) This reaping is not something that comes later, like a reward for services rendered, but is a very present reaping as one sows. The blessing is in the giving not the future. We are not to give as though GOD is keeping a tally sheet and will reward us accordingly. Rather HE pours out HIS blessing and its enjoyment as we give. Only those who serve from a legal principle expect otherwise. A generous spirit is a great reward and enjoyment for those to whom it is given
It is in an understanding of this principle that HE does “increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” (2Cor. 9:10-11) Nothing can produce greater thankfulness in the children of GOD than to be found acting in the SPIRIT of CHRIST. In the activity of that which is produced in and through us by HIS SPIRIT we are moved to worship HIM and say with the apostle, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2Cor. 9:15) Giving of ourselves and our substance for the sake of the brethren, by the power and grace of GOD at work in us, is the nearest that we can come in this world to imitating HIM who gave himself for us, expecting nothing in return.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
New Testament Giving- Part 17
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 17
All New Testament giving is patterned after the example of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2Cor.8:9) The benefit and blessing which can be bestowed on our brethren is much more important than holding onto our possessions. CHRIST gave all of HIMSELF for our sakes, can we do less for those for whom HE shed HIS precious blood? Can we say that we love HIM if we do not express our love to those of our brethren who may be in need? Is this not what James meant when he said, “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:16)
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to carry out in fact that which they are motivated to do by the SPIRIT, even reminding them of their intentions from a year ago. (see v. 10) Good intentions do not fill the mouths of the hungry with food but those who act in faith upon those intentions do. (see v.11) We are to exhort one another unto good deeds, not as though we would not otherwise be inclined to perform them but in order to “stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:.”(2Pet 3:1) Let us not neglect that gift which is in us. (see I Tim.4:14; II Tim.1:6)
Paul is not trying to shame them into giving of their substance but is gently reminding them that they may one day be in the same place of need. (see v.12-14) GOD’s purpose is manifested in the mutual benefit that the brethren are to be to one another. “Bear ye one another’s burdens”. What a glorious privilege it is to be included in the family of GOD! The care of Titus (see v.16,17) for these Ephesians is already a demonstration of that continual supply which the LORD provides for HIS own through the ministry of the saints one to the other.. One may provide butter and the other bread so that a sumptuous meal is spread for all to eat of and be filled. (see Eph.4:16) Regardless of the provision the LORD is to be thanked and praised.
Paul is very careful to point out that great care is taken to deliver these funds to the brethren in Jerusalem without any part of them being used by those who did the delivery. Those who “collect” such funds in our day often feel entitled to a portion of them for their own benefit. Such should never be the case and to do so is contrary to the spirit of giving. (see v.20-22) Funds collected and given for a specific purpose must be used for that specific purpose and those entrusted with such gifts must give due diligence to see that they are applied as desired by those who gave them.
Modern “mission” endeavors fail the test of New Testament giving because most often great portions of funds, supposedly collected for a specific (perhaps even noble) purpose, are used up by those who “administrate” such. When paid jobs are created, ostensibly to distribute collected funds, then there is a disregard of New Testament principle and a reliance on the invention of men. This concept is foreign to the New Testament and is but the product of those who think the kingdom of GOD is meat and drink or are either greedy of filthy lucre.
(to be continued, DV) mam
All New Testament giving is patterned after the example of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2Cor.8:9) The benefit and blessing which can be bestowed on our brethren is much more important than holding onto our possessions. CHRIST gave all of HIMSELF for our sakes, can we do less for those for whom HE shed HIS precious blood? Can we say that we love HIM if we do not express our love to those of our brethren who may be in need? Is this not what James meant when he said, “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:16)
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to carry out in fact that which they are motivated to do by the SPIRIT, even reminding them of their intentions from a year ago. (see v. 10) Good intentions do not fill the mouths of the hungry with food but those who act in faith upon those intentions do. (see v.11) We are to exhort one another unto good deeds, not as though we would not otherwise be inclined to perform them but in order to “stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:.”(2Pet 3:1) Let us not neglect that gift which is in us. (see I Tim.4:14; II Tim.1:6)
Paul is not trying to shame them into giving of their substance but is gently reminding them that they may one day be in the same place of need. (see v.12-14) GOD’s purpose is manifested in the mutual benefit that the brethren are to be to one another. “Bear ye one another’s burdens”. What a glorious privilege it is to be included in the family of GOD! The care of Titus (see v.16,17) for these Ephesians is already a demonstration of that continual supply which the LORD provides for HIS own through the ministry of the saints one to the other.. One may provide butter and the other bread so that a sumptuous meal is spread for all to eat of and be filled. (see Eph.4:16) Regardless of the provision the LORD is to be thanked and praised.
Paul is very careful to point out that great care is taken to deliver these funds to the brethren in Jerusalem without any part of them being used by those who did the delivery. Those who “collect” such funds in our day often feel entitled to a portion of them for their own benefit. Such should never be the case and to do so is contrary to the spirit of giving. (see v.20-22) Funds collected and given for a specific purpose must be used for that specific purpose and those entrusted with such gifts must give due diligence to see that they are applied as desired by those who gave them.
Modern “mission” endeavors fail the test of New Testament giving because most often great portions of funds, supposedly collected for a specific (perhaps even noble) purpose, are used up by those who “administrate” such. When paid jobs are created, ostensibly to distribute collected funds, then there is a disregard of New Testament principle and a reliance on the invention of men. This concept is foreign to the New Testament and is but the product of those who think the kingdom of GOD is meat and drink or are either greedy of filthy lucre.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING - Part 16
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 16
Paul begins chapter 8 of his second epistle to the Corinthians by calling their attention to the source of all of the blessings and obedience which is demonstrated in the lives of the sons of GOD by pointing out to them the actions of the Macedonians. He says, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit (i.e.; we want you to take notice) of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;” (2 Co 8:1) Here Paul plainly attributes the generosity of those Macedonian churches to the abundance of GOD’s grace which was poured out on them. He does not say GOD blessed them because they gave but that their giving was the result of HIS blessing. This is a clear illustration that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. When GOD’s grace is poured out on any people HE will give them a generous spirit towards their fellow believers and this is exactly the motivation that stirred in these Macedonians. A stingy and selfish spirit is not an evidence of GOD’s blessing. On the contrary, when men must be cajoled and persuaded to give out of the abundance with which the LORD has blessed them, or they have a desire to take advantage of one another in financial dealings (see I Cor.6:7) there is great evidence that such men are outside of the outpouring of HIS mercy. GOD’s grace is the first cause of all obedience in the sons of GOD and it is the moving cause of their esteem for the wellbeing of their brethren above themselves.
The abundance of GOD’s grace was so evident on the Macedonians that Paul says they went above and beyond what men would normally consider proper. “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality., For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; (2 Co 8:2,3) They did not limit themselves to percentages or a consideration of their ability to give, but were even willing to impoverish themselves for the benefit of those brethren who they deemed in need of their help. They gave with the same spirit that the widow of Zarephath did when she fed the prophet Elijah with the last handful of meal which she possessed, and the woman which cast in her last pennies into the treasury at the temple. GOD is able to bless HIS people to be generous even when they themselves are impoverished demonstrating that they are the most blessed of all. A generous spirit has nothing to do with the size of a mans bank account.
True giving is described by Paul in verse 5 when he said they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (2 Co 8:5) The LORD demonstrated HIS abundant grace in them by stirring them up to do as Paul had exhorted the Corinthians in an earlier letter saying, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. “ (1 Co 10:31) If a man has given his own self to the LORD then his possessions are seen as belonging to the LORD. This is a most blessed state for a man to be brought to for it is even the same state of mind which was in CHRIST when HE gave HIMSELF for us. Oh may our prayer be, “Dear LORD evermore stir our souls that we may cast ourselves at thy feet and say Here am I, send me. O FATHER revive thy work in the midst of the years and cause thy people to be conformed to the image of JESUS CHRIST.” May we each one be givers of the Macedonian type.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Paul begins chapter 8 of his second epistle to the Corinthians by calling their attention to the source of all of the blessings and obedience which is demonstrated in the lives of the sons of GOD by pointing out to them the actions of the Macedonians. He says, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit (i.e.; we want you to take notice) of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;” (2 Co 8:1) Here Paul plainly attributes the generosity of those Macedonian churches to the abundance of GOD’s grace which was poured out on them. He does not say GOD blessed them because they gave but that their giving was the result of HIS blessing. This is a clear illustration that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. When GOD’s grace is poured out on any people HE will give them a generous spirit towards their fellow believers and this is exactly the motivation that stirred in these Macedonians. A stingy and selfish spirit is not an evidence of GOD’s blessing. On the contrary, when men must be cajoled and persuaded to give out of the abundance with which the LORD has blessed them, or they have a desire to take advantage of one another in financial dealings (see I Cor.6:7) there is great evidence that such men are outside of the outpouring of HIS mercy. GOD’s grace is the first cause of all obedience in the sons of GOD and it is the moving cause of their esteem for the wellbeing of their brethren above themselves.
The abundance of GOD’s grace was so evident on the Macedonians that Paul says they went above and beyond what men would normally consider proper. “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality., For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; (2 Co 8:2,3) They did not limit themselves to percentages or a consideration of their ability to give, but were even willing to impoverish themselves for the benefit of those brethren who they deemed in need of their help. They gave with the same spirit that the widow of Zarephath did when she fed the prophet Elijah with the last handful of meal which she possessed, and the woman which cast in her last pennies into the treasury at the temple. GOD is able to bless HIS people to be generous even when they themselves are impoverished demonstrating that they are the most blessed of all. A generous spirit has nothing to do with the size of a mans bank account.
True giving is described by Paul in verse 5 when he said they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (2 Co 8:5) The LORD demonstrated HIS abundant grace in them by stirring them up to do as Paul had exhorted the Corinthians in an earlier letter saying, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. “ (1 Co 10:31) If a man has given his own self to the LORD then his possessions are seen as belonging to the LORD. This is a most blessed state for a man to be brought to for it is even the same state of mind which was in CHRIST when HE gave HIMSELF for us. Oh may our prayer be, “Dear LORD evermore stir our souls that we may cast ourselves at thy feet and say Here am I, send me. O FATHER revive thy work in the midst of the years and cause thy people to be conformed to the image of JESUS CHRIST.” May we each one be givers of the Macedonian type.
(to be continued, DV) mam
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