GIVING AND GOING – 1 Cor. 16:1-10
The last several weeks we have studies about the glories of the resurrection. John McArthur says, “What lies ahead is resurrection glory lay great responsibility on the present.” These scriptures reveals some insights on the inside workings of the church. Correct doctrine manifests itself in correct living.
I. Paul Instructs the Church about the Collection (Money)
{Collection = logia – to say something}
A. The Reasons For Giving (1)
(Abraham tithed before the law, Moses in the law, Christ commended it , and Paul confirmed it.) Money has broken marriages, destroyed nations, and divided churches. When your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep will become your downfall.)
1. It expresses ownership – all we have belongs to God.
2. It expresses gratefulness – a gracious heart is a grateful heart. (2 Cor. 8)
3. It expresses our compassion – Jerusalem has experienced a famine. (1 John 3:17)
4. It expresses our oneness – Paul uses the word fellowship when he speaks of giving.
B. The Recipe for Giving
1. An appointed time (2)
2. An appropriate way
a) Must be a priority – lay by in store (2 Cor. 8:10; Prov. 3:9-10)
b) Must be done proportionally – as God has prospered (2 Cor. 8:10-11)
c) Claiming the promise of God (Phil. 4:15-19)
d) Must be done with pleasure – liberally (3) (2 Cor. 9:6-8)
[ A church that has life will cost. Giving is always rewarded.]
C. The Responsibility for Giving (3-4)
1. Men that would be approved (3) Money must be handled right.
2. Men that would accompany (4)
There accompaniment would allow them to give to people not just a project.
D. Their Response (2 Cor. 8:1-11)
II. Paul Informs the Church About His Ministry (It was in question.) (5-10)
A. His Opportunities –
1. Macedonia – Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea
2. Ephesus
3. Corinth
B. His Opposition – (9)
“The greater the battle the greater the victory”
C. His Obedience – (4a, 5, 7, 8, 9,10)
Prov. 3:4-5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
James 4:3-17
D. His Objectives –
1. To encourage the saints
2. To evangelize the lost.
