August 22, 2019

BIBLE READING: I Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,

“WHEN”
Paul was very serious about the local New Testament church. Paul planted churches, preached in the churches, and prayed for the churches. Notice in these verses that we are told that they had church and met on Sunday, which was the first day of the week. The Sabbath was Saturday under the law, but when Jesus died and rose again on the first day of the week, we celebrate that every week by meeting on the first day of every week. Paul teaches us here the “when” of giving.

“WHERE”
When it came to giving, Paul mentions that the order given was to the churches in verse one, but also notice that in verse two he says “lay by him in store”. That means that we are not to store up in our own home or bank account. That phrase means that we are to lay our offering in the store house. Remember this verse:
* Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

We should bring our offerings to church and give it there, otherwise why would we have to “bring” it.

“WHAT”
So, what is it we are supposed to bring? Paul answers that with this phrase, “as God hath prospered him”. May I ask you today, are you giving to God according to how he has given to you. Are you giving conservatively, while God has blessed you abundantly?
Can you imagine if each of us gave to God as generously as He gave to us? Ouch!!