GIVING

In the religious world today many and varied are the ideas about how the church should raise funds to carry on its work. Some have certain convictions about the way it should be done, while others feel that any way that is not violating the law of the land is all right. And there are yet even those who feel that one may violate the law because it is for a good cause, and so it is even done in the pretense of serving God.

There is a definite scriptural pattern for the way finances are to be raised that the church might progress properly, and this plan must be followed if we expect the approval to God.

SOME OF THE WAYS THAT ARE WRONG: There are several wrong ways which are employed to raise funds for church work. Some of these are bazaars, church suppers, bingo parties, rummage sales, and door-to-door canvassing. None of these are according to the scriptural pattern, and certainly should not be employed. There are many other wrong ways, but space will not permit us to discuss them. What we want to learn in this lesson is what the Bible teaches about it, and then abide by that pattern.

The Bible Teaches That…
1. A DEFINITE EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN TO THE CHURCHES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITING: The church at Corinth was told by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, just how they were to give, and Paul said "as I gave order to the churches of Galatia." So we have a scriptural example in this place in which congregations were told how to give. From this example, we want to study more closely and find just how we are to give today.

WE WILL FIND THAT THEIR GIVING WAS TO BE:
i. Periodic.
ii. Personal
iii. Providential
iv. Proportionate
v. Preventive
Be sure to remember these five things, because they will be in your test questions. We know that there was a particular need in the case which Paul mentions, and this was for poor saints at another place. We will not study this one case, but rather the pattern that was given in this case.

The Bible Teaches That…
2. "UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK…" There was a definite time in which they were to lay by in store. We as Christians should consider our prosperity and give upon the first day of each week. Since each week has a first day, then we should lay by in store on the first day of each week. If we will do this and do so according to our prosperity, we will surely be able to conduct the work of the Lord.

The Bible Teaches That…
3. GIVING IS TO BE PERSONAL. Notice that Paul says "let every one of you…" Everyone of you, certainly means each Christian. Some do not feel a responsibility for giving; at least, it appears this way, because they are willing to let others carry the burden of giving and caring for the needy. Each Christian should feel a definite responsibility to give. This is a Bible example.

The Bible Teaches That…
4. GIVING IS TO PROVIDENTIAL. "as God hath prospered him." There are certain ones who have no though or appreciation for the blessings which God showers upon them. If we could but realize that we are blessed abundantly just in life and health, and the many various natural blessings that come our way, we would have no trouble giving as we ought. Paul said that we should give as God hath prospered. That which we have comes either directly or indirectly from God and His mercy towards us. If we are prospered, then we ought to give according to that prosperity.

The Bible Teaches That…
5. GIVING IS TO BE PROPORTIONATE. Again we note that Paul says, "As God hath prospered him." In other words, in a proportion of what he has received. Of course, someone asks, how much should it be? Should it be a tenth? How can I know - whether I am giving as I ought or not?

This is not easily answered, however; there are certain things which we might consider which may help. Under the old testament law they were required to give a tenth of all they possessed. Jesus fulfilled this law and took it out of the way; however, He did say, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, but I say unto you - " and in these statements in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7). He implied that we are under a more severe law in that He compared murder as under the old law, to hating under the new. If, under the old covenant law they were required to give a tenth, the indication may well be that we should give at least that much today.

We are certainly not under the law of tithing, but certainly should give to the extent of our ability. As a suggestion regarding giving, we should purpose to give a certain amount, and raise this amount as we see we are able to do so until we are giving a maximum. This should be by the way of sacrifice, for Jesus taught that we must deny ourselves and take up the cross and follow Him.

The Bible Teaches That…
6. GIVING IS TO BE PREVENTIVE. Paul told the brethren in the reference which we are studying, "that there be no gatherings when I come." In this He taught them to be ready so that they would not have to take a "hurry-up" contribution and not be ready to fulfill the need at the proper time.

We should also give in this same manner. We shouldn't wait until an emergency arises and then try to raise funds. If we will give as we ought, we will be ready unto every good word and in a position to do what we need to do at the needed time. Too many times we are too late with too little. That is, we have a need arise and are not able to provide for it when if we had made contributions according as we ought, we would have been amply provided for.

CONCLUSION:
Let us remember the pattern given in the Bible and follow this pattern in giving to keep the work of the church growing and succeeding. Let us realize the abundance of our blessings and then give as we ought, that there never be a lack. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul further adds, "But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

Section 1
FILL IN THE BLANKS THE WAYS IN WHICH THE CORINTHIANS WERE TO GIVE OUT FROM IT AND THE PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURES WHICH SHOWS THIS.

The Way 1.

SCRIPTURES THAT SUPPORTS THIS 1.

The Way 2.

SCRIPTURES THAT SUPPORTS THIS 2.

The Way 3.

SCRIPTURES THAT SUPPORTS THIS 3.

The Way 4.

SCRIPTURES THAT SUPPORTS THIS 4.

The Way 5.

SCRIPTURES THAT SUPPORTS THIS 5.

Section 2
TYPE IN THE FIVE WRONG WAYS WHICH ARE SOMETIMES EMPLOYED TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHURCHES.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Section 3 - Yes or No

Question 1
We should give sparingly
YesNo

Question 2
We must give a tenth because they did under the Old Testament law.
YesNo

Question 3
We should raise money any way possible to help the church.
YesNo

Question 4
We should give much because we are blessed much.
YesNo

Question 5
God loves a cheerful giver.
YesNo

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