Giving     1 Corinthians 16:2

This post is about giving in the worship of God.

Giving as an act of worship of God first appeared in Genesis 14:20 where Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek. Likewise, the children of Israel tithed yearly as part of worship for the support of the priests, Malachi 3:5. “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.”

In addition, they gave a free will offering to help in the construction of the tabernacle—see Exodus 35 —and provided animals and produce for sin, grain, trespass, and peace offerings at various feast days during the year. So, the Israelites constantly gave of their means as part of being God’s people. Someone estimated that they gave up to 30% of their worth each year.

Likewise, the New Testament church members constantly donated their money to help others. From the first day, they contributed what they had for the benefit of all, Acts 2:44-45. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

Also, giving and helping the needy continued after Pentecost. When some widows were neglected, they corrected the problem by appointing men to correct this oversight— see Acts 6:1; 3. These verses show that they continued to give of their money to help the needy.

The Apostle Paul directed that contributions for church needs should occur at the Sundays assembly, 1 Corinthians 16:2. “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”

Further, proper giving comes from the heart, not reluctantly, nor by compulsion—see 2 Corinthians 9:7.

In addition, Jesus provides our example, 2 Corinthians 8:9. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,”

Likewise, God provided the greatest gift, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,”

So, what did we learn about giving?

1.The Israelites gave freely.

2.Christians should give liberally.

3.Jesus gave His life.

4.God gave His Son.

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