Monday, March 5, 2012
Today’s Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Today’s Key Thought: Worshipful giving is happens regularly and is not optional.
As a husband, I know that the things I do and say tell my wife what I think of her. Megan knows me as well as anyone else in my life. She can tell if my heart is in what I am doing or not. Not only do my actions count, but my motives count as well.
This week we are going to look at 2 main passages of scripture that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth specifically concerning giving. In these passages Paul explains how giving in the church should be done, specifically because our giving is an act of worship to God, and should be done with that as a motivation. We will highlight 8 Characteristics of what worshipful giving looks like.
First, Giving that worships God is regular. Paul commands the Corinthians to give “upon the first day of the week.” This gives the idea that this is a life-long weekly habit. This is one of the ways that we worship God. Like many other acts of worship, it’s a discipline that we must participate in.
Secondly, Giving that worships God is universal. What do we mean by universal? We mean that no one is exempt from this act of worship. It’s not an optional exercise for some and not others. Paul says “let every one of you…”.
Application:
Do you give on a regular basis? Remember, as a believer it is not optional. It’s an appropriate act of worship to God.
Are you giving? Are you giving regularly? Is your regular giving to God an act of worship from your heart?
Study the Scriptures with Ben Jennings 
I definitely believe as a saint I am to give. This is not a problem for me. I like to give. I didn’t always feel this way. When I was a Catholic I did not like giving. Somewhere in my heart I knew there was something wrong with this religion. Everything about the Catholic church didn’t feel right to me, but I didn’t know why exactly. It wasn’t until I started attending a bible believing church and got saved that I understood what was wrong with what the Catholic church was teaching people. Once I understood that God had sent His only Son to die on a cross for me, and I understood that it was not about religion but about a relationship, my heart started changing about giving. During the offering at Mass, one thing seemed consistent among the people sitting near me. People would reach into their pockets or change purse, and when the basket went by they would throw in whatever loose change they had, or a dollar or two. I think the feeling among Catholics was the same, no conviction. (I am not trying to say that EVERY Catholic felt this way, but a good majority.) Why no conviction? Well, who is Paul talking to in 1Corinthians 16:1-2.? He is talking to believers. There is the difference. Until I got saved and understood the true meaning of the gospel, I didn’t get “it”. I was not a “believer”. I was just a person attending a church service because that was how I was raised, and I didn’t know any different. I just assumed once a Catholic always a Catholic. This religion teaches “works” not “grace”. I believe because of that, most Catholics aren’t saved. Because I was “lost” during those years of my life, it explains why I didn’t understand the true meaning of giving.
As a believer it is easy for me to give. It should be. Unfortunately, I know lots of Christians who are still having a problem with this concept. I don’t get it. it is not an option and should be done joyfully. Paul commanded the Corinthians to give on the first day of the week, every week to help them establish a good habit. It still takes discipline. If you are a believer giving is not optional. Once saved we no longer have an excuse when it comes to giving. Even if you are a teenager you can still give what you can joyfully. It is not always how much but our attitude about it.
I give at least once or twice a week but I could deff do way more giving. I give a l
Sorry.. I give alot of time to school services. And alot of help outs at church! 😉 but I think tht I should give more!! Thts my goal for this week! 🙂 DO MORE GIVING!!! 🙂
Giving is such a key component, but something I think we don’t always do with the right attitude. I love to give, but I don’t think I always do it 100% of the time with the right attitude. Giving is something God established us to do, it shows that we are thankful for the things that God has given us, and shows that we know God provides. God doesn’t need our money or our stuff, but we do need to give to the church and other people in the honor and glory of God.