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God Loves A Cheerful Giver What the New Testament Teaches About the Contribution in Worship to God Prepared by Chris Reeves * Skyline church of Christ Gospel Meeting * May 17, 2015

Giving As An Act of Worship to God Giving our “contribution” (Acts 11:28-30; Rom. 15:26) or “collection” (1 Cor. 16:1-2) is an act of worship to God because it … – Gives thanks to God (2 Cor. 9:8-12) – Gives glory to God (2 Cor. 9:13-15) – Gives a sacrifice to God (Heb. 13:16)

Contribution Basics: Who? Individual Christians were ready to give (1 Tim. 6:17-19), as well as local churches (Acts 2:44-45) The local church contribution was an Apostolic “order,” a command for each Christian; it was not a command for non-Christians (Acts 2:44- 45; 4:32-37; 1 Cor. 16:1)

Contribution Basics: When? The contribution was made on the “first day of the week,” Sunday; it was not collected on the other days of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

Contribution Basics: Where? The contribution was put into a common treasury (Acts 4:35,37; 1 Cor. 16:1-2)

Contribution Basics: What? The contribution came from individual, free- will offerings; it did not come from business enterprises, bingo, rummage sales, carnivals, etc. (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7) The contribution was given as each one prospered and purposed (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:12; 9:7); it was not a pre-determined “tithe” like in the OT (Lev. 27:30-34)

Contribution Basics: What? The contribution was for the work of the local church only: evangelism (1 Cor. 9:6-14; 2 Cor. 11:8-9), benevolence (Acts 2:44-45; etc.), and edification (1 Tim. 5:17-18) The contribution, when offered for benevolence, was for needy saints only (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 11:29-30; Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1,12; 1 Tim. 5:9-10)

Contribution Basics From 1 Corinthians 16:1-3… Prescribed – “as I gave order to the churches…” Patterned – “so also do ye…” Periodic – “upon the first day of the week…” Personal – “let each one of you…” Planned – “lay by him in store…” Proportioned – “as he may prosper…” Preventive – “that no collections be made…”

Contribution Basics From 1 Corinthians 16:1-3… Purposeful – “carry your bounty unto Jerusalem…”

Contribution Basics From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Graciously (8:1) - “the grace of God” Liberally (8:2-3) – “the riches of their liberality” Fraternally (8:4) – “beseeching us” Sacrificially (8:5) – “they gave their own selves” Sincerely (8:6-9) – “the sincerity also of your love” Readily (8:10-11) – “the readiness to will”

Contribution Basics From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Ably (8:11-12) – “out of your ability” Equally (8:13-15) – “that there may be equality” Wisely (8:16-24) – “take thought for things honorable” Promptly (9:1-5) – “the same might be ready” Bountifully (9:6) – “he that soweth bountifully”

Contribution Basics From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Purposefully (9:7) – “purposed in his heart” Voluntarily (9:7) – “no grudgingly or of necessity” Cheerfully (9:7) – “God loveth a cheerful giver” Generously (9:8-10) – “abound unto every good work” Thankfully (9:11-15) – “thanksgiving to God”

What Is the Contribution? From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Giving is a “grace” (charis) – 8:1,4,6-7,16,19; 9:8,14,15; it offers a favored and thankful gift to others Giving is a “fellowship” (koinonia) – 8:4; 9:13; it shares with the saints in their needs and in their work

What Is the Contribution? From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Giving is a “ministry” (diakonia) – 8:4; 9:1,12,13; it is an act of service toward the saints Giving is a [priestly] “service” (leitourgia) – 9:12 [Rom. 15:27; Phil. 4:18]; it is an act of priestly service to God

What Is the Contribution? From 2 Corinthians 8-9… Giving is a “blessing” (eulogia) – 9:5-6; it bestows a bountiful, blessed gift to the saints Giving is a “test” or “proof” (dokime) – 8:2,8,22,[24]; 9:13; it proves one’s obedience to God and love toward other saints

How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Give ourselves to the Lord first, before we give our money to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-5) Plan ahead and budget for God first (1 Cor. 16:1-2); don’t “rob God” (Mal. 1:14; 3:8) Follow through with our plans to give (2 Cor. 8:11)

How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Desire to be unified with other Christians in giving (Acts 2:44; 4:32) Do not advertise your giving (Mt. 6:1-3)

How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Understand the different types of giving (2 Cor. 9:6-7): – Stingy giving – Bountiful giving – Angry giving – Forced giving – Cheerful giving (note the “good pleasure” of giving in Rom. 15:26-27)

How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Use the example of Jesus’ giving (2 Cor. 8:9) and God’s giving (2 Cor. 9:8,14) for our own giving… – Sacrificially (Jn. 3:16) – Freely (Rom. 8:32) – Liberally (Jas. 1:5)

How Can We Improve Our Contribution? Focus on the “fruit” that is produced from our giving (Rom. 15:28; Phil. 4:17-18) Be mindful of the stewardship of our money (Lk. 16:1) [ Parents, encourage your children at an early age to give to the Lord! ]