Tag: no compulsion
No compulsion!
Scripture reading for June 27th: Philemon, Psalm 127, Proverbs 3
Philemon: 12-18 “I am sending him (Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave) back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the Gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion, but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer a bondservant, but more that a bondservant, as a beloved brother–especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.”
The short letter of Paul to a friend and fellow pastor covers insight into God’s working in a culture that had human slaves. God wants all men to be free from sin and its power. Paul had met Onesimus, Philemon’s run-away slave, while in prison in Rome. He shared the Gospel with him and he became a brother in the Lord. After a time of discipleship, Paul was sending Onesimus back to Philemon. He asked Philemon to receive him as he would receive Paul, himself. Paul explained that nothing in God’s kingdom was to be done under compulsion, but only through faith with grace. God’s grace would cover any wrongs as we apply His law of love for our brothers. God is building His House, the Church by faith through grace! He loves a cheerful giver as He is One!
Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for building Your House through the Gospel. In Your House, all slaves of sin have been made sons, brothers and sisters with Christ Jesus! Help me to show grace to all people because of the grace and forgiveness that I have received myself. Use me to bring peace and brotherhood to all social classes or nationalities. I want to bless others and see them restored!
Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”
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.”