Introduction:
That is our problem, we are trying to create our own formula and removing God from the equation. This is also true when it comes to our finances. We want God to give us this and that, but once we already have it. We put God at the very last of our priorities, but God is not even on our list oftentimes.
Background:
In our passage, Paul is reminding the church at Corinth that they have the duty to give and participate in the collection for the church at Jerusalem. Let me give some initial points about giving. First, we can see that collective giving to the church was practiced in the New Testament church. (Another example is in Acts 4:32-37, and the prior verses about the Macedonian churches).
Secondly, Paul is not just aware of the common practices of the churches but also eager in reminding and warning them about this essential act as faithful followers of Christ. Other than reminding them, Paul encouraged them to also look at how the churches in Macedonia were looking up to them and faithfully doing the act of giving to the church.
Lastly, the act of giving is more than just an outward act. It is an attitude of our hearts. It is an inside-out act. We are giving out of our grateful hearts to revere and worship God. Giving is a transformational experience for Christian spirituality.
Seven principles about biblical giving:
- God’s ownership
- God is the Ultimate Giver
- Beyond Tithing
- Purposeful and Freely Giving (v. 7-8)
- Cheerful Giving or Generous giving (v. 7)
- Sowing and Reaping Principle (v. 6)
- Kingdom-centered Giving
Conclusion:
For my conclusion, let us evaluate your giving budget formula: (take note, I do not have any access to the database of our tithes and offerings; even I am not exempted in the giving of tithes and offerings).
Salary – bills – spending – savings = tithes/ offerings
(Bills + spending) – salary = debt (no savings, no tithes)
Salary – tithes/ offerings – savings = generous giving (then bills and another spending)
*Do not spend more than what you are earning. Be wise. Be biblical. Let us give! Is God first in your finances, wealth, and giving? Or are you the same as the person that we watched a while ago?
by Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
May 2, 2021
*This section is an excerpt only; download the full manuscript here.