Some thoughts on giving from 2 Cor 8-9

Last week we looked at 2 Corinthians 8-9 on Sunday morning. As follow up here are some more thoughts about our giving.

Some have asked from time to time about tithing. I have to say up front that the New Testament does not command us to tithe. What it does command is much more profound that than a simple 10% of our blessings. The Bible teaches that all we have is God's. That is to say not just a gift from God, which it is, but it belongs to God. We are called to possess and hold on to our blessings, rather we are called to be good stewards of God's blessings. When we can come to this understanding it changes everything. Now how I spend money and use resources is not dictated by my own desires, but rather by what is best for the Kingdom of God.

The concept of tithing predates the Law. We see the concept in Genesis 14:30; 28:22; and Hebrews 7:4-10 for example. However we must be cautious because there are several practices that predate the Law that are not carried over into the New Testament era. For example we do not practice animal sacrifice, levirate marriage, or the consecration of the firstborn today.

In Matthew 23:23 Jesus spoke about tithing, but He was speaking to a Jewish audience under the Law. Furthermore, His point in the text has to do with their hearts much more than the amount they give. With that in mind lets see what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8-9.

In this text, like most all of the texts in the NT dealing with giving, the background is giving for what we might call missions or charity. It was more than charity though it was a means of showing physically what we believe theologically. We are one body of believers worldwide. Thus when part of the body is hurting, regardless of where they are located, we do what we can to help. In this context the Gentiles were giving to Jewish believers and thus showing their unity. The Jewish people had been the vessel God used to bring about the Messiah and now the Gentiles were being used to supply the needs of persecuted Jewish believers.

Paul uses the example of the Macedonian believers to encourage the believers in Corinth and us today as well. The Macedonians saw giving not a chore or obligation, but as a joy and honor. They give not out of their abundance, but from their poverty. They gave beyond their ability, not because they were commanded or urged to do so, but because they saw it as a grace to do so.

Paul uses several words for the offering in Corinthians epistles. It is the collection (logeia) in 1 Cor. 16:1-2, a blessing (eulogia) in 2 Cor. 9:5, their priestly service (leitourgia) in 2 Cor. 9:12, fellowship (koinonia) in 2 Cor. 8:4 and 9:13, their service or ministry (diakonia) in 2 Cor. 8:4, 9:1, 12, 13, and expression of grace (charis) in 2 Cor. 8, 1, 4, 6, 7, 9. To Paul giving was much more important than simply giving away money. It was a sacred act of worship and a great joy to do so.

When we give it is an act of faith. It is faith that not only that God has provided, but that He will provide in the future. God is concerned about our heats in giving. Not so much about the amount we give, but that we do give sacrificially. Thus Paul says when we give it should be voluntary (8:3) rather than required, it should be willing (8:11, 12) rather than grudgingly, it should be generous (8:2) rather than as little as we think we can get away with and stay in good standing with God, it should be done eagerly (8:7, 8) rather than writing a check wishing you did not have to do so, and it should be overflowing (8:2, 3, 7, 14).

When we teach about giving we do not teach foremost about how it is wise to give because you will get a return as an investor, but we give because it is joyful and worshipful. We do not give as if we are paying our dues to get certain services (as on two occasions older believers have explained to me why they give with the exception of me doing such and such for them).

Perhaps the problem with giving in the church (and there is a problem I grant you) is not so much that we don't ask enough or sell the concept well enough. Perhaps it is not that our buildings, budgets, passions, and vision are not big enough. Perhaps our problem is we have not taught the glorious grace of God well enough. Perhaps we have not taught the glorious joy of helping others well enough. Perhaps we have not taught the awe of God's blessings and being well enough. Perhaps not, you tell me?

So do I preach you need to give 10%, not I don't because I don't see it in the New Testament. What I do teach is much more counter cultural and revolutionary. I teach that God says everything you have is God's and you are only a steward. I teach we are called to live under our means so that we can be generous. I teach that it is a joyful act of worship to give not only to my local congregation in which I serve, but also to those in need around the world.

Does that make sense?

Extra thoughts from 2 Cor 6

Every week I feel like there is more to say. Here are some thoughts from 2 Corinthians 6.

Paul seems to have constantly been dealing with those that tried to destroy his ministry and witness. We will talk more about this in chapter 10 (this Sunday, how do we deal with criticism). A key theme for Paul's ministry was endurance. His endurance was not based upon his own strength, but the power of the Holy Spirit. Too often we try to rely on our strength only to find it lacking. When we rely on our strength, skills, energy, and wisdom we can never live up to the potential within us. For the Spirit within us is much stronger, wiser, powerful, and skilled than we can ever dream of being.

We are called as God's elect to affirm the Gospel regardless of circumstances or opinions of others. The truth of the Gospel stands in great contrast with the prevailing culture we live in today. The world may teach if it feels good and right to you it must be right (subjectivism and relativism), but the Gospel teaches there is absolute truth that is not based on our emotions or ever changing sensibilities. I think that sometimes I do not speak up because I do not want to be perceived as arrogant or I am afraid that I have not thought it out enough to speak up. While there is great wisdom in thinking before speaking, there does come a time to speak up. It is time to speak up about our witness for Christ. I do not envision standing on a soapbox condemning those that pass by. Rather, I envision the Church as the redeemed of God pleading with a dying world with love and service, following in the example of Christ. I dream that the people of God will apply the teachings of Christ to all spheres of life. When we show the world what real love is, I believe it will change our society. The power of our witness is seen in the changed lives we demonstrate daily.

Paul speaks of the Church as the Temple of God. When we encounter the Living God, the Holy One within the context of worship several things happen. First, we also encounter our own sinfulness. We understand that we have nothing to bring to God outside of His grace. Second, we encounter the grace of Calvary. Our security and foundation is found in the crucified Christ that died for our sins and conquered death through the Resurrection. Third, when we encounter the Living God it changes our view of others. No longer do we judge in the way others do. If we seek to judge ourselves by the measure of others we can always find someone we can feel superior to. However, if our example is Christ we all fall miserably short. Thus, we look at the lost and we do not feel superior, no, we feel a sense of urgency to help them experience the peace we have as the redeemed of God.  We as the Temple of God are held together through the love of Christ and the fear of God. We are the people of God, who are created by His Presence, for the purpose of worship and service.

We have an understanding of what God has done for us, thus we can live victoriously in the present because we know who God is and what He has done for us. We know what is coming in the future and thus we can live in hope in the present. While we learn from the past and look forward to the future, we live with purpose, faith, and joy in the present moment. We understand we cannot change the past or control the future. However, God has redeemed the past and secured the future, thus we can have peace in the present. Our ability to be obedient is dependant upon the past sacrifice of Christ, the present work of Spirit, and our desire to please Him.

What sets Christians apart from the world? It is not a sense of superiority, but a sense of humility and meekness. It is not a sense of entitlement, but a desire to serve others in the name of Christ. It is not a title, but testimony of forgiveness. We are called to live a life of faith that says God is all I need. To say I need a certain house or car or lawn or clothing or new phone or physical appearance or even relationship is in a real sense to deny the sufficiency of Christ in our lives. I don't need God and a better job, a vacation, a stable retirement plan, education, or whatever else. I simply need God to have contentment. God will give me what I need as I seek Him and work hard.

I pray that God can help us to encounter His glory today. May the Holy Spirit within us lead us to seek a life of holiness and love.

I know these are some random thoughts, sorry about that.

Revelation 1:7-20

Revelation 1:7-20 sermon audio and PowerPoint file

Above is a link to Sunday Night's Revelation Study. I am greatly enjoying studying with you and look forward to digging into God's Word with you as we continue through this marvelous book.

Here is this week's texts:

September 24, 2013     Prov 16–17, 2 Cor 9, Ps 107:22–30, Prov 23:22–24

September 25, 2013     Prov 18–19, 2 Cor 10, Ps 107:31–36, Prov 23:25–26

September 26, 2013     Prov 20:1–22:16, 2 Cor 11:1–21, Ps 107:37–43, Prov 23:27–29

September 27, 2013     Prov 22:17–24:22, 2 Cor 11:22–12:13, Ps 108:title–7, Prov 23:30–32

September 28, 2013     Prov 24:23–26:28, 2 Cor 12:14–13:14, Ps 108:8–13, Prov 23:33–35

September 29, 2013     Prov 27–28, Gal 1, Ps 109:title–7, Prov 24:1–2

September 30, 2013     Prov 29–30, Gal 2, Ps 109:8–17, Prov 24:3–5

October 01, 2013           Prov 31, Gal 3:1–18, Ps 109:18–23, Prov 24:6–7

October 02, 2013           Eccles 1–4, Gal 3:19–4:7, Ps 109:24–31, Prov 24:8–9