Finally, after discussing the instructions given about the act of giving, the attitude we are to have in giving, and factors that should motivate us to give, we will look at some examples to make some final points and to reinforce the points we have already made.
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As Christians, we are to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). After discussing various things relating to the collection – the act itself, the nature of giving, our attitude – we should think about some things that will motivate us to improve our giving. Paul wrote to the Corinthians in order to motivate them to carry out their “previously promised bountiful gift” (2 Corinthians 9:5). In doing this, he appealed to three things to encourage them. These points are good for us to consider as well as we seek to improve our giving.
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In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul gave the brethren instructions about the collection (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). These instructions included what was to be done (taking up the collection) and when it was to be done (on the first day of the week). He wrote back to them in a follow-up letter and included teaching about the attitude they should have in giving.
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Many refer to the giving done on the first day of the week as tithing. This is a term we find in the Old Testament. The first instance came after Abram (later called Abraham, Genesis 17:5) defeated Chedorlaomer and the kings who had banded together with him. Abram came to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God, and “gave him a tenth of all” (Genesis 14:20). The King James Version says he “gave him tithes of all.” This was what a tithe was – ten percent.
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Various works are carried out using the funds collected by the church. Since all the brethren at a local congregation make contributions into the treasury, they are working together in these activities. In Scripture this is called fellowship – joint participation. Paul warned, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11, KJV). Another translation says, “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness” (NASB). When we participate together in a work, we have fellowship with one another. When we place funds into a common treasury, we are working together in the works that are supported out of the treasury. Therefore, our giving on the first day of the week is one way in which we have fellowship together.
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As we noticed in the previous section, there are many who use funds from the church treasury for things other than just the works of the church – evangelism, edification, and limited benevolence. Some use money from their treasury for these works, but they do so by sending funds to another organization (either a human institution or another congregation) so that organization can carry out these spiritual works. We often refer to this practice as either institutionalism or the sponsoring church arrangement, depending on the nature of the organization to which the funds are sent. Does God authorize this in His word?
First we need to be sure we understand what exactly is being done before we can compare the practice with Scripture. Institutionalism refers to the forming or use of organizations separate from the church to carry out the works of the church. The sponsoring church arrangement has to do with one or more churches sending funds to another church that collects funds from these various churches and uses that money to do the work of the church. Much could be said about these issues; but so as to not divert too much attention away from our topic of the collection, we will briefly compare these concepts with the word of God.
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Some question whether we even have Bible authority for a church treasury. While the term “church treasury” is not used in the New Testament, the concept certainly is. In Acts 4:32-35, aid was provided for those in need using funds that had been pooled together. This collection of donations was, for all intents and purposes, a treasury. We clearly see that the church in Jerusalem had a treasury into which individual Christians deposited money. The apostles then used this treasury to distribute to those in need.
The concept of a church treasury is also found in Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians. Paul was coming to take money they had raised to Jerusalem to benefit needy saints (1 Corinthians 16:3). In order that the “gift” would be ready and that “no collections be made when I [Paul] come” (1 Corinthians 16:2), the church was to take up a collection “on the first day of every week.” These funds that were collected every week were saved so they would be ready when Paul arrived. Where were they saved? In the church treasury. Again, the term “church treasury” is not found in the New Testament; but as we have noticed, the concept certainly is. Congregations have Bible authority to have a treasury into which they can collect funds for safe keeping until the time when these funds are to be used.
But do we have authority to use the church treasury for just anything or are there certain things to which we must be limited? That is certainly an important question. We have authority for a treasury, but do we have the right to use that money for anything we choose? No! Ultimately, the money in the church treasury belongs to the Lord. After all, the church itself belongs to Christ. He “purchased [it] with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). He is the “head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22). He possesses “all authority” (Matthew 28:18) – we possess none. Therefore, we must use the funds from the treasury of His church in the ways He has authorized.
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Peter issued this challenge to all Christians: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). However, many Christians feel unprepared to do this; therefore, many conversations that could potentially lead people to the truth never get started.
This book will help equip all Christians to start engaging in spiritual conversations with those around them by providing simple answers to some basic Bible questions. Being ready to give an answer does not mean having an answer to every possible question at the drop of a hat. Instead, it means being able to give a ready answer to questions that are fundamental to our faith that can open the door to further discussions and studies with those who are interested. By studying the material in this book and becoming familiar with the Scriptures cited in each answer, Christians will be better prepared and have more confidence when they discuss their faith with others.
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