As we conclude our study on giving, there are three basic points we need to remember:
The collection is how the church is to raise funds. We read instructions that the church is to take up a collection on the first day of every week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). This is the only means of the church raising funds we can find in the New Testament. Many try and implement other methods as a substitute or supplement for this. But Paul wrote, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). We need to respect the New Testament pattern as it relates to giving.
We must have the proper attitude in giving. As is true with all of God’s instructions, we should not feel as though we only obey because we are forced to do so. We have a choice. We are not to give “grudgingly or under compulsion,” but cheerfully and liberally (2 Corinthians 9:7, 13). We need to recognize God as the giver of all the blessings we enjoy and that He will continue to bless us as we follow Him (2 Corinthians 9:8-10; cf. James 1:17; Matthew 6:33).
We should strive to improve our giving. There are three things that should motivate us to give: the example of Jesus leaving heaven and coming to earth to give His life for us (2 Corinthians 8:9), the example of the Macedonians who gave much in their poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-6), and the love that we are to have for others (2 Corinthians 8:8, 24). With these in mind, let us not be content doing what we have always done, simply because that is what we have become comfortable with, but strive to “abound in this gracious work” (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Now Concerning the Collection | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
