Giving
Giving money and possessions is one of the most practical, yet frustrating and abused, areas in the Christian life. Every believer must make decisions as to how, when, why, and to whom to give. Yet many find that they do not have helpful guidelines in the form of teaching. And further, many assume things about giving—and getting—that are not in the New Testament. Should I tithe? How often should I give? How much is enough? What if I just can't give? Is it all right to pledge or make a faith-promise? Who or what should I give to? These are all legitimate questions that all believers must answer. Perhaps the best way to summarize this area of doctrine concerning the local church is this: every believer is obligated to give—but only in accordance with the teaching of the New Testament. The following discussion necessarily deals with practical aspects of giving, since this is not a doctrine (there is a New Testament doctrine of giving!) that can be treated in the abstract.
Principles and Guidelines. In Phil. 4:18–19 and Heb. 13:15–16 giving money is described as a priestly act, a form of worship, a response to the grace of God. Just as my public worship is to be directed by the Spirit, so also is my giving. Such giving is pleasing to God, as an Old Testament sacrifice might have been (Phil. 4:18–19). Because of the priestly nature of giving—a response to grace shown to individuals—no one can tell a believer how much to give, or where to direct his giving. Further, this rules out appeals to those outside the Body of Christ, since they are not priests and cannot give as such to the Lord's work; they have never experienced the grace of God.
One area of giving involves those who minister the Word of God in teaching: "Anyone who receives instruction in the Word must share all good things with his instructor" (Gal. 6:6, NIV). Providing for teachers is an obligation for every believer, for essentially everyone is taught by someone. Unfortunately this kind of giving is often neglected. 1 Cor. 9:11–15 describes this from another perspective. The one who ministers has a right to be supported, but that right can be forfeited, as in the case of Paul. It is important to remember that he never asked for money for himself, thus living in the Gospel ministry entirely by faith. Another aspect of giving to those who minister is found in 1 Tim. 5:17–18, where some elders may spend more time in ministry and do better at leading than others, and should be compensated proportionately.
Two important passages dealing with giving that also form a unit are 1 Cor.
16:1–2 and 2 Cor. 8:1–9:15. In 1 Cor. 16 Paul mentions the collections for the
believers, and then resumes the same topic in 2 Cor. 8:1, written a short time
later. In 1 Cor. 16 we learn:
1. Paul taught the same principles in Asia and Europe. His teaching was
universal (see also 1 Cor. 4:17 for the same principle). Therefore these
principles of giving must have universal application.
2. The collection was part of ministry to the poor.
3. This is part of apostolic command.
4. Giving is to be done by individuals ("each one of you" [NIV]).
5. Money is to be put aside, as in a fund.
6. Giving is to be done out of what is earned already (v. 2), not out of what is
anticipated.
In 2 Cor. 8:1–9:15 we learn:
1. Giving is a part of grace (v. 7), as opposed to the Old Testament tithe.
Tithing (one tenth plus) was for those under the law. We are not under the
principle of tithing today, since we are not under the law.
2. Giving comes after seeking God's will (v. 5). It is to be a matter settled
personally between the individual and God after dedication to His direction.
3. The Corinthians had on their own asked if they could give. The amount and
time were not specified. Paul, a third party, urges them to finish this
commitment. The money is not for him. It is not a fixed, promised amount—that
would violate 8:12. When the Macedonians had heard about the need in Jerusalem
they had begged to participate on their own (8:4). Paul exhorts them to give,
but not to him. The New Testament does not condone the requesting of money for
one's own ministry or other needs. It is not found here and would violate 1 Cor.
16:1–2 and the free leading of the Spirit. God is quite able to supply the needs
of those who minister in His name, by leading other individuals to give to those
ministries He wants supported. Many have found that this works and brings great
honor to God.
Giving is a privilege under grace, a responsibility under priesthood, and can be a blessing to believers and glorifying to God, if done in conscious obedience to the New Testament. As in all things, God prospers us as we follow His word. He does not promise to bless what is not done in accordance with His word. It is thus a biblical principle that the will of God can be discerned by the way God provides for lives and ministry through others. Dependence on the Spirit of God to supply financial needs is thus a key ingredient in determining how and where God wants us to serve Him. Forcing people to give eliminates this important part of God's leading.
1. Second Corinthians 8–9 are key chapters on generous giving in the Christian church. Survey the following verses and note the key word that appears in each verse which makes generous giving possible:
a. 8:1
b. 8:6
c. 8:7
d. 8:9
e. 9:8
f. 9:14
There is a close connection between spiritual purity, God's
blessing, and abundant giving (II Chronicles 31:1–10). When King Hezekiah sought
to restore true spiritual worship in Jerusalem, the first thing the people did
was destroy their idols (verse 1). As a result, God blessed the people with an
abundance of harvests (verse 10). Over a period of five months the people tithed
of all God's blessings (verses 6–7), and it was more than enough for the priests
and Levites to live on (verse 10). Generous giving flows from God's blessing
which flows from obedient living.
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Jesus is asking, "Wont you Help?"
Fall, such a glorious time of the year with Gods creation preparing its time to renew itself. Alas, we were born into sin and harbored a sinful nature, but accepting Christ as like being baptized washes this sin away and makes us new too.
Each year we ask our Christian Brothers and Sisters to help us with our online ministry and ministries around the world. For without Donations and fund Raising we would be not online or not able to feed, clothe and shelter those around the globe or help in our little Jerusalem or to help those anywhere. To bring forth good sound teaching and share the Gospel around the world using Radio and all tools afforded to us.
We hope you will find it in your heart to help us, either buy a single song for download or come to our book store and buy a book or even just a true blessing of a love donation. We are a 501 c 3 Church.
We Need your Help! Thank you!
Reverend William
HeavenBound GB Ministry
You are Given Authority to help others and to give Christ the Glory by doing to the least of his while he is gone!
Daniel was given authority...
What people do with authority is a test of character. Do they use their
authority to promote themselves or to help others? Do they glorify themselves or
glorify God? Daniel was given a high position similar to Haman's, but he used
his authority to honor God and help others (Dan. 6).
Wont you too be like Daniel?