Christian Giving
1 Cor. 16:1-2

Sermon Outline from the Evening Service - 12 March 2000

I. Some basic principles on giving

A. When?: regularly

1. There is to be regularity in giving -- regularity in reviewing how God is blessing you (providing for your needs in whatever way).
2. As our hearts naturally reflect on God's goodness, we will seek an outlet for the gratitude we have. 2 Cor 8:9.

B. Who?: every believer

1. There are no Christians who should not give / no Christians who cannot give. It doesn't have to be much (the widow in Lk.21).
2. Paul gave orders -- it was / is a duty to give.

C. Do what?: allocate & reserve an amount and give it

1. Lay by himself -- let him take to himself what he determines to give.
2. In store -- the place of deposit was a common treasury
3. See 1Tim 6:17-19 (storing for eternity) (See also 1Pet. 1:4)

D. How much?: proportionate to God's prospering (Deut 8:18; 1 Cor 4:7)

1. Each gives equally (rich or poor). 2 Cor. 8:12-15.
2. No Christian can afford not to give a goodly portion (1/10) of his income / living allowance. Will ye rob God? (Mal 3). "Our giving should be according to income lest God make our income according to our giving!"

E. Why in this way?: not man-oriented

1. The focus is on your gratitude for God's blessing in your life. It is an act of worship. It is an act of Christian responsibility.
2. 2Cor 9:5 -- as a matter of bounty and not as of covetousness

II. Other things from these verses:

A. The need -- then and now

1. This offering was for the poor in Jerusalem (Rom 15:25-27).
2. The giving of this church is used to establish this church and further the testimony of the gospel in this community.
3. Relief of the poor is only one aspect of issues raised in giving.

a. Through this giving Christian fellowship would be expressed
b. Christian responsibility in giving would be tested
c. Displaying God's care of His own through His own
d. Reflecting on His generosity is an antidote to covetousness

4. The issue is not the need, but stewardship of what He gives.

B. There is a general order and similarity throughout the Christian world. Corinth needed this reminder -- 1 Cor. 11:16 and 14:33, 36.

C. The Christian "Sabbath" is different than the Jewish Sabbath. One was to commemorate the creation. The other is to commemorate the resurrection.
See Acts 20:7 & Rev. 1:10.