1. Giving as God has Prospered “The P’s of Our Giving” On Sunday evenings for the last few weeks we’ve discussed various “acts of worship”- “Singing is Music in Worship” and “The Lord’s Supper” have already been covered. This evening we’ll study regarding….

2. First, note some Principals involved in Giving The principal of Stewardship, Luke 16:1-14 vv.12-13 make it clear that we are just utilizing for a time what belongs to God. The principle of Fellowship, Acts 2:42 The sharing was based upon spiritual fellowship, vv.44-45. The principle of Discipleship, Luke 14:26ff True discipleship includes self-sacrifice, vv.26,33 The principle of Love, 1John 4:7-11 Such love requires action in deed and truth as well as proclamation, cf. 3:16-18.

3. The Specifics of Our Giving from 1Cor.16:1-4 the Prescription, v.1 In the early church, there were many saints who did not have even the necessities of life. This deplorable condition, however, gave opportunity through benevolence for the growth and development of others who did have substantial possessions. This sharing likewise aided greatly in the uniting of Jewish and Gentile Christians into one body, cf. Rom.15:25-27. The church at Corinth (in Achaia, or Greece) was one of the churches asked by Paul to assist in the relief of “poor saints” who primarily lived in Jerusalem. Notice however that this prescription had likewise been given to the churches of the Galatian region, of which there were several. Thus all of these churches were told to collect money for this righteous cause in the same way. How then was it to be done?

4. The Specifics of Our Giving from 1Cor.16:1-4 Periodically, v.2a “On the first day of every week” Neither this nor any other passage authorizes a monetary collection upon any day other than the first day of the week. The “first day” was the time when the disciples came together to sing, pray, partake of the Lord’s Supper, and learn from God’s word. It was then at this time, and this time alone that they were likewise instructed to give of their means.

5. The Specifics of Our Giving from 1Cor.16:1-4 Personally, v.2b “let each one of you” Giving, like many, if not most areas of service to God, is an individual responsibility. But also like other areas, this is also an activity with individual responsibility done collectively (compare to singing, Eph.5:19). The individual was responsible for his/her own participation and responsibility in the matter even though all in fellowship participated. Individuals within a family need not give “separately” unless their income/prospering is likewise separate.

6. The Specifics of Our Giving from 1Cor.16:1-4 Providentially, v.2c “put aside and save” The word provident simply means to make a provision for the future. In this case, the future was the coming first day of the week. They were not to get to that day having failed to plan ahead concerning the collection. “Oops, I spent fifty bucks last night taking the family out to dinner. I only have a couple of bucks/nothing left for the Lord this morning.” Instead, there was to be a purposeful putting aside and saving (planning) of money for this need.

7. The Specifics of Our Giving from 1Cor.16:1-4 Proportionate, v.2d “as he may prosper” In no area of our service to God does He require of us more than we are able. Nor does He hold us accountable for that which is truly beyond our control. But there is a definite accountability of stewardship relative the material possessions with which He has entrusted us, cf. Luke 16:1ff > 11-15. Much is not required of him who has little, or nothing. But each is required to give according to his own ability, cf. 2Cor.8:11-15.

8. The Specifics of Our Giving from 1Cor.16:1-4 Preventative, v.2e “that no collections be made when I come” It is evident from v.3 that Paul was on his way to Corinth. Therefore these instructions were being sent ahead that this collection could be gathered prior to his arrival. This assembling then of a treasury was for the express purpose of meeting future opportunities that would be made available by the arrival of Paul. He then would conduct the money back to Jerusalem for distribution. Therefore, immediate needs for large sums of money to do authorized works of righteousness can be scripturally met by collection over a preceding period that no collections should have to be made in haste. This is the purpose of maintaining a treasury in the first place.

9. The Specifics of Our Giving from 1Cor.16:1-4 Propriety, vv.3-4 “whomever you may approve…if it is fitting” Paul was likewise concerned that these matters be handled with Propriety. He did not want himself, or anyone else, to do or even be perceived to be doing anything improper in this matter, cf. 2Cor.8:18-21. Apparently great care was taken in the matter, and therefore we should likewise do the same today. Just from these few verses, we see that much can be learned and applied concerning the specifics of our giving back to God.

10. Let’s note two final additional principles from 2Corinthians: The Grace of Liberality, 8:2,3,6,7 “How much do I have to give?” The person who asks, “How much do I have to give?” is approaching the matter from the wrong end. How little to give belies a lack of understanding of stewardship, discipleship, fellowship, and love, as well as wrong motives. But the one who contemplates how much I can give and how great is the need understands the grace of liberality, cf. 2Cor.9:6,8-15.

11. Let’s note two final additional principles from 2Corinthians: Cheerful Givers, 9:7 “for God loves a cheerful giver” Cheerful givers are those pleased with the opportunity to participate, cf. 8:1-5. Cheerful givers therefore do not feel that they are giving because they have to; i.e. under compulsion. In what other area of our service to God is He pleased with grudging compliance on a have to basis? None! Cheerful givers therefore give: ➊ Purposefully, understanding what is to be done with the gift. The church should have a program of work and the individual should have planned and systematic program of giving to support that work; ➋ Voluntarily, not under compulsion. It is sure to be a disappointment both to God and the giver otherwise; ➌ Cheerfully, or joyously giving thanks both for the blessing of God, cf. Eph.4:28, and the favor of participation in a righteous work; and ➍ Liberally, that is generously.

12. Giving as “Worship” Giving of our means is often not considered “worship” in the same way as Singing Praises or Partaking of the Supper. But through the giving of our means, we do show our love, adoration, appreciation, and praise of God for the blessings He so richly bestows upon us! Besides fulfilling the command to do so, isn’t that also what “worship” is supposed to be?