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.
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(to be continued, DV) mam