1 Corinthians 16:1-4

                                                             1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.  And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.  If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

 

Money is one of the most controversial, misunderstood, and abused subjects in the church.  It is gratifying to see Paul give such clear and direct teaching on this subject.  He doesn’t make excuses or qualify his remarks, he simply tells them what is expected of them and what they can expect of him.

 

GIVING REQUIRES INTENTIONALITY:  If we are not intentional about giving, we will not give.  Paul asks for the member of the church to set aside part of their money each week that would be designated as their giving and not just take up a general collection after he arrived.  This reveals that giving was expected.  It demonstrates that regularity was expected as well as generosity.  They were to give of their resources not just out of whatever might be left over.  He didn’t want them to take us a last-minute collection that would have likely been much smaller and done out of obligation instead of intentionality.  

 

GIVING REQUIRES INTEGRITY:  Paul also made it clear about how the funds would be handled.  He wasn’t planning to take the money himself and just ask them to trust him to get it to the right place.  He wanted them to authorize a couple of people that they would entrust so take the funds to Jerusalem.  Only if it seemed wise and necessary, would he accompany them to Jerusalem.  Transparency about how money is invested and handled is an important lesson for churches and missions to understand.

 

APPLICATION: Be generous with the funds with which we are entrusted, making sure to set aside funds for giving on a regular basis.  When funds are received, make sure to be clear about how the funds were spent and that they were used for the intended purpose.

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