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“Concerning the Collection”
Tanner Bass

When we begin to think about our duties as a Christian, an act of worship that can often be overlooked or not felt as important is the act of giving. While it may not seem like as big of a deal as attending worship service, or partaking of the Lord’s Supper, for example, the truth is that giving is just as important. Just as we have been commanded to preach God’s word, partake of the Lord’s Supper, and sing vocal songs unto our Lord, we too have been instructed to give on the first day of the week. This commandment is not to be taken lightly!

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 goes into detail about the collection for the saints. He writes, “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” We can apply a few lessons from this verse; first, we can understand that this collection is to be done on the first day of the week, and the first day of the week alone. Also, a vital point to take away from this is simply that we have been commanded to give. As a member of a local church, each member has the right, privilege, and the command to give as he has prospered. Note that the saint is not instructed to give a certain amount, such as 10% of his earnings. Also note that a visitor of a congregation is not commanded to give; it is the responsibility of members at that local church. 

The proper way of giving has been explained for us by Paul, who wrote about it in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. The text reads, “But this I say; He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Again, a few very important applications can and must be made from this text. First, is the idea that whatever a man sows, it is that which he will reap. Thus, our call is to lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). Next, one can see that the man ought to give as he purposes in his heart. This establishes the point that whatever amount an individual chooses to give, it should be thought out prior to giving. Rather than throwing a bill in the plate as it comes around without any forethought, let us consider the amount we give, small or large, prior to giving, and by doing so, one is purposing in his heart. Next, an important point that must be made is the attitude in which we ought to give. “Not grudgingly or of necessity,” as Paul instructed the Corinthians, but rather cheerfully. Giving back to God should bring us joy, not frustrate us. If giving has made you feel frustrated or resentful, Paul encourages you to change your attitude to one that is cheerful about giving. Think about the good that is resulted from your giving!

By each member giving on the first day of the week as we have been commanded, the local church can function. Funds are required for the local church to function! The preacher may need support, the building or place of meeting isn’t free, certain saints may have a need, etc. What a blessing it is to be able to give back a portion of what God has blessed us with, so that the local church may function! The funds may be used according to the Scripture so the Gospel may flourish; what a blessing and a responsibility put upon the members of God’s church!

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
 

Desensitized Part 1

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
 

Intro. Our words are important, Prov. 18:21; Jas. 3:6-12. Others will judge us by our words. We must choose our words wisely, Prov. 21:23.

I. WORD #1……”NO”

A. Why is “NO” a hard word to say?
  - Difficult to say in times of temptation, 2 Sam. 11
  - A desire can become more important than following Instruction, Gen. 3.
  -Can become afraid of conflict / confrontation; Pilate in Luke 23.
  - Fear of being different, 1 John 2:15-17.
  - It can be easier to just say, “YES!”

II. WORD #1……”I’m Sorry”

A. Why can “I’m Sorry” be hard to say?

  - Feelings of anger are held on too tight
  - We are not to hold grudges. What if God did?
  - Too prideful to admit fault, Prov. 16:18
  - Easier to blame others, Gen. 3:11-12; 15; Jas. 1:14
  - We try to reduce our errors.
  - “I’m Sorry” admits I was wrong / truth must be accepted, 2 Sam. 12:13; 24:10
  -Let us have some integrity! Prov. 11:3

III. WORD #3……”I Forgive You”

A. Why can “I Forgive You” be hard to say?

  - It can be hard to forgive others, BUT it is necessary! Matt. 6:14-15; Luke 17:3-4; Eph. 4:31-32; Marl 11:25
  - “I Forgive You” means we have to let go; Some do not to let go of others faults.

IV. WORD #4……”Thank You”

A. Why can “Thank You” be hard to say?

  - We can be not appreciative enough
  - Are YOU an ungrateful person?
  - A Christian has much to be thankful for! Jn. 3:16
  - We are commanded to be a thankful people!
  1 Chron. 16:34; Ps. 7:17; 1 Cor. 1:4; Eph. 5:4; Phil. 4:6;  Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:18

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