Wednesday, November 5 – 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

I mentioned on Monday that part of the plan for the Jerusalem Collection was to show unity among all the churches, Jews, and Gentiles alike. These verses encourage the Corinthians to give not so that Jerusalem can have more than they do, but so that there is equality. This collection will set a precedent that the churches help one another. When Corinth is in trouble, the churches will rally to help them. As they are all part of the Kingdom of God under the lordship of Jesus Christ, the churches and individuals share so that, as it was mentioned in Acts, “there was no need among them” (Acts 4:34). That practice in Jerusalem could now be extended to the rest of Paul’s network of churches.

This is how we should act with one another at FBCG and with others across our association and convention of churches. As individual church members, we give to one another when needs arise. We do not hoard or keep to ourselves. We trust that when we are in need in the future, the church members will help us like we are helping them in this present moment. As a church, we give to other churches through our association and convention, knowing that when we are in need, those other churches will support us.

This is how the body of Christ should act with one another. We are not pressing hard on certain individuals or churches. When we have plenty, we give to those in need. And as co-laborers for the gospel, when we are in need, others will come through for us. May it be so.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%208%3A10-15&version=NASB

Tuesday, November 4 – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

What is a sacrifice for others might be easy for you. Most churches teach the necessity of giving a tithe, 10%. The Old Testament Law specified giving a tithe of the crops and livestock to the tabernacle or Temple for different projects throughout the year. In addition, Malachi 3:10 says to “bring your whole tithe into the storehouse.” This concept has carried over to the New Testament world in which we live, even though the New Testament and Jesus never mention a tithe. Jesus mentions giving your offerings.

That leads me back to my first statement. What is a sacrifice for others might be easy for you. Paul tells the Corinthian church that the Macedonians are being extremely generous, even though they are financially impoverished. This statement serves as a warning to them because, as we will read tomorrow, the richer Corinthian church is giving less to the Jerusalem Collection than the poorer Macedonians. The Macedonians are sacrificially giving, but the Corinthians are just throwing change into the coffers.

Each of us needs to give as God directs us. Some can easily give 10%, and 90% is plenty to live on. What I will tell us (me included) is we need to give more than 10% (I do indeed give more than 10%. I don’t say this because of pride but to be an example to others who can give more). For those whose 10% is hard to give and 90% doesn’t pay the bills, give as God leads you to give. Give your best to God, whatever that is. Like the Macedonians, give as much as you are able.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%208%3A1-9&version=NASB

Monday, November 3 – 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

The Bible has a lot to say about money and what we should do with it. In sum, the teaching is that the money that is in our possession is not a possession of ours, but all resources are God’s resources. Because of this, we should be willing to give to others as they have need.

Throughout this week, we are going to read passages from the New Testament that discuss what is known as the Jerusalem Collection. The Jerusalem Collection is mentioned in several of Paul’s letters. This monetary collection was to show unity among the churches. Many of the churches Paul started were made up of mostly Gentiles, and the Jerusalem church was made up of mostly Jews. The Jerusalem church faced persecution and was struggling. According to Galatians 2:1-10, while in Jerusalem (presumably in Acts 15), Paul committed to raising funds across his network of churches to help the Christian brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.

In our passage today in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, we have Paul suggesting to the Corinthians how to save their money for this collection. Every week, the Corinthians should save some money, so that when the collection is ready to be sent to Jerusalem, there is a sizable sum to send. Saving a little bit adds up over time.

Churches can use the same principle now when it comes to collecting offerings. We cannot collect the amount needed to support the missions and ministries of FBCG all in one week, but if we all give as the Lord directs in accordance with our incomes every week all year long, we will reach the total necessary for our budget. The habit and core value of giving is not something you do once. It is an ongoing act of worship that glorifies God.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2016%3A1-4&version=NASB