Christian giving. 1Corinthians 16:1-4 The assembly in Corinth had serious problems and serious problems need to be addressed not overlooked. So, in a very spiritual way, the apostle Paul responded to those problems of division, conflicts between brethren, selfish demands regarding money, lack of consideration regarding personal freedom and the consciences of others; disorder in public meetings, the wrong use of spiritual gifts, and a wrong understanding and attitudes about the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of the believers. He very plainly corrected what was wrong.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ was very evident in the way he dealt with each issue. His love for them came across as genuine in spite of all that was wrong about their attitudes and actions. When difficulties arise, it is not a good idea to leave them unattended because usually they don't go away. Sometimes they remain covered for years but a simmering unrest and discontent is just under the surface of apparent fellowship.
When it comes to finances: giving to God is introduced here as an act of worship that is done in the assembly. Christian giving is both a privilege and a responsibility. The financial fellowship of an assembly is a sign of unity in the church and evidence of true fellowship with those of “like precious faith.” The way to give was clarified as to the responsibility, the system, and the method [1Cor.16:1]. This was not just tithing. Tithing was done before the law was given. Abraham tithed. This was a part of the order of things God established. The Levites (those in full-time service) in Israel, received and gave tithes. There was joy and blessing linked with tithing [Prov.3:9-10; 11:24; Num.18:25-32; 2Cor.9:10].
Giving of our substance lays up treasure in heaven [Phil.4:17]. Collective obligations in fellowship with the assembly [Acts 11:24,30; Rom.15:25-27; 1 Cor.16:1-2] goes beyond the practice of tithing because this is not just for the maintenance of earthly obligations. We set aside proportionately what we are going to give on the first day of the week. It is a part of our worship, giving evidence of the degree of our appreciation of the Lord. No scripture indicates it is done at gatherings where the unsaved people come to hear the Gospel. That practice is unknown in the New Testament. The offerings of the Corinthian believers were to alleviate the suffering saints in Jerusalem and was without demanding a particular sum from everyone. They were to give proportionately to the Lord Himself from what He had given them as a stewardship.
Giving to full-time servants was done when the assembly at Philippi gave to the support of the apostle Paul. No scripture indicates appeals, hints, announcements of needs were given by Paul. A servant’s own ministry and character are his greatest commendation. Paul did not want to be obligated to the Corinthians so he was willing and able to support himself when necessary.
It is important when giving of our money, to give to God first [Prov.3:9-10]. Then when giving from our heart we can give joyfully [2Cor.9:6-8]. There are blessings of giving to God because He always out-gives us [Lu.6:38]. There will always be someplace to benefit from our giving when we give what we can [Prov.3:27]. Some brethren who serve God's people need us to share what we have with them because they are spiritual leaders who are committing a lot of time to their responsibilities [Gal.6:6]. Give, and you will receive God’s blessing [Mal.3:10]. The generous man is blessed as a result of what he is willing to give [Prov.11:24-25]. Though He was rich, Christ became poor for us [2Cor.8:9].
When giving to God, the manner of giving is without show [Mat.6:1-4], according to one’s ability [1Cor.16:1-2], willingly [1Chr.29:3-9], liberally [2Cor.9:6-15], cheerfully [2Cor.9:7] and proportionately [Mal.3:10]. Examples of giving in the Bible include the Israelites [Ex.35:21-29], princes of Israel [Num.7:2-28], the poor widow [Lu.21:2-4] and the Macedonian churches [2Cor.8:1-5]. There needs to be carefulness in handling of assembly finances [2Cor.8:16-] because we can learn from history of the evils connected with money. There still is, in people in our well-to-do society, greed [2Kings 5:20-27], debts that people hope they will get away without paying [Neh.5:2-11], and covetousness [1Tim.6:9-10].
When there is a personal exercise to give privately, we have biblical support to do that very thing [3Jn.5-7; Gal.6:6; 1Tim.5:18 (communicate); Lu.16:5; Phil.4:10; 2Cor.8:1; Col.3:23-24; 1Thes.4:11-12]. So, who can give to support the work of God? Believers only lest someone thinks they are able to find favor with God because of their giving, [3Jn.5-8; Prov.15:8; 21:27] and in that way we give no offense to the Gentiles – unconverted [1Cor.10:32] who sometimes are turned off by those who make appeals for money. Why should I give? [Lu.16:5]. I am a debtor to God because all that I have I owe to Him and the blessings of His gracious provision for me. Now I am also a debtor in a sense to those who don't have what they need and I can supply it for them. Where shall I give? [Phil.4:10-19].
To the assembly – it is a priestly service for all (men and women). Privately [Gal.6:6]. Communicate – have fellowship with others when I am able to share what I have with them. (Heb.13:16 – Gathering unto Him, v.13; Worship through Him, v.14; Sacrifice for Him, v.16). How much shall I give? [2Cor.8:1-5]. Liberally – give yourself first. How can I ever repay what I have received? I can show sincere appreciation for all God has given me, and financial giving is one way of expressing that appreciation. When do I give? [1Cor.16:1]. On the first day of the week. That indicates that it should be an on-going response to God's grace to me. Will I love what I give? [Col.3:23]. It is a challenge to me to heartily give to God because God loves a "hilarious" giver. That is to be my attitude. I should be looking for ways to give to God of my substance.