Bible Thoughts December 19, 1999
"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia; how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints; and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God"(II Corinthians 8:1-5).
Paul is expressing the attitude of the churches of Macedonia in giving to those who had need. They were glad to reach into their own poverty and help others. Even though they were experiencing afflictions, their dedication to the cause of Christ and those who upheld the Lord, caused them to be joyful over the opportunity to give. Out of "deep" poverty, they would be liberal in their giving. Their contributions were actually "beyond their power," that is, they suffered to relieve others. What they did was freely and willingly given. What a lesson for today!
In a society that has more abundance per capita than any that has preceded our age, it is hard to realize how much sacrifice some of the past have made to assist in seeing to the needs of others. The fellowship they shared with other disciples motivated them to care deeply for their needs. Our wealth has become the means by which we can live at a standard not imagined by our ancestors. How many of us realize, in our abundance, what it means to make such sacrifices as these early Christians?
The example of the Macedonian churches serves as an example for today. The characteristics of their giving can be applied to each of us and enable us to determine if we are contributing to the Lord and the Lord's cause as we should be giving.
These early disciples were liberal with their goods. The Bible teaches that liberality should motivate our giving to the cause of Christ. The liberality of Macedonia was beyond what was expected because they wanted to give. Begrudging giving to the Lord is unacceptable for Christians. The apostle put it this way, "Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver"(II Corinthians 9:7). Liberally and cheerfully is the standard for God's people.
The early disciples gave of their own accord. They wanted to do what was right; they made up their minds they would do all they could; they demonstrated by what they did. When one wants to do right with what one possesses, there is no hesitation to give oneself and one's good to the greatest cause on earth.
The early disciples wanted their gifts to be accepted by the recipients. They insisted that the receiving brethren accept what they sent. Would such an attitude not be an inspiration to the receiver as well as the giver? Out of this came the fellowship that would exist between the giver and the receiver. The only "payback" expected by the Macedonian churches was that the saints in poverty be relieved of their suffering. What an attitude!
The secret to their motivation is that they "gave their own selves" to the Lord. The Macedonians belonged to Christ; those they helped belonged to Christ. It was brother to brother in a relationship created by God himself. When one understands that a Christian belongs completely to the Christ who died for him, there will be no holding back one's abundance. There was no selfishness in these giving brethren.
The needs of the Lord's church have not ceased. There are those who still need help; there is work to do in spreading the gospel; there is the need to maintain the local church so that we might worship and work together. As in apostolic days, funds are needed to see that the work is successful. It is up to each of us to contribute on the first day of the week so that all the Lord expects of His people in this locality can be accomplished.
How is my personal giving? How does my giving to the Lord compare with what I spend on personal pleasures? How much of my income goes to foolishness? and how does it compare with my contribution to the greatest cause on earth? Am I liberal in my giving? All of us need to ask ourselves these(or similar) questions to properly appraisen our sacrificing for the Master.
The Law of Moses specified the tithe(ten percent) as well as other contributions. The tithe is not the standard for those who are Christians. One's giving must be a product of the heart. The Lord has left it up to each of us to decide the amount that we contribute to Him. Let each of us study the examples of the New Testament on this subject and resolve to do all that we can to further the Lord's cause by giving as we have been prospered.
It is the responsibility of each Christian to contribute upon the first day of the week into a common treasury(I Corinthians 16:2). One is not excused because he is poor or because there are others who have much more of the world's goods. Each individual disciple is to participate as one would participate in the other actions of worship. Another cannot take the Lord's Supper for someone else; or sing for another; or learn for another, etc. Each disciple should feel the joy of laying by in store on the first day of the week. Experience that joy each Lord's day.
1. You obey the commands of Christ(Hebrews 10:25).
2. You meet your appointment with the Lord(Matthew 18:20).
3. You are able to partake of the Lord's Supper(Acts 20:7).
4. You have an opportunity to give as you have been prospered(I Corinthians 16:1-2.
5. You aid your spiritual development(Hebrews 5:12-14).
6. You engage in all items of worship(John 4:24).