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