Sunday, November 22, 2015 am
GOING ON TO PERFECTION 2015 (36)
The Christian and Public Worship (4)
Giving
a.
How is giving an act of worship?
i.
Worship is as hallowing
God as we render acts devoted to Him.
When we define worship we have noted that it involves an
expression of devotion and reverence toward God.
Worship is a sacrificial act (Heb. 13:15-16).
ii.
A study of worship to
God in scriptures shows that part of that worship involved sacrifices to
Him. A sacrifice by its very
nature was GIVING something to God.
And it involved giving Him the best or “off the top” if you will.
In fact, dealing with sacrifices the term “gift” is used in Numbers
18:11, “This also is yours: the
heave offering of their gift,
with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them
to you, and your sons and daughters with you, as an ordinance forever.
Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it.”
iii.
Philippians 4:18,
“Indeed I have all and abound. I
am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a
sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”
This is addressing the church at Philippi supporting Paul, (a
legitimate use of moneys received for the Lord’s work), their giving is
described as an acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God.
iv.
When we give to God,
following His instructions, our giving can be an act of worship.
b.
Partaking “in truth”
i.
When one understands how
authority is established, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 gives us authority for a
treasury. The usage of terms such as “storing up” (as individuals) so
that there be “no collections” (a treasury) points toward this.
ii.
This text also gives us
direction in how and when the collection is to be taken.
This text tells us it is “on the first day of the week” just like the
Lord’s Supper. This is
the only time it is taken by approved example.
iii.
Note also vs. 1 where Paul was emphatic about this.
It was not a suggestion, but a command that had been given to
other congregations as well.
In fact he said of the Corinthians, “So you MUST do also.”
The word “must” is an imperative which means a command.
iv.
Free will - this text
and every other text that deals with a collection shows that what is
raised is a free-will offering, not compulsory (forced), to be used in
ways that are scriptural (no fundraising, etc.)
v.
But at the same time, we
are doing this TOGETHER!
vi.
Furthermore, a study of
how funds were received in the first century shows it was limited to the
collection of the saints.
The church is not in the business of fund-raising, operating businesses,
etc.
vii.
Funds received by the
Lord’s body can be used for reaching the lost, building up the saved
spiritually (i.e. within the assembly, class materials, etc.), and on a
limited basis for benevolence (always saints, and temporal in nature).
This is an area where we must respect God’s boundaries.
Today many churches are engaged in multitudes of activities – good works
by every definition – that are simply not the work of the church
according to scriptures.
Churches do not have authority for general benevolence (relieving the
needs of society), or supporting & sponsoring social activities (even
for its members). It is
simply not in the pattern of scripture for her work.
Often times, churches confuse the responsibilities of individuals with
their collective responsibilities.
The result is often budgets that are larger than the contribution
of the saints. This
causes them to seek alternative sources of revenue.
Our working together (“fellowship”) is not just about the collection on
the first day of the week, but it comes with how we use that which we
have contributed to the Lord and His body in this location.
c.
Partaking “in Spirit”
i.
As far as our worship is
concerned, giving is a unique act.
While there are parameters to consider in our giving, as we have
seen, the depth of our giving depends on our attitude.
It depends upon our minds being prepared.
One might ask, how can this giving be commanded yet not compulsory?
The answer lies in our attitude toward giving.
If our heart is right, giving is going to be a joy rather than
drudgery.
ii.
The church of the first
century genuinely cared about one another.
They were there and willing to sacrifice on behalf of one
another. It is
based upon this attitude, that we find instructions about Christians and
giving.
iii.
An example of this is
the churches of Macedonia that even in their poverty, with joy they gave
abundantly, above and beyond their ability, freely willing – 2 Cor.
8:1-5. This was because they
FIRST gave themselves to the Lord.
iv.
The “spirit” of giving
includes –
1.
Laying something aside
as you have prospered -1 Cor. 16:1-2.
While the days of “tithing” are over, there is something to be
said about our prosperity.
2.
2 Cor. 9:7 – as we have
purposed. A proper
attitude is one that has made plans that include God “off the top”.
That accords with spirit of “excellence” we have been discussing.
3.
2 Cor. 9:7 – not
grudgingly or of necessity.
Your giving should not be because you have been “quilted” into it.
4.
But with a cheerful
(joyful) disposition.
v.
Don’t brag about it!
Your giving is a private matter.
In Matt. 6:1-4 – don’t do your charitable deeds to be seen of
men. If you are seeking
praise from men, your heart is not right!
a.
We need to train
ourselves to give generously – it should not “hurt” to give (as in
grudgingly). Giving is more
about an attitude, than it is an amount.
The Bible makes this clear -
1) The woman with 2 mites – Luke 21:1-4
2) Zacchaeus – Luke 19:8
3) Barnabas – Acts 4:36-37, etc.
b.
Consider what God has
given you – His grace, love and mercy.
His only begotten Son.
Etc.
c.
Learn that there is
blessing in giving – not the “prosperity gospel” type, but there are
blessings that will come with it.
2 Cor. 9:8-11 – God is able to make all grace abound’
Acts 20:35 – Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – when “the rich” give, they store up a good
foundation…
d.
Consider the church and
her needs. We are discussing
doing things excellently, does your contribution help us be our best?
e.
Learn contentment.
1 Timothy 6:6 tells us that godliness with contentment is great
gain. We have to learn to be
content – live within our means.
Far too many fail to give as they should because they are trying
to hold onto God and the world at the same time (Matt. 6:24).
What was the problem with the rich, young ruler – Matt. 19:16-22?
He was covetous.
While not stated, do you suppose if Jesus had asked just a small amount
of his wealth (say 10 percent)
he would have given that? I believe that is likely – but he was
not willing to give up his worldly possessions and status.
The account is a lesson about attitudes, not amounts!
f.
Don’t limit your giving
to the church OR even to financial gifts.
But don’t neglect the body either as we have seen above.
In
2 Cor. 8:6-7 Paul commended the brethren for their faith, speech,
knowledge, diligence and love.
Concerning their giving on that occasion he said, “See
that you abound in this grace also.”
So
how is your giving? Are you
giving as you ought to? That
is between you and God. But
know this – God knows! Think
about it.