1. In our assemblies on the first day of the week, we have the opportunity to give
a. Following the charge given to the churches of Galatia and Corinth - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
b. Commonly referred to as the 'collection' or 'contribution'
2. It is not unusual for people to have misconceptions about this act of worship
a. Considering it an intrusion on what is otherwise a spiritual service
b. But as a 'necessary evil' for the church to carry on its work
c. Who may have difficulty engaging in this act of worship with 'gladness'
d. Especially if they give grudgingly, feeling compelled to give
3. But when properly understood, the act of giving can be
a. A truly spiritual manifestation of worship
b. A source of wonderful fellowship and great blessings
c. Another element of serving the Lord with gladness
A. THE EARLY CHURCH CARED FOR ONE ANOTHER
1. As exemplified in the church at Jerusalem - Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35
2. Such care went beyond those in the local congregation - Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-26
3. The early Christians gladly gave when the need was there
B. A WEEKLY COLLECTION WAS INSTITUTED
1. To provide for the needs of the saints - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
2. Examples were given to encourage sacrificial giving
a. The example of the Macedonians - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
b. The example of Jesus Himself - 2 Corinthians 8:9
3. Principles were taught to determine how much one should give
a. "As he may prosper" - 1 Corinthians 16:2
b. Whatever is given with "a willing mind" - 2 Corinthians 8:12
c. "According to what one has" - 2 Corinthians 8:12-13
d. "As he purposes (plans) in his heart" - 2 Corinthians 9:7
e. Whatever one can give "cheerfully", not "grudgingly" or "of necessity" - 2 Corinthians 9:7
f. Keeping in mind the principle of "sowing and reaping" - 2 Corinthians 9:6,8
4. The collection guided by such principles ensured ready funds cheerfully given
C. THE USE OF FUNDS SO COLLECTED
1. Helped needy Christians - cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 9:1
2. Including those who devoted their lives to preaching the gospel
a. The Lord ordained those who preach the gospel should be supported - 1 Corinthians 9:6-14
b. Paul received such support - cf. 2 Corinthians 11:8-9
3. Thus an efficient means was provided to raise funds for what is the proper work of the church (evangelism, edification, benevolence)
A. UNDERSTAND THE GRACE OF GIVING
1. Paul mentions God's grace when he writes of giving
a. How it was manifested in the Macedonians' giving - 2 Corinthians 8:1-2
b. How he viewed it as expression of the Corinthians' giving - 2 Corinthians 8:6-7
c. How Christ's humiliation was a demonstration of grace - 2 Corinthians 8:9
2. He wrote of God's grace at work in those willing to give
a. How God would enable those who gave, to give more - 2 Corinthians 9:8-11
b. How such grace would cause others to long for those who give - 2 Corinthians 9:14
3. When done properly, giving is a manifestation God's grace in our lives
B. LEARN THE BLESSEDNESS OF GIVING
1. The Bible speaks of the blessedness of giving
a. In the words of the Psalmist - Psalm 41:1-3
b. In the words of Jesus - Acts 20:35
2. The blessedness of giving includes:
a. God's providential care in this life - Psalm 112:5-9; Isaiah 58:7-11; Luke 12:22-31
b. Laying up treasure in heaven - Luke 12:32-34; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
c. Having fellowship in the work of others - Philippians 1:5-7; 4:10-18
3. Giving blesses the one who gives, more than the one who receives!
C. EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF GIVING
1. By giving often
a. Weekly: to the Lord as you have been prospered - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
b. Daily: to those in need as you have opportunity and ability - Galatians 6:10
2. By giving liberally
a. One tenth to the Lord certainly has scriptural precedent
b. As you reap, sow more abundantly! (e.g., the 'graduated tithe') - 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
c. Remember the examples that should inspire us in our giving
1) The disciples who left all to follow the Lord - Mark 1:16-20; 10:28
2) Zacchaeus, who gave half to the poor - Luke 19:8
3) The widow and her two mites - Luke 21:1-4
4) The Christians in Jerusalem - Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35
5) Barnabas, who sold land - Acts 4:36-37
6) The churches in Macedonia who gave beyond their ability - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
3. The more we give, the more we experience the joy of giving
1. We have seen that giving has the potential to:
a. Express grace
b. Enhance fellowship
c. Experience joy
2. For giving, especially our giving in worship, to meet such potential, we need to
a. Understand how giving is an expression of God's grace in our lives
b. Realize that giving blesses the giver more than the receiver
c. Give often and liberally to truly become joyful givers
-- Don Treadway, January 2010 --
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