a generous contribution

THERE CAN BE LITTLE DOUBT THAT GOD WANTS CHEERFUL GIVERS.

$ ““Each one must give as he has decided in his Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7, ESV).God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7, ESV).

$ ““Each one must give as he has decided in his Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7, ESV).God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7, ESV).

$ Giving is also quite controversial.Giving is also quite controversial.

$ Giving goes right to the heart spiritually.Giving goes right to the heart spiritually.

$ Giving goes right to the heart spiritually.Giving goes right to the heart spiritually.$ ““No one can serve two masters, for either he will No one can serve two masters, for either he will

hate the one and love the other, or he will be hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Mt 6:24, ESV).cannot serve God and money” (Mt 6:24, ESV).

$ Giving goes right to the heart spiritually.Giving goes right to the heart spiritually.$ ““No one can serve two masters, for either he will No one can serve two masters, for either he will

hate the one and love the other, or he will be hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Mt 6:24, ESV).cannot serve God and money” (Mt 6:24, ESV).

$ ““Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6:20-21, ESV).(Mt 6:20-21, ESV).

$ The inspired pages instruct us much on money.The inspired pages instruct us much on money.

$ The inspired pages instruct us much on money.The inspired pages instruct us much on money.$ In Matthew, Mark, & Luke, 1 out of every 6 verses In Matthew, Mark, & Luke, 1 out of every 6 verses

deals with money.deals with money.


deals with money.deals with money.$ 16 of Jesus’ 29 parables deals with money.16 of Jesus’ 29 parables deals with money.


deals with money.deals with money.$ 16 of Jesus’ 29 parables deals with money.16 of Jesus’ 29 parables deals with money.

$ Thus, it’s imperative that we talk about money.Thus, it’s imperative that we talk about money.

$ The contribution Paul talks about here is The contribution Paul talks about here is NOTNOT the the same contribution we make weekly.same contribution we make weekly.

$ The contribution Paul talks about here is The contribution Paul talks about here is NOTNOT the the same contribution we make weekly.same contribution we make weekly.$ This contribution was to be collected before Paul This contribution was to be collected before Paul

arrived & the church was to select men to take this arrived & the church was to select men to take this contribution to Jerusalem.contribution to Jerusalem.

$ The contribution Paul talks about here is The contribution Paul talks about here is NOTNOT the the same contribution we make weekly.same contribution we make weekly.$ This contribution was to be collected before Paul This contribution was to be collected before Paul

arrived & the church was to select men to take this arrived & the church was to select men to take this contribution to Jerusalem.contribution to Jerusalem.

$ The contribution Paul discusses was specifically for The contribution Paul discusses was specifically for the poor saints in Jerusalem.the poor saints in Jerusalem.

$ ““One of them named Agabus stood up and foretold One of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the spirit that there would be a great famine by the spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, everyone Claudius). So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, ending brothers living in Judea. And they did so, ending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:28-30, ESV).(Acts 11:28-30, ESV).

$ Paul seems to have spent a considerable amount Paul seems to have spent a considerable amount of his ministry dealing with this contribution.of his ministry dealing with this contribution.

$ Paul seems to have spent a considerable amount Paul seems to have spent a considerable amount of his ministry dealing with this contribution.of his ministry dealing with this contribution.$ ““Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the

very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV). very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV).


very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV). very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV). $ We can’t say for certain that this refers to the same We can’t say for certain that this refers to the same

contribution.contribution.


very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV). very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV). $ We can’t say for certain that this refers to the same We can’t say for certain that this refers to the same

contribution.contribution.$ But, it’s quite plausible.But, it’s quite plausible.


very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV). very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10, ESV). $ ““At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem

bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem” (Rm 15:25-26, ESV).Jerusalem” (Rm 15:25-26, ESV).

$ There are many similarities between this There are many similarities between this contribution & the one we carry out weekly.contribution & the one we carry out weekly.

$ There are many similarities between this There are many similarities between this contribution & the one we carry out weekly.contribution & the one we carry out weekly.$ A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is”A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is”

$ A COMMON CONTRIBUTION.A COMMON CONTRIBUTION.$ A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION.A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION.$ A CAPABLE CONTRIBUTION.A CAPABLE CONTRIBUTION.$ A CLEAR CONTRIBUTION.A CLEAR CONTRIBUTION.

A COMMON CONTRIBUTIONvv 1-2a

$ ““Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up” (vv 1-2a, is to put something aside and store it up” (vv 1-2a, ESV).ESV).

$ Paul directed the church in Corinth to do precisely Paul directed the church in Corinth to do precisely as he had instructed the churches of Galatia.as he had instructed the churches of Galatia.

$ Paul directed the church in Corinth to do precisely Paul directed the church in Corinth to do precisely as he had instructed the churches of Galatia.as he had instructed the churches of Galatia.$ The church at Corinth wasn’t singled out.The church at Corinth wasn’t singled out.

$ Paul directed the church in Corinth to do precisely Paul directed the church in Corinth to do precisely as he had instructed the churches of Galatia.as he had instructed the churches of Galatia.$ The church at Corinth wasn’t singled out.The church at Corinth wasn’t singled out.$ Several congregations were involved in this work.Several congregations were involved in this work.


$ In this passage, Paul mentions the churches of In this passage, Paul mentions the churches of Galatia.Galatia.



$ Macedonia: —“We want you to know, brothers, about Macedonia: —“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia” (2 Cor 8:1, ESV).churches of Macedonia” (2 Cor 8:1, ESV).



$ Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1).Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1).



$ Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1).Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1).$ Antioch (Acts 11:27-30).Antioch (Acts 11:27-30).



$ Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1).Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1).$ Antioch (Acts 11:27-30).Antioch (Acts 11:27-30).$ Achaia (Rm 15:26).Achaia (Rm 15:26).




$ Corinth was in Achaia.Corinth was in Achaia.




$ Corinth was in Achaia.Corinth was in Achaia.$ But, perhaps other congregations in Achaia were But, perhaps other congregations in Achaia were

also involved.also involved.

$ This likely made an impact on the Corinthians.This likely made an impact on the Corinthians.

$ This likely made an impact on the Corinthians.This likely made an impact on the Corinthians.$ They had a serious problem with pride.They had a serious problem with pride.

$ This likely made an impact on the Corinthians.This likely made an impact on the Corinthians.$ They had a serious problem with pride.They had a serious problem with pride.$ As he does throughout this Epistle, Paul levels the As he does throughout this Epistle, Paul levels the

playing field.playing field.


playing field.playing field.$ The church in Corinth was no better than the The church in Corinth was no better than the

churches in Galatia & vice versa.churches in Galatia & vice versa.



churches in Galatia & vice versa.churches in Galatia & vice versa.$ They were doing exactly the same thing.They were doing exactly the same thing.



churches in Galatia & vice versa.churches in Galatia & vice versa.$ They were doing exactly the same thing.They were doing exactly the same thing.

$ When we bring our contribution on the first day of When we bring our contribution on the first day of the week, we do what God’s people all over the the week, we do what God’s people all over the world are doing.world are doing.

$ A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is also a COMMON A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is also a COMMON CONTRIBUTION in that all members contribute.CONTRIBUTION in that all members contribute.

$ A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is also a COMMON A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is also a COMMON CONTRIBUTION in that all members contribute.CONTRIBUTION in that all members contribute.$ ““On the first day of every week, On the first day of every week, each of youeach of you is to is to

put something side and store it up, as he may put something side and store it up, as he may prosper.”prosper.”

$ A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is also a COMMON A GENEROU$ CONTRIBUTION is also a COMMON CONTRIBUTION in that all members contribute.CONTRIBUTION in that all members contribute.$ ““On the first day of every week, On the first day of every week, each of youeach of you is to is to

put something side and store it up, as he may put something side and store it up, as he may prosper.”prosper.”

$ In the ancient world, it was quite common to have In the ancient world, it was quite common to have wealthy people as benefactors for major projects.wealthy people as benefactors for major projects.

$ ““I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as she has been a patron of many and of myself as well” (Rm 16:1-2, ESV).well” (Rm 16:1-2, ESV).

$ Paul doesn’t tell the wealthy in Corinth to become Paul doesn’t tell the wealthy in Corinth to become benefactors.benefactors.

$ Paul doesn’t tell the wealthy in Corinth to become Paul doesn’t tell the wealthy in Corinth to become benefactors.benefactors.$ This likely goes back to the pride of the This likely goes back to the pride of the

Corinthians.Corinthians.


Corinthians.Corinthians.$ Also, each Christian has a responsibility to give.Also, each Christian has a responsibility to give.


Corinthians.Corinthians.$ Also, each Christian has a responsibility to give: Also, each Christian has a responsibility to give:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7, ESV).a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7, ESV).

PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT OR UNUSUAL.

THIS IS A COMMON CONTRIBUTION, FOR ALL CHURCHES & ALL CHRISTIANS PARTICIPATE.

A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION

v 2

$ ““On the first day of every week, each of you is to On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come” (v 2, ESV).come” (v 2, ESV).

$ A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION was taken every A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION was taken every first day of the week.first day of the week.

$ A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION was taken every A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION was taken every first day of the week. first day of the week.

$ The Gr preposition for “on” is distributive.The Gr preposition for “on” is distributive.

$ A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION was taken every A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION was taken every first day of the week. first day of the week.

$ The Gr preposition for “on” is distributive, i.e., it The Gr preposition for “on” is distributive, i.e., it demonstrates this is on demonstrates this is on every every first day of the first day of the week.week.

WHY DOES PAUL CALL FOR A CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION?

$ Paul says that he doesn’t want collections to be Paul says that he doesn’t want collections to be made when he comes.made when he comes.

$ Paul says that he doesn’t want collections to be Paul says that he doesn’t want collections to be made when he comes.made when he comes.$ Did Paul not want to wait while they made their Did Paul not want to wait while they made their

contribution?contribution?


contribution?contribution?$ If the Corinthians set aside some each week, they If the Corinthians set aside some each week, they

will set aside will set aside moremore..


contribution?contribution?$ If the Corinthians set aside some each week, they If the Corinthians set aside some each week, they

will set aside will set aside moremore. This is simply a matter of good . This is simply a matter of good budgeting.budgeting.

$ Scripture teaches the prudence of storing up.Scripture teaches the prudence of storing up.

$ Scripture teaches the prudence of storing up.Scripture teaches the prudence of storing up.$ ““Let them gather all the food of these good years Let them gather all the food of these good years

that are coming and store up grain under the that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. That food shall be a reserve for the them keep it. That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine” (Gn 41:35-36, ESV).perish through the famine” (Gn 41:35-36, ESV).

$ Scripture teaches the prudence of storing up.Scripture teaches the prudence of storing up.$ Gn 41:35-36.Gn 41:35-36.$ ““Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and

be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (Prov 6:6-8, ESV).gathers her food in harvest” (Prov 6:6-8, ESV).

WHAT DO WE LEARN HERE?

WHAT DO WE LEARN HERE?The power of budgeting!

$ Budgeting comes into play when we think about Budgeting comes into play when we think about storing up for our contribution.storing up for our contribution.

$ Budgeting comes into play when we think about Budgeting comes into play when we think about storing up for our contribution.storing up for our contribution.

$ If I budget, I’m not going to spend my contribution If I budget, I’m not going to spend my contribution on “stuff.”on “stuff.”

ARE WE READY TO GIVE?

A CAPABLE CONTRIBUTIONv 2b


$ This is a CAPABLE CONTRIBUTION, for each one is This is a CAPABLE CONTRIBUTION, for each one is to give as he is able.to give as he is able.

$ The Corinthians had much class warfare.The Corinthians had much class warfare.

$ The Corinthians had much class warfare.The Corinthians had much class warfare.$ ““In eating, each one goes ahead with his own In eating, each one goes ahead with his own

meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate humiliate those who have nothingthose who have nothing? What shall I say to you? ? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not” (1 Cor Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not” (1 Cor 11:21-22, ESV).11:21-22, ESV).

$ The Corinthians had much class warfare.The Corinthians had much class warfare.$ ““In eating, each one goes ahead with his own In eating, each one goes ahead with his own

meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate humiliate those who have nothingthose who have nothing? What shall I say to you? ? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not” (1 Cor Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not” (1 Cor 11:21-22, ESV).11:21-22, ESV).

$ Some NT scholars argue that class envy was the Some NT scholars argue that class envy was the root of all problems in Corinth.root of all problems in Corinth.

WHAT IF PAUL INSTRUCTED THEM TO GIVE 25% OF THEIR SALARY?

$ God expects us to use our abilities in his service.God expects us to use our abilities in his service.

$ God expects us to use our abilities in his service.God expects us to use our abilities in his service.$ ““To one he gave five talents, to another two, to To one he gave five talents, to another two, to

another one, to each according to his ability” (Mt another one, to each according to his ability” (Mt 25:15, ESV).25:15, ESV).

$ God expects us to use our abilities in his service.God expects us to use our abilities in his service.$ ““To one he gave five talents, to another two, to To one he gave five talents, to another two, to

another one, to each according to his ability” (Mt another one, to each according to his ability” (Mt 25:15, ESV).25:15, ESV).

$ When Agabus first told the Christians in Antioch When Agabus first told the Christians in Antioch about the coming famine, “the disciples about the coming famine, “the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea” (Acts send relief to the brothers living in Judea” (Acts 11:29, ESV).11:29, ESV).

ARE WE GIVING A CAPABLE CONTRIBUTION?

ARE WE GIVING A CAPABLE CONTRIBUTION?

Are we giving according to our ability?

A CLEAR CONTRIBUTIONvv 3-4

$ ““When I arrive, I will send those whom you When I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to those whom you accredit by accredit by letter to those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me” (vv 3-4, ESV).accompany me” (vv 3-4, ESV).

$ ““When I arrive, I will send those whom you When I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to those whom you accredit by accredit by letter to those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me” (vv 3-4, ESV).accompany me” (vv 3-4, ESV).

$ This is a CLEAR CONTRIBUTION, for it is This is a CLEAR CONTRIBUTION, for it is transparent.transparent.

$ When Paul arrives in Corinth, he will send those When Paul arrives in Corinth, he will send those whom the church chooses to Jerusalem with their whom the church chooses to Jerusalem with their gift.gift.

$ When Paul arrives in Corinth, he will send those When Paul arrives in Corinth, he will send those whom the church chooses to Jerusalem with their whom the church chooses to Jerusalem with their gift.gift.$ It certainly seems that there was bad blood It certainly seems that there was bad blood

between Paul & the Corinthians.between Paul & the Corinthians.

$ When Paul arrives in Corinth, he will send those When Paul arrives in Corinth, he will send those whom the church chooses to Jerusalem with their whom the church chooses to Jerusalem with their gift.gift.$ It certainly seems that there was bad blood It certainly seems that there was bad blood

between Paul & the Corinthians.between Paul & the Corinthians.$ Can you imagine if Paul took this money to Can you imagine if Paul took this money to

Jerusalem by himself?Jerusalem by himself?

$ Only those whom the church chooses will take this Only those whom the church chooses will take this money to Jerusalem.money to Jerusalem.

$ Only those whom the church chooses will take this Only those whom the church chooses will take this money to Jerusalem. This provides three benefits.money to Jerusalem. This provides three benefits.

$ Only those whom the church chooses will take this Only those whom the church chooses will take this money to Jerusalem. This provides three benefits:money to Jerusalem. This provides three benefits:$ The brethren at Corinth would know who was The brethren at Corinth would know who was

taking this money.taking this money.


taking this money.taking this money.$ The brethren would make this selection together, The brethren would make this selection together,

bringing about unity.bringing about unity.


taking this money.taking this money.$ The brethren would make this selection together, The brethren would make this selection together,

bringing about unity.bringing about unity.$ The church would have a personal stake in this The church would have a personal stake in this

relief effort.relief effort.

WHAT SHOULD WE LEARN?

$ We need a clear, transparent contribution.We need a clear, transparent contribution.

$ We need a clear, transparent contribution.We need a clear, transparent contribution.$ We need to be able to trust the elders who We need to be able to trust the elders who

oversee the contribution.oversee the contribution.


oversee the contribution.oversee the contribution.$ An elder cannot be “a lover of money” (1 Tm 3:3, An elder cannot be “a lover of money” (1 Tm 3:3,

ESV).ESV).


oversee the contribution.oversee the contribution.$ An elder cannot be “a lover of money” (1 Tm 3:3, An elder cannot be “a lover of money” (1 Tm 3:3,

ESV).ESV).$ Elders take care of the finances in the local church Elders take care of the finances in the local church

(Acts 11:30).(Acts 11:30).

ONE DAY WE WILL STAND TRANSPARENT BEFORE GOD.

$ ““No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb 4:13, ESV).must give account” (Heb 4:13, ESV).

ARE YOU READY TO STAND NAKED & EXPOSED BEFORE GOD?

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