Tag: 1st Corinthians 16:1-4
Integrity in giving!
Scripture reading for August 22nd: 1st Corinthians 16, Psalm 17, Proverbs 12
1st Corinthians 16: 1-4 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 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. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.”
God is a God of order and peace. A lack of integrity in handling of offerings can be a source of division and strife among believers. In his closing remarks to this church family, Paul gives instructions for an offering taken for hurting believers in Jerusalem. First, each person is to willingly, as God prospers them, set aside weekly an offering to be given when Paul arrives. Paul did not want to pressure them to give or coerce them in any way. God loves cheerful givers! Second, the church should select trustworthy individuals to send with the offering to insure it gets to the place and people intended. Paul would only go himself it it seemed advisable. The utmost integrity and accountability was to be given to God’s offerings in accordance with established practices laid out by church leaders. Amen!
Psalm 17:4-5 “With regard to the works of man, by the Word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a just God Who cares about truth and integrity in Your people. How we handle money is a test of our faithfulness and character. Help us to follow Your simple instructions and to be accountable with all offerings. Bless those who give with joy and freedom and those who act in integrity in using all finances to Your intended benefit. Keep our feet from slipping.
Proverbs 12:20-21 “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.”
Integrity in the offerings!
Scripture reading for September 15th: 1st Corinthians 16
Key Scriptures: 1st Corinthians 16:1-4 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 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 the will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those who you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.”
Paul gave the Corinthians instructions about receiving an offering. Giving in the church should be methodical, not just when we feel like it. The first day of the week was Sunday, the day the church gathered to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and as part of the worship gathering, offerings should be received. Each person should give according to how they had prospered. It was to be proportional according to the means and amount each had received. Paul did not want to put pressure on them when he came to give as they were to have already received the offering. He even announced his travel plans and possible need of help from them later that year. And there was to be accountability that the offering was properly handled and distributed for the intended purpose. These instructions would make giving a joyful practice and highest integrity would be maintained and God’s work would be financed!
1st Corinthians 16:5-6 “I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.”
Faith Confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of giving to promote Your work and workers. As a pastor, help me to never pressure or manipulate people to give and to handle all offerings with the highest integrity and a level of accountability that is above reproach. Bless Your people as they willingly support Your work with seed for the sower and bread for the eater.
2nd Corinthians 9:10-11 “He Who supplies seed for the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
Safeguarding finances!
Scripture reading for September 15th: Isaiah 56-59, Psalm 70, 1st Corinthians 16
Key Scriptures: 1st Corinthians 16:1-4 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 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. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.”
Paul gave simple and godly instructions to the church concerning an offering that was to go to the church in Jerusalem. There was to be no pressure in the giving. Each person was to put aside something, as God had prospered him and the collection should be taken and stored safely until time to deliver it. Trustworthy people were to be selected to carry the offering to Jerusalem. If they church preferred, Paul was willing to go as well on their behalf. Everything concerning finances was done in an orderly manner with accountability.
Psalm 70:4 “May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love Your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving such clear instructions concerning kingdom finances and accountability. Help me to give generously and without compulsion to Your kingdom work.
Isaiah 58:10-11 “. . if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a well-watered garden, a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”