S-20 - The Kingdom Wealth Principles – TAXATION OFFERINGS

The Kingdom Wealth Principles – TAXATION OFFERINGS

In the first two of our sessions on the taxation principles of the Kingdom of God we studied First Fruits and Tithes. In this session I want to address the final aspect and that is the one of offerings.

TYPES OF OFFERINGS

1. TO THE CHURCH,

2. TO THE SET MAN

3. SCATTERING TO OTHERS IN THE BODY

4. GIVING TO THE POOR

5. PLEDGES

6. SACRIFICES

I want to again clearly emphasize that we are no longer under the law. We are no longer under the law of the Old Testament with regards to tithing. Do we still tithe and give offerings? Yes we do – not because of the law but in a response to the principles of giving we have learned from both the old and the new Testament.

Remember always that through ourselves giving sacrificially and denying ourselves we tap into not an open window as under the old covenant but into an OPEN HEAVEN.

Let us now look at the types of offerings we learn about in the Word. Again there could be more that I have not been able to identify at the time of this teaching.

1. GIVEN TO THE STOREHOUSE (LOCALCHURCH OR APOSTOLIC RESOURCE CENTRE). THIS IS BEYOND YOUR TITHE

Mal 3:8

(8) Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings.

We need to understand that God’s character is to give. Many times we submit our tithes unto the Lord and believe that we have now met the requirements of giving. This is not accurate. If we commit to tithing, not under the law but as a principle then we know that submitting our tithes we have only met that which is expected from us by God. Giving only begins where we have met the requirements. It is easy to now take what I am saying out of context and then place people under a burden of guilt….. This is not my intent. I want you to understand that offerings are the place where we begin to move in the principle of sowing and reaping that we have heard so much about in previous years. Bringing offerings to God is making an investment.

Luk 21:1-4

(1) Looking up, [Jesus] saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury.

(2) And He saw also a poor widow putting in two mites (copper coins).

(3) And He said, Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them;

(4) For they all gave out of their abundance (their surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all that she had on which to live.

We also see in the giving that Jesus is commending this woman that she is giving sacrificially.

In the Court of the Women in the Temple there were thirteen collecting boxes known as the Trumpets. They were shaped like trumpets with the narrow part at the top and the wider part at the foot. Each was assigned to offerings for a different purpose--for the wood that was used to burn the sacrifice, for the incense that was burned on the altar, for the upkeep of the golden vessels, and so on. It was near these Trumpets that Jesus was sitting.

After the strenuous debates with the emissaries of the Sanhedrin and the Sadducees he was tired and his head drooped between his hands. He looked up and he saw many people flinging their offerings into the Trumpets; and then came a poor widow. All she had in the world was two lepta. A lepton (<G3016>) was the smallest of all coins; the name means "the thin one." It was worth one fortieth of a new penny; and, therefore, the offering of the widow woman was only one-twentieth of a new penny. But Jesus said that it far outvalued all the other offerings, because it was everything she had.

Two things determine the value of any gift.

(i) There is the spirit in which it is given. A gift which is unwillingly extracted, a gift which is given with a grudge, a gift that is given for the sake of prestige or of self-display loses more than half its value. The only real gift is that which is the inevitable outflow of the loving heart, that which is given because the giver cannot help it.

(ii) There is the sacrifice which it involves. That which is a mere trifle to one man may be a vast sum to another. The gifts of the rich, as they flung their offerings into the Trumpets, did not really cost them much; but the two lepta (<G3016>) of the widow woman cost her everything she had. They no doubt gave having nicely calculated how much they could afford; she gave with that utterly reckless generosity which could give no more.

Giving does not begin to be real giving until it hurts. A gift shows our love only when we have had to do without something or have had to work doubly hard in order to give it. How few people give to God like that! This morning I want to challenge you to search your own heart as tp the level of your commitment to God. If your truly have the life of Christ in you…. YOU WILL GIVE TILL IT HURTS

Psa 96:8

(8) Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come [before Him] into His courts.

In the celebration of the Hebrew feasts every Israelite had to come to God with an offering.

When assembling for public worship we should make a point of bringing with us a contribution to his cause, according to that ancient word, “None of you shall appear before me empty.” The time will come when from all ranks and all nations the Lord will receive gifts when they gather together for his worship.

Exo 23:15-17

(15) You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. None shall appear before Me empty-handed.

(16) Also you shall keep the Feast of Harvest [Pentecost], [acknowledging] the firstfruits of your toil, of what you sow in the field. And [third] you shall keep the Feast of Ingathering [Booths or Tabernacles] at the end of the year, when you gather in the fruit of your labors from the field.

(17) Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.

As I meditated on this scripture the Lord spoke to me and asked me the question and I want to put that question to each one of us this morning….……

What do you bring to me every time you enter in to my presence?

I realized that so many times I only come with needs and desires or problems. The challenge is therein for us to come to a place where whenever we visit the court of the Lord that we bring an offering unto HIM. We give offerings to the storehouse or Resource Centre where we receive our bread and wine in order to support the functioning of the storehouse or of the Resource Centre

2. GIVEN TO THE SET MAN

I have covered this principle to a large extent within the previous two session but will repeat the most important scriptures for your easy reference and refreshing our your memory.

2.1 BARNABAS TO THE APOSTLES.

Act 4:36-37

(36) Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, which interpreted means Son of Encouragement,

(37) Sold a field which belonged to him and brought the sum of money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.

THIS ACT RELEASED HIM INTO THE APOSTOLIC DIMENSION.

Act 13:2

(2) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.

2.2 ONESIPHORUS

2Ti 1:16

(16) May the Lord grant [His] mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, for he often showed me kindness and ministered to my needs [comforting and reviving and bracing me like fresh air]! He was not ashamed of my chains and imprisonment [for Christ's sake].

2.3 EPAPHRODITUS

Phi 2:25-30

(25) However, I thought it necessary to send Epaphroditus [back] to you. [He has been] my brother and companion in labor and my fellow soldier, as well as [having come as] your special messenger (apostle) and minister to my need.

2.4 THE MACEDONIANCHURCH

2Co 8:1-4 – ONLY GIVE REFERENCE – Will be discussed under scattering

Phi 4:15-19

(15) And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only.

(16) For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time.

(17) Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account].

(18) But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.

(19) And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

3. SCATTERING TO OTHERS IN THE BODY

Psa 112:9

(9) He has distributed freely [he has given to the poor and needy]; his righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) endures forever; his horn shall be exalted in honor. [2 Corinthians 9:9]

2Co 9:9

(9) As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! [Psalms 112:9]

4. GIVING TO THE POOR

Pro 28:27

(27) He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes [from their want] will have many a curse. [Deuteronomy 15:7; Proverbs 19:17; 22:9]

Deu 15:7-11

(7) If there is among you a poor man, one of your kinsmen in any of the towns of your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your [minds and] hearts or close your hands to your poor brother;

(8) But you shall open your hands wide to him and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.

(9) Beware lest there be a base thought in your [minds and] hearts, and you say, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand, and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry to the Lord against you, and it be sin in you.

(10) You shall give to him freely without begrudging it; because of this the Lord will bless you in all your work and in all you undertake.

(11) For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hands to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land.

Psa 41:1

(1) Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble.

Pro 19:17

(17) He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him. [Proverbs 28:27; Ecclesiastes 11:1; Matthew 10:42; 25:40; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Hebrews 6:10]

THE SERVANT WITH ONE TALENT SHOULD HAVE GIVEN IT TO THE POOR. HE COULD HAVE THEN SAID THAT HE LENT IT TO THE LORD.

Pro 22:9

(9) He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. [2 Corinthians 9:6-10]

2Co 9:6-10

(6) [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.

(7) Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]. [Proverbs 22:9]

(8) And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].

(10) And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. [Isaiah 55:10; Hosea 10:12]

5. GIVING TO OTHERS IN THE BODY

Pro 11:24-25

(24) There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.

(25) The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered. [2 Corinthians 9:6-10]

Isa 32:8

(8) But the noble, openhearted, and liberal man devises noble things; and he stands for what is noble, openhearted, and generous.

Act 2:44-45

(44) And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common;

(45) And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need.

Est 9:22-23

(22) As the days on which the Jews got rest from their enemies, and as the month which was turned for them from sorrow to gladness and from mourning into a holiday--that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days of sending choice portions to one another and gifts to the poor.

(23) So the Jews undertook to do as they had begun and as Mordecai had written to them--

Lev 25:6

(6) And the sabbath rest of the [untilled] land shall [in its increase] furnish food for you, for your male and female slaves, your hired servant, and the temporary resident who lives with you,

6. PLEDGES(VOWS)

A PLEDGE IS A PROMISE TO GIVE GOD SOMETHING YOU DO NOT HAVE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A DESIRED RESPONSE. THIS IS A COVENANT ACTION WITH A COVENANT KEEPING GOD.

Gen 28:20-22

(20) Then Jacob made a vow, saying, If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go and will give me food to eat and clothing to wear,

(21) So that I may come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God;

(22) And this stone which I have set up as a pillar (monument) shall be God's house [a sacred place to me], and of all [the increase of possessions] that You give me I will give the tenth to You.

PAUL BOUND HIMSELF BY A VOW.

Act 18:18-19

(18) Afterward Paul remained many days longer, and then told the brethren farewell and sailed for Syria; and he was accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he [Paul] cut his hair, for he had made a vow.

(19) Then they arrived in Ephesus, and [Paul] left the others there; but he himself entered the synagogue and discoursed and argued with the Jews.

I want also this morning to take a moment to address the principle of giving together with this foundation of offerings. So let us also this morning look at the principles of giving as we study the writings of Paul

IN 2 CORINTHIANS 8 AND 9 THE APOSTLE DEVELOPS 10 PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN GIVING.

7. 10 PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN GIVING.

7.1 Christian giving is an expression of the grace of God (2 Cor 8:1-6).

2Co 8:1-6

(1) We want to tell you further, brethren, about the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [arousing in them the desire to give alms];

(2) For in the midst of an ordeal of severe tribulation, their abundance of joy and their depth of poverty [together] have overflowed in wealth of lavish generosity on their part.

(3) For, as I can bear witness, [they gave] according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability; and [they did it] voluntarily,

(4) Begging us most insistently for the favor and the fellowship of contributing in this ministration for [the relief and support of] the saints [in Jerusalem].

(5) Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]--

(6) So much so that we have urged Titus that as he began it, he should also complete this beneficent and gracious contribution among you [the church at Corinth].

I want you to take note of the fact that the apostle Paul does not begin by referring to the generosity of the churches of Macedonia in Northern Greece. He refers instead to the generosity of God,

2Co 8:1

(1) We want to tell you further, brethren, about the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [arousing in them the desire to give alms];

Behind the generosity of Macedonia, Paul saw the generosity of God. For grace is another word for generosity. Our gracious God is a generous God, and he is at work within his people to make them generous too.

More remarkable still is the fact that three tributaries contributed to the river of Macedonian generosity,

· (v.2) their severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty. In consequence,

· the Macedonians gave even beyond their ability (v.3). And they pleaded for the privilege of sharing in this service to God’s people in Judea

· (v.4). Indeed, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to Paul and his apostolic band

Christian generosity is essentially nothing but an outflow of the generosity and the grace of God.

7.2 Christian giving can be a charisma, that is a gift of the Spirit (2 Cor 8:7).

2Co 8:7

(7) Now as you abound and excel and are at the front in everything--in faith, in expressing yourselves, in knowledge, in all zeal, and in your love for us--[see to it that you come to the front now and] abound and excel in this gracious work [of almsgiving] also.

Paul exhorts the Christians of Macedonia here to as they excel in the spiritual gifts of faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love, to excel also ‘in this grace of giving’.

Rom 12:8

(8) He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.

Paul includes among another list of charismata ‘contributing to the needs of others’. Just so, all Christians are called to be generous, but some are given the particular ‘gift of giving’. Because they have been entrusted with significant financial resources, they have a special responsibility to be good stewards for the common good.

7.3 Christian giving is inspired by the cross of Christ (2 Cor 8:8, 9).

2Co 8:8-9

(8) I give this not as an order [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the zeal of others, the sincerity of your [own] love also.

(9) For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).

The Corinthians were not being commanded, still less browbeaten, to give generously. They knew the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Please also take note of this further reference to divine grace. Not only is the grace of God at work in us (v.1), but the grace of Christ challenges our imitation (v.9).

7.4 Christian giving is proportionate (balanced) giving (2 Cor 8:10-12).

2Co 8:10-12

(10) [It is then] my counsel and my opinion in this matter that I give [you when I say]: It is profitable and fitting for you [now to complete the enterprise] which more than a year ago you not only began, but were the first to wish to do anything [about contributions for the relief of the saints at Jerusalem].

(11) So now finish doing it, that your [enthusiastic] readiness in desiring it may be equalled by your completion of it according to your ability and means.

(12) For if the [eager] readiness to give is there, then it is acceptable and welcomed in proportion to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

During the previous year the Corinthian Christians had been the first not only in giving but in desiring to give (v.10). So now Paul urges them to finish the task they had begun, so that their doing will keep pace with their desiring. And this must be according to their means (v11). Thus Christian giving is proportionate giving. The eager willingness comes first. So long as that is there, the gift is acceptable according to what the giver has, not according to what he has not (v.12).

This expression "according to his means" reminds us of two similar expressions which occur in the Acts of the Apostles.

Act 11:29

(29) So the disciples resolved to send relief, each according to his individual ability [in proportion as he had prospered], to the brethren who lived in Judea.

Members of the church in Antioch gave to the famine-stricken Judean Christians "each according to his ability." In Acts 2 and 4 members of the church in Jerusalem gave "to each according to his need." Christian giving is proportionate giving.

7.5 Christian giving contributes to equality (2 Cor 8:13-15).

2Co 8:13-15

(13) For it is not [intended] that other people be eased and relieved [of their responsibility] and you be burdened and suffer [unfairly],

(14) But to have equality [share and share alike], your surplus over necessity at the present time going to meet their want and to equalize the difference created by it, so that [at some other time] their surplus in turn may be given to supply your want. Thus there may be equality,

(15) As it is written, He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little did not lack. [Exodus 16:18]

Paul’s desire he explains to his Corinthian readers, is not that others may be relieved while they are hard pressed, for that would merely reverse the situation, solving one problem by creating another, but rather that there might be equality (v.13). He goes on to repeat his argument. Now at present Corinthian plenty will supply the needs of others, so that in turn Paul illustrates the principle from the supply of manna in the desert. God provided enough for everybody. Larger families gathered a lot, but not too much, for nothing was left over. Smaller families gathered little, but not too little, for they had no lack (v.15).

Thus Paul put the affluence of some alongside the want of others, and then called for an adjustment, that is, an easing of want by affluence.

What is this ‘equality’ for which Paul calls? It may be said to have three aspects.
First, equality is not social equality.

God’s purpose is not that everybody receives an identical wage, lives in an identical house, equipped with identical furniture, wears identical clothing and eats identical food – as if we had all been mass produced in some celestial factory! No. Our doctrine of creation should protect us from any vision of colorless uniformity. For God the Creator has not cloned us. True, we are equal in worth and dignity, equally made in God’s image. True, God gives rain and sunshine indiscriminately to both the evil and the good. But God has made us different, and has given his creation a colorful diversity in physique, appearance, temperament, personality and capacities.

Secondly, the equality we seek begins with equality of educational opportunity.

Christians have always been in the forefront of those demanding literacy and education for all. For to educate is to lead people out into their fullest created potential, so that they may become everything God intends them to be. For example, equal educational opportunity means not that every child is sent to college, but that every child capable of benefiting from a college education will be able to have one. No child should be disadvantaged. It is a question of justice.

Thirdly, equality abolishes extreme social disparity.
If we are embarrassed either to visit other people in their home, or to invite them into ours, because of the disparity of our economic lifestyles, - something is wrong. The inequality is too great. It has broken the fellowship. There needs to be a measure of equalization in one or other direction or in both. And Christian giving contributes to this equality. If you are a member of this Household and you have lack then you are not living in this principle. As the set man and set women of this house we do demonstrate this principle in our day to day walk with all of you. What we have we share. If you are in need and we as your family do not respond then there is something serious wrong.

7.6 Christian giving must be carefully supervised (2 Cor 8:16-24).

2Co 8:16-24

(16) But thanks be to God Who planted the same earnest zeal and care for you in the heart of Titus.

(17) For he not only welcomed and responded to our appeal, but was himself so keen in his enthusiasm and interest in you that he is going to you of his own accord.

(18) But we are sending along with him that brother [Luke?] whose praise in the Gospel ministry [is spread] throughout all the churches;

(19) And more than that, he has been appointed by the churches to travel as our companion in regard to this bountiful contribution which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself and [to show] our eager readiness [as Christians to help one another].

(20) [For] we are on our guard, intending that no one should find anything for which to blame us in regard to our administration of this large contribution.

(21) For we take thought beforehand and aim to be honest and absolutely above suspicion, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.

(22) Moreover, along with them we are sending our brother, whom we have often put to the test and have found him zealous (devoted and earnest) in many matters, but who is now more [eagerly] earnest than ever because of [his] absolute confidence in you.

(23) As for Titus, he is my colleague and shares my work in your service; and as for the [other two] brethren, they are the [special] messengers of the churches, a credit and glory to Christ (the Messiah).

(24) Show to these men, therefore, in the sight of the churches, the reality and plain truth of your love (your affection, goodwill, and benevolence) and what [good reasons] I had for boasting about and being proud of you.

Throughout church history religion has too often been commercialized. Paul is evidently aware of the dangers. So he writes both that ‘we want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift’ (v.20) and that ‘we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men’ (v.21). That is, he was determined not only to do right, but also to be seen to do right.

7.7 Christian giving can be stimulated by a little friendly competition (2 Cor 9:1-5).

2Co 9:1-5

(1) Now about the offering that is [to be made] for the saints (God's people in Jerusalem), it is quite superfluous that I should write you;

(2) For I am well acquainted with your willingness (your readiness and your eagerness to promote it) and I have proudly told about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia (most of Greece) has been prepared since last year for this contribution; and [consequently] your enthusiasm has stimulated the majority of them.

(3) Still, I am sending the brethren [on to you], lest our pride in you should be made an empty boast in this particular case, and so that you may be all ready, as I told them you would be;

(4) Lest, if [any] Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared [for this generosity], we, to say nothing of yourselves, be humiliated for our being so confident.

(5) That is why I thought it necessary to urge these brethren to go to you before I do and make arrangements in advance for this bountiful, promised gift of yours, so that it may be ready, not as an extortion [wrung out of you] but as a generous and willing gift.

We see here in this scripture how Paul plays off the north and the south against each other. He boasts of each to the other, in order to stimulate the generosity of both. These verses provide a biblical base for the concept of matching grants. We can all be stimulated to greater generosity by the known generosity of others.

7.8 Christian giving resembles a harvest (2 Cor 9:6-11a).

2Co 9:6-11

(11) Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

Two harvest principles are here applied to Christian giving.

First, we reap what we sow. Whoever sows sparingly reaps sparingly, and whoever sows generously reaps generously (v.6). ‘Sowing’ is a picture of giving. What then can we expect to ‘reap’?

If we give in this spirit of a cheerful giver, what will happen? What harvest can we expect to reap? Answer: ‘God is able to make all grace abound to you’ so that ‘in all things’ (not necessarily in material things) on the one hand you may have all you need, and on the other you may ‘abound in every good work’ because your opportunities for further service will increase (v.8). As Scripture says, the consequence of giving to the poor is to have a righteousness which endures for ever (v. 9; Ps. 112:9).

The second harvest principle is that what we reap has a double purpose. It is both for eating and for further sowing. For the God of the harvest is concerned not only to alleviate our present hunger, but also to make provision for the future. So he supplies both ‘bread for food’ (immediate consumption) and ‘seed to the sower’ (to plant when the next season comes round). In the same way God will ‘supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness’ (v.10).

These verses are used as the origin of the concept of ‘seed-money’, expecting God to multiply a donor’s gift. But it has been much abused by some TV evangelists and pastors. Paul is not preaching the false prosperity gospel. True, he promises that ‘you will be made rich in every way’, but he adds at once that this is ‘so that you can be generous on every occasion’ (v.11a) and so increase your giving. Wealth is with a view to generosity. This is the second principle of the harvest.

7.9 Christian giving has symbolic significance. (2 Cor 9:13)

2Co 9:13

(13) Because at [your] standing of the test of this ministry, they will glorify God for your loyalty and obedience to the Gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous-hearted liberality to them and to all [the other needy ones].

There is more in Christian giving than meets the eye. Paul is quite clear about this. In the case of the Greek churches, their giving symbolized their ‘confession of the gospel of Christ’ (v.13).

Paul looks beyond the mere transfer of cash from the Greek churches to the Judean churches to what it represented or symbolized. The significance of his collection was not just geographical (from Greece to Judea), nor just economical (from the rich to the poor), but in particular theological (from Gentile Christians to Jewish Christians). His collection was a deliberate, self-conscious symbol of Jewish-Gentile solidarity in the body of Christ.

Rom 15:25-28

(25) For the present, however, I am going to Jerusalem to bring aid (relief) for the saints (God's people there).

(26) For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make some contribution for the poor among the saints of Jerusalem.

(27) They were pleased to do it; and surely they are in debt to them, for if these Gentiles have come to share in their [the Jerusalem Jews'] spiritual blessings, then they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.

(28) When therefore I have completed this mission and have delivered to them [at Jerusalem] what has been raised, I shall go on by way of you to Spain.

Paul writes there that the Gentile churches of Greece had been ‘pleased’ to make a contribution for the impoverished Christians of Judea. “They were pleased to do it’, he repeated. Indeed ‘they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings (culminating in the Messiah himself), they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings’ (Romans 15:27). It was a striking example of solidarity in the Christian fellowship.

In similar ways, our Christian giving can express our theology, because our gift symbolizes our support of the cause to which we are giving.

When we contribute to evangelistic enterprises, we are expressing our confidence that the gospel is God’s power for salvation, and that everybody had a right to hear it. When we contribute to economic development, we express our belief that every man, woman, and child bears God’s image and should not be obliged to live in dehumanizing circumstances. When we give to the maturing of the church, we acknowledge its centrality in God’s purpose and his desire for its maturity.

7.10 Christian giving promotes thanksgiving to God (9:11b-15).

2Co 9:11-15

(11) Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

(12) For the service that the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God's people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God.

(14) And they yearn for you while they pray for you, because of the surpassing measure of God's grace (His favor and mercy and spiritual blessing which is shown forth) in you.

(15) Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]!

Four times Paul states his confidence that the ultimate result of his collection will be the increase of thanksgiving and praise to God.

v. 11 ‘your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God’

v. 12 ‘this service that you perform…is…overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God’

v. 13 ‘men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity…’

v. 14 ‘Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!’

Here is a crucial test as to whether our giving is authentically Christian or not. Truly Christian giving leads people not only to thank us the donors, but to thank God, and to see our gift in the light of his – the indescribable gift of his Son.

Let us therefore be givers that will bring about the thanksgiving and praise of people not unto us but unto Him – THE CHRIST

GOD BLESS YOU

Source:

Structure in Your Giving – Dr Sagie Govender

First Fruits – Apostle Frans du Plessis

Ten Principles of Christian Giving By John R.W. Stott

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