NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 22
The ultimate illustration of New Testament giving is seen in Paul’s admonition to husbands to love their wives; “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph 5:25) CHRIST’s example is always our pattern in all things. Love is the very basis for giving in the New Testament as HE has demonstrated. True love is the greatest motivator. When fear fails, duty is neglected, and the thought of future reward is forgotten, love will cause a man to give. The LORD JESUS demonstrated his willingness to give HIMSELF for HIS bride because HE loved her with an everlasting love.
HE was willing to spend and be spent because of HIS great love for her. HE considered the cost and gladly paid it, demanding nothing in return, but determined to purchase whatever HIS bride stood in need of. Love does not ever consider the cost too high but is willing to do all that is necessary. “Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.” (Isa 43:4) Quantities and quotas have nothing to do with giving which is motivated by love.
This is the same motivation for all that the LORD’s people are called upon to perform; regardless of whether it is in our marriages, the church, or even our place of employment. “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” (Eph 6:5-7) Love for CHRIST will make men good employees as well as good employers.
Epaphroditus is held up as an example to the Phillipian church by Paul, as one who was willing to give of himself and his substance even when he was not necessarily feeling like it. He told them to hold him in high esteem for his works sake (see Phil.2:29) because he had ministered to Paul’s needs even when the Phillipians had neglected to do so. GOD always provides such things as those HE sends to a task need. They may not dine with fine china but HE will never leave them nor forsake them and will provide for them even if it is by their own hand as Paul often demonstrated. Epaphroditus was especially blessed in this “ministry” to which he was sent.
Paul then exhorts his “true yokefellow” (chap.6:3) (which was probably Timothy or Ephaphroditus, though we cannot be certain) to take special care of those who had labored with him no doubt giving of their substance and support. Just as he was mindful of the needs of widows and orphans, he was also mindful of those who had sacrificed much for the cause of CHRIST. Dare the sons of GOD neglect those who have given themselves for their service?
Paul is mindful to thank the Phillipians for their renewed support which evidently had been somewhat neglected (2:30) but perhaps stirred up in them by the consideration of Epaphroditus selfless love and they had began again to help Paul with the necessities of life. Rather than upbraid them for this neglect he lays it off to their not having had the proper opportunity to accomplish it. (see Phil.4:10) He reiterates his own willingness to be content with such things as he has, which lesson he had learned by experience wherein he had enjoyed abundance and had suffered lack, yet the LORD was sufficient for all things.(v.11,12)
His thankfulness for their present support serves as an occasion for him to remind them that their faithful support of him in the beginnings of his labors was of a singular blessing since they were the only church who did help him. (v.15) He uses this as an opportunity to remind them that it is more blessed to give than to receive by telling them that he was thankful for their support because of the blessing that he knew it was unto them to be enabled to give with a pure heart. (v.17)
“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phi 4:18-19)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-Part 21
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 21
Whenever the scripture mentions “giving” it is not always concerned with money as we see in Galatians 6:2; “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This is the very basis of the true believer’s relationship to his brethren (and of course subsequently the LORD). Whatever the burdens are which are born by our brethren, we are to stand with them and minister to them as we are able. The LORD JESUS plainly taught this to HIS disciples, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Mat 25:40) If we are the followers of CHRIST ought we not to emulate HIS example who “is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” (Heb.4:15) Is this not the fulfilling of the very “law” of CHRIST who said to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is a right understanding of this principle which will be that which guides the true sons of GOD in regard to the stewardship of those goods which the LORD has placed within our hands.
The sixth verse says “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”,(Gal 6:6) Since we have already commented on this subject we do not wish to labor the point . The blessing of a man is directly tied to his generosity. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal 6:7) Those who are the most blessed are those who are given a liberal spirit which carries with it great joy and gladness in serving the KING of kings. (see v.8)
Paul continually demonstrated that generous spirit which the LORD had granted to him as he reminds the Ephesians that he is the “prisoner of CHRIST” for their benefit,. (see Eph.3:1; 4:1) He was committed to their spiritual wellbeing because of the calling which the LORD had given him, from which he could not escape but gladly fulfilled for their profit, according to the measure of grace given to him. (see I Cor.9:16-19)
He gives a startling admonition when he says that we are to be “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” (Eph 5:21) He has reference here to the relationship which the sons of GOD are to have towards one another as they come together in the local church. We are indeed our brother’s keeper which is again set forth for us in the example of marriage which is typical the relationship which CHRIST has for HIS church and subsequently as we follow in HIS steps, that which the brethren are to have one to the other. Let each esteem the other above himself.(see Phil 2:3)
“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph 6:23)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Whenever the scripture mentions “giving” it is not always concerned with money as we see in Galatians 6:2; “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This is the very basis of the true believer’s relationship to his brethren (and of course subsequently the LORD). Whatever the burdens are which are born by our brethren, we are to stand with them and minister to them as we are able. The LORD JESUS plainly taught this to HIS disciples, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Mat 25:40) If we are the followers of CHRIST ought we not to emulate HIS example who “is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” (Heb.4:15) Is this not the fulfilling of the very “law” of CHRIST who said to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is a right understanding of this principle which will be that which guides the true sons of GOD in regard to the stewardship of those goods which the LORD has placed within our hands.
The sixth verse says “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”,(Gal 6:6) Since we have already commented on this subject we do not wish to labor the point . The blessing of a man is directly tied to his generosity. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal 6:7) Those who are the most blessed are those who are given a liberal spirit which carries with it great joy and gladness in serving the KING of kings. (see v.8)
Paul continually demonstrated that generous spirit which the LORD had granted to him as he reminds the Ephesians that he is the “prisoner of CHRIST” for their benefit,. (see Eph.3:1; 4:1) He was committed to their spiritual wellbeing because of the calling which the LORD had given him, from which he could not escape but gladly fulfilled for their profit, according to the measure of grace given to him. (see I Cor.9:16-19)
He gives a startling admonition when he says that we are to be “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” (Eph 5:21) He has reference here to the relationship which the sons of GOD are to have towards one another as they come together in the local church. We are indeed our brother’s keeper which is again set forth for us in the example of marriage which is typical the relationship which CHRIST has for HIS church and subsequently as we follow in HIS steps, that which the brethren are to have one to the other. Let each esteem the other above himself.(see Phil 2:3)
“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph 6:23)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-Part 20
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 20
Paul continues to remind the Corinthians that he did not in any way slight them in his faithfulness to minister to them, because it appears that some had arisen in their midst who felt that Paul had somewhat neglected them “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.” (2Cor.12:12-13) He said that the only difference in the ministry which he performed among them and that which was performed in other places is that he was careful to place no burden at all upon them for his physical needs and care. He did not receive nor require any financial benefit from them preferring to minister to his own needs and those that were with him. Now they seem to have forgotten his sacrifice and service to them and he (I believe facetiously) asks them to forgive him for not burdening them with those needs.
The carnal nature of men is always moving men to complain and feel slighted even when there is obviously nothing to be complained about nor any real slight that has occurred. It is also a sad but true occurrence motivated by the same carnality, wherein the sons of GOD would have such little regard to the needs of those GOD has sent to minister in their midst, who often (as Paul did) spend their own substance for the good of those who receive blessings at their hand. (see v.15) Paul reiterates that neither he nor Titus nor any of the other men who he sent to minister among them ever did so for financial gain. (see v.16-19) A man faithful to his calling does not ask for money for his services but those to whom he ministers who are led by the SPIRIT of GOD are mindful of the blessings they receive and cannot disregard those needs.
Moving into the book of Galatians, Paul once again mentions that a necessary part of the ministry which he was performing was to collect benevolent help for the poor saints in Jerusalem. As the apostles in Jerusalem sent them on their way they made especial reference to this need which Paul was already aware of and was inclined towards. “Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. (Gal 2:10)
While upbraiding these Galatians for their tendency to listen to the Judaizers and slip back into legalism Paul reminds them of their initial love of the gospel. In doing so we see an illustration of the true spirit of giving taught in the new testament. “Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.” (Gal 4:15) Those who are given a true spirit of giving are not looking for bounds and limits, but are ready to bestow whatever the LORD has placed at their disposal because of the love they have for CHRIST.
.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Paul continues to remind the Corinthians that he did not in any way slight them in his faithfulness to minister to them, because it appears that some had arisen in their midst who felt that Paul had somewhat neglected them “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.” (2Cor.12:12-13) He said that the only difference in the ministry which he performed among them and that which was performed in other places is that he was careful to place no burden at all upon them for his physical needs and care. He did not receive nor require any financial benefit from them preferring to minister to his own needs and those that were with him. Now they seem to have forgotten his sacrifice and service to them and he (I believe facetiously) asks them to forgive him for not burdening them with those needs.
The carnal nature of men is always moving men to complain and feel slighted even when there is obviously nothing to be complained about nor any real slight that has occurred. It is also a sad but true occurrence motivated by the same carnality, wherein the sons of GOD would have such little regard to the needs of those GOD has sent to minister in their midst, who often (as Paul did) spend their own substance for the good of those who receive blessings at their hand. (see v.15) Paul reiterates that neither he nor Titus nor any of the other men who he sent to minister among them ever did so for financial gain. (see v.16-19) A man faithful to his calling does not ask for money for his services but those to whom he ministers who are led by the SPIRIT of GOD are mindful of the blessings they receive and cannot disregard those needs.
Moving into the book of Galatians, Paul once again mentions that a necessary part of the ministry which he was performing was to collect benevolent help for the poor saints in Jerusalem. As the apostles in Jerusalem sent them on their way they made especial reference to this need which Paul was already aware of and was inclined towards. “Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. (Gal 2:10)
While upbraiding these Galatians for their tendency to listen to the Judaizers and slip back into legalism Paul reminds them of their initial love of the gospel. In doing so we see an illustration of the true spirit of giving taught in the new testament. “Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.” (Gal 4:15) Those who are given a true spirit of giving are not looking for bounds and limits, but are ready to bestow whatever the LORD has placed at their disposal because of the love they have for CHRIST.
.
(to be continued, DV) mam
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