“Grace Giving”
1 Corinthians 16:1-12
Mike Bauer
April 15, 2007
Key Sentence
We give because of gratitude and the excitement of God's work, not because of law.
Outline
I. Special Collections (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)
A. Apostolic Command
B. Grace Giving
C. Approved Men
II. Pastoral Collections (1 Corinthians 16:5-9)
A. Possible Visit
B. Paul asks for financial support
C. God's work
Message
Need: So what is your attitude towards giving financially to the church and God’s work?Text: This morning we will study the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. Paul, the former persecutor of Christians, who converted to Christ after the resurrected Jesus appeared to him, started this church in Corinth. Now he writes to the church about the matter of financial support.
In chapter 16:1-4 Paul’s asks for the Corinthian believers to take up a special offering. In 16:5-9 Paul asks to for a collection to support him.
Giving: Grace or Law?
I. Special Collections (16:1-4)
A. Apostolic Command
1. “Now about”
a. answering question regarding giving
2. Collection
a. Not wrong to ask for support.
Luke 8:1-3
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
3. “Do” – Apostles authority.
a. God’s spokesmen. We obey their teachings.
b. Why we preach the Bible. Not pop psych., not motivational speaking, and not other books.
2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
4. First day
a. Sunday, because of the resurrection.
b. Not Saturday. Not under the law of Moses, but law of Christ.
c. Set aside a sum of money – no specific amount.
Hebrews 7:12 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.
1 Cor. 9:21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.
B. Grace Giving
1. Grace Giving
2 Cor. 9:6-7 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2. Sacrificial Giving
3. Giving to Mexico, Slovakia, and church plant (20,000 for start up costs and 20,000 the first year.)
3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
C. Men you approve (v.3-4)
1. Men is plural. Why we have more than one person count money.
2. Approved. The congregation approved men of integrity. Why we vote on financial secretary and treasurer.
a. Separation of treasurer and financial secretary
b. Budget is open for all to see.
2. Pastoral Collection (16:5-9)
5After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. 6Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter,
A. Possible Visit
1. I will come to you.
2 Cor. 1:16-17 I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. 17When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
2 Cor. 1:23-2:1 I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
2. Paul’s plans were contingent on the Lord’s will.
3. Make plans but hold with loose group.
Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.
1 Cor. 16:6a-7 so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
B. Paul asks for financial support. (1 Cor. 16:6-9)
1. Help me and spend some time. Paul was not shy about asking because he rebuked them in 1 Cor. 9. & 2 Cor. 11.
2 Cor. 11:8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.
2. Paul made tents because the people were not giving. It was not wrong for him to ask.
3. Where should the bulk of our giving go?
1 Tim. 3:14-15 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
a. Also give to the poor, missionaries, orphans, and widows.
4. Giving will be accredited to their account.
Philip. 4:17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.a. This is my theme verse to help me in asking for church plant.
b. Giving is an opportunity for you to store up treasures in heaven.
c. Maybe we cancel cable tv, cut back on entertainment, or some other fat in the budget.
1 Cor. 16:8-9 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
Close: We give because of gratitude and the excitement of God’s work, not because of law.
Not seating capacity, but sending capacity.