OUTLINE OF THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS
The Gospel the Power of God and the Wisdom of God
A MORE EXCELLENT WAY
The Offering for the Saints
35. What is the right system of Christian beneficence?
THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
PLANS FOR TRAVEL
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
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1 Corinthians 16:1-12
SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE
It is remarkable that the Apostle can turn from one of his sublimest flights of sacred eloquence to deal with so ordinary a matter as the collection. But, after all, there is no incongruity. The thoughts to which he has given expression should surely lead to some tangible response of Christian duty and activity, or they would injure rather than help. Nothing is more injurious to the Christian conscience than trumpet-sounding which leads to no response in action. If the foregoing chapter does not stimulate Christian generosity, nothing will.
Note the time-the first day of the week, indicating the reverence with which the early Christians regarded the Seventh day Sabbath and worshipping on the first day of the week and dealing with money matters on such day.
The method-the definite appropriation for God’s work of a certain proportion of income, as it accrues. The proportion-as the giver may be prospered. Paul disliked vehement collection appeals, and advised that we should give according to a system, and not merely by impulse.
Remember it is God who opens great and effectual doors before His servants. It is of no use to force them. Let us wait for the Lord Jesus, who has the key of David, to open them, for then none can shut. Our duty is to be prepared to enter when the moment comes and the door swings wide.
By Pastor Jeff Arthur
Steadfast and Unmovable
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