What Is the Place and Purpose of the Contribution?

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What Is the Place and Purpose What Is the Place and Purpose of the Contribution? of the Contribution?

Transcript of What Is the Place and Purpose of the Contribution?

Page 1: What Is the Place and Purpose of the Contribution?

What Is the Place and Purpose What Is the Place and Purpose of the Contribution?of the Contribution?

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• We building on the foundation of the We building on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. being the chief cornerstone. (Eph 2:20)(Eph 2:20)

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• Ephesians 2:20Ephesians 2:20 - having been built on - having been built on the the foundation of the apostles and prophetsfoundation of the apostles and prophets, , Jesus ChristJesus Christ Himself being Himself being the chief the chief cornercornerstonestone,,

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• Some think it is unspiritual to teach on Some think it is unspiritual to teach on externals and that they are of little externals and that they are of little importance. They say only motives and importance. They say only motives and the heart are importantthe heart are important

• We find the scriptures teach that we are to We find the scriptures teach that we are to submit to Christ in all things. When an submit to Christ in all things. When an apostle gives instructions we must apostle gives instructions we must respond with reverential obedience. respond with reverential obedience.

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• The things we do together are of special The things we do together are of special importance. importance. (Phil 4:15-17)(Phil 4:15-17)

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• Philippians 4:15-16Philippians 4:15-16 - Now you - Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, Macedonia, no church shared with me no church shared with me concerning giving and receivingconcerning giving and receiving but you but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you you sent sent aid aid once and again for my once and again for my necessitiesnecessities..

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• We must be especially careful in maters We must be especially careful in maters that every Christian must participate in to that every Christian must participate in to be solidly founded on the apostles’ be solidly founded on the apostles’ doctrine. doctrine. (Acts 2:42)(Acts 2:42)

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• Acts 2:42Acts 2:42 - And they continued - And they continued steadfastly in steadfastly in the apostles' doctrinethe apostles' doctrine and and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.prayers.

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• We must take all of the instructions given in We must take all of the instructions given in the New Testament and stay within what has the New Testament and stay within what has been revealed. Much of the teaching is given been revealed. Much of the teaching is given by example in epistles by example in epistles where specific situations are addressed at a where specific situations are addressed at a given church.given church.

• When we simply stay within these instructions When we simply stay within these instructions we can accomplish God’s we can accomplish God’s purposes purposes with God’s wisdom. In this God will be with God’s wisdom. In this God will be glorified! glorified! (1 Pt 4:11)(1 Pt 4:11)

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We must be reminded of the foundation We must be reminded of the foundation every Christian builds on.every Christian builds on.

• 1 Peter 4:111 Peter 4:11 - - If anyone speaks, If anyone speaks, let him let him speak speak as the oracles of Godas the oracles of God. If anyone . If anyone ministers, ministers, let him do it let him do it as with the ability as with the ability which God supplies, which God supplies, that in all things God that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christmay be glorified through Jesus Christ, to , to whom belong the glory and the dominion whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.forever and ever. Amen.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Paul gave this Paul gave this commandcommand to both Cornith to both Cornith and the churches of Galatia. and the churches of Galatia. (1 Cor 16:1-4)(1 Cor 16:1-4)

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 1 Corinthians 16:1-41 Corinthians 16:1-4 - - Now concerning Now concerning the collection for the saints, as the collection for the saints, as I have I have given orders to the churches of Galatiagiven orders to the churches of Galatia, , so so you must do alsoyou must do also: 2 On the first : 2 On the first day day of the of the week let each one of you lay something week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. there be no collections when I come.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 3 And when I come, whomever you 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by approve by your your letters I will send to bear letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.that I go also, they will go with me.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• order - order - strictly strictly arrange carefully, make arrange carefully, make precise arrangementprecise arrangement; hence ; hence order, direct, order, direct, command command (MT 11.1); middle with the same (MT 11.1); middle with the same sense (AC 24.23); passive sense (AC 24.23); passive be ordered be ordered or or ordained ordained (GA 3.19) – (GA 3.19) – Freiberg LexiconFreiberg Lexicon

• Since this was not a universal command, Since this was not a universal command, does it apply to us today?does it apply to us today?

• There are several elements of Paul’s There are several elements of Paul’s instructions.instructions.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• The contribution was for the needy saints The contribution was for the needy saints in Jerusalem because of a specific, in Jerusalem because of a specific, temporary need. temporary need. (2 Cor 8:12-15)(2 Cor 8:12-15)

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 2 Corinthians 8:12-152 Corinthians 8:12-15 - For if there is first - For if there is first a willing mind, a willing mind, it is it is accepted according to accepted according to what one has, what one has, and and not according to what he not according to what he does not have. 13 For does not have. 13 For I do I do not not mean mean that that others should be eased and you burdenedothers should be eased and you burdened; ; 14 but by an equality, 14 but by an equality, that that now now at this timeat this time your your abundance abundance may supply may supply their lacktheir lack, that , that their abundance also may supply your lack their abundance also may supply your lack -- that there may be equality. -- that there may be equality.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 15 As it is written, "He who 15 As it is written, "He who gathered gathered much much had nothing left over, and he who had nothing left over, and he who gathered gathered little had no lack."little had no lack."

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• The day of the week was specified.The day of the week was specified.

• The individual was to give as “he may The individual was to give as “he may prosper.”prosper.”

• The contribution would be taken to The contribution would be taken to Jerusalem when Paul came. Jerusalem when Paul came.

• Did members simply keep their money at Did members simply keep their money at home or did they give when they came home or did they give when they came together?together?

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Paul said “that there be no collections Paul said “that there be no collections when I come.” If this was done at home when I come.” If this was done at home then there must be another collection! See then there must be another collection! See notes.notes.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 1 Chronicles 26:201 Chronicles 26:20 - Of the Levites, - Of the Levites, Ahijah Ahijah was was over over the treasuries of the the treasuries of the house of Godhouse of God and over and over the treasuries of the treasuries of the dedicated thingsthe dedicated things..

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 1 Chronicles 26:221 Chronicles 26:22 - The sons of Jehieli, - The sons of Jehieli, Zetham and Joel his brother, Zetham and Joel his brother, were were over over the treasuries of the house of the LORDthe treasuries of the house of the LORD..

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Jesus and the Apostles had a common Jesus and the Apostles had a common treasury. treasury. (Jn 12:6; 13:29)(Jn 12:6; 13:29)

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• John 12:6John 12:6 - This he said, not that he - This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and thief, and had the money boxhad the money box; and he used ; and he used to take what was put in it.to take what was put in it.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• John 13:29John 13:29 - For some thought, because - For some thought, because Judas Judas had the money boxhad the money box, that Jesus had , that Jesus had said to him, "Buy said to him, "Buy those things those things we need for we need for the feast," or that he should give the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.something to the poor.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• When the Apostles were at Jerusalem the When the Apostles were at Jerusalem the money was laid at the apostles feet thus it money was laid at the apostles feet thus it was a treasury from which future needs was a treasury from which future needs would be met. would be met. (Acts 4:34-35; Acts 5:1-2)(Acts 4:34-35; Acts 5:1-2)

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Acts 4:34-35Acts 4:34-35 - Nor was there anyone - Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and that were sold, 35 and laid laid them them at the at the apostles' feetapostles' feet; and they distributed to each ; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.as anyone had need.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Acts 5:1-2Acts 5:1-2 - But a certain man named - But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back possession. 2 And he kept back part part of of the proceeds, his wife also being aware the proceeds, his wife also being aware of of it, it, and brought a certain part and and brought a certain part and laid laid it it at at the apostles' feetthe apostles' feet. .

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Did the church have contributions only Did the church have contributions only when special needs arose?when special needs arose?

• You should never have a contribution You should never have a contribution when there is no need.when there is no need.

• Should a church ever be without a need Should a church ever be without a need for a contribution? for a contribution? (Phil 4:15-16)(Phil 4:15-16)

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Philippians 4:15-16Philippians 4:15-16 - Now you - Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, Macedonia, no church shared with me no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you concerning giving and receiving but you onlyonly. 16 For even in Thessalonica you . 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent sent aid aid once and again for my once and again for my necessitiesnecessities..

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• Was this the first time that Cornith had a Was this the first time that Cornith had a contribution? contribution? (1 Cor 9:11-15; 2 Cor 11:8)(1 Cor 9:11-15; 2 Cor 11:8)

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 1 Corinthians 9:11-151 Corinthians 9:11-15 - If we have sown - If we have sown spiritual things for you, spiritual things for you, is it is it a great thing if a great thing if we reap your material thingswe reap your material things? 12 If others ? 12 If others are partakers of are partakers of this this right over youright over you, , are are we we not even more? Nevertheless we have not not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.we hinder the gospel of Christ.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 13 Do you not know that those who 13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat minister the holy things eat of the things of the things of of the temple, and those who serve at the the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of altar partake of the offerings of the offerings of the altar? the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live those who preach the gospel should live from the gospelfrom the gospel. .

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 15 But I have used none of these things, 15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it should be done so to me; for it would be would be better for me to die than that anyone better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.should make my boasting void.

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Paul as an apostle commanded some Paul as an apostle commanded some churches to have a weekly contributionchurches to have a weekly contribution

• 2 Corinthians 11:82 Corinthians 11:8 - - I robbed other I robbed other churcheschurches, taking , taking wages wages from themfrom them to to minister to you.minister to you.

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• What do we find when we take all that God What do we find when we take all that God has revealed about local churches and has revealed about local churches and how they raised money?how they raised money?

• We know that freewill collections were We know that freewill collections were directed by the Apostles.directed by the Apostles.

• We have more specific instructions in a We have more specific instructions in a specific collection in 1 Corinthians 16.specific collection in 1 Corinthians 16.

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• There are items that are specific to that There are items that are specific to that collection. The specific purpose and the collection. The specific purpose and the specific way the money was to be specific way the money was to be transported.transported.

• The requirement of every first day of the The requirement of every first day of the week is consistent with the practices of week is consistent with the practices of other churches. other churches. (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 1:2; 7:17)(Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 1:2; 7:17)

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• Acts 20:7Acts 20:7 - Now on - Now on the first the first day day of the of the weekweek, when the disciples , when the disciples came together to came together to break breadbreak bread, Paul, ready to depart the , Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.message until midnight.

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• 1 Corinthians 1:21 Corinthians 1:2 - To the church of God - To the church of God which is at Corinth, which is at Corinth, to those who are to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesussanctified in Christ Jesus, called , called to be to be saints, saints, with all who in every place call on with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lordthe name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both , both theirs and ours:theirs and ours:

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• 1 Corinthians 7:171 Corinthians 7:17 - But as God has - But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so called each one, so let him walk. And so I I ordain in all the churchesordain in all the churches. .

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• When we understand the nature of the When we understand the nature of the New Testament and that it is a complete New Testament and that it is a complete instruction given to God’s people, then instruction given to God’s people, then the application of it is clear. the application of it is clear. (Jude 3)(Jude 3)

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• Jude 1:3Jude 1:3 - Beloved, while I was very - Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for earnestly for the faith which was once for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saintsall delivered to the saints..

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• Taking all that is revealed and carefully Taking all that is revealed and carefully staying within that is right.staying within that is right.

• On what basis can we work together? On what basis can we work together? (1 Cor 1:10; 4:6)(1 Cor 1:10; 4:6)

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• 1 Corinthians 1:101 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I plead with - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and thing, and that that there be there be no divisions no divisions among youamong you, but , but that that you be you be perfectly perfectly joined together in the same mind and in joined together in the same mind and in the same judgmentthe same judgment..

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• 1 Corinthians 4:61 Corinthians 4:6 - Now these things, - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us you may learn in us not to think beyond not to think beyond what is writtenwhat is written, that none of you may be , that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the puffed up on behalf of one against the other.other.

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• Sadly, money issues can drive other Sadly, money issues can drive other doctrinal issues. doctrinal issues. (2 Pt 2:14-15)(2 Pt 2:14-15)

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Does Paul’s command have any Does Paul’s command have any application to us today?application to us today?

• 2 Peter 2:14-162 Peter 2:14-16 - having eyes full of - having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. enticing unstable souls. They have They have a heart a heart trained in covetous practicestrained in covetous practices, , and are and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaamthe way of Balaam the the son son of Beor, who of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousnessloved the wages of unrighteousness;;

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• Take all the verses that address local Take all the verses that address local churches and see how they used the churches and see how they used the contribution.contribution.

• They had contributions to help needy They had contributions to help needy saints. saints. (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35)(Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35)

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• Acts 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45 - Now - Now all who believedall who believed were together, and had all things in were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and and goods, and divided them among alldivided them among all, , as anyone had need.as anyone had need.

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• Acts 4:34-35Acts 4:34-35 - Nor was there - Nor was there anyone anyone among them who lackedamong them who lacked; for all who were ; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid that were sold, 35 and laid them them at the at the apostles' feet; and they apostles' feet; and they distributed to each distributed to each as anyone had needas anyone had need..

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• They supported teachers who spread the They supported teachers who spread the gospel and taught brethren. gospel and taught brethren. (2 Cor 11:8; 1 Cor 9:9-14; 1 Tim 5:17)(2 Cor 11:8; 1 Cor 9:9-14; 1 Tim 5:17)

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• 2 Corinthians 11:82 Corinthians 11:8 - I robbed other - I robbed other churches, taking wages churches, taking wages from them from them to to minister to you.minister to you.

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• 1 Corinthians 9:9-141 Corinthians 9:9-14 - For it is written in - For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say does He say it it altogether for our sakes? altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, For our sakes, no doubt, this this is written, is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. partaker of his hope.

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it is it a great thing if we reap your material a great thing if we reap your material thingsthings? 12 If ? 12 If others are partakers of others are partakers of this this right over youright over you, , are are we not even more? we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. gospel of Christ.

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• 13 Do you not know that those who 13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat minister the holy things eat of the things of the things of of the temple, and those who serve at the the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of altar partake of the offerings of the offerings of the altar? the altar? 14 Even so 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live those who preach the gospel should live from the gospelfrom the gospel..

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• 1 Timothy 5:171 Timothy 5:17 - Let the elders who rule - Let the elders who rule well be counted well be counted worthy of double honorworthy of double honor, , especially those who especially those who labor in the word and labor in the word and doctrinedoctrine..

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• Things necessary to accomplish these Things necessary to accomplish these things can be bought by the local church. things can be bought by the local church. (Acts 6:1-2; Heb 10:25)(Acts 6:1-2; Heb 10:25)

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• Acts 6:1-2Acts 6:1-2 - Now in those days, when - Now in those days, when the the number of number of the disciples was multiplying, the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in widows were neglected in the daily the daily distributiondistribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned . 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and word of God and serve tablesserve tables..

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• Hebrews 10:25Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking - not forsaking the the assembling of ourselves togetherassembling of ourselves together, as , as is is the the manner of some, but exhorting manner of some, but exhorting one one another, another, and so much the more as you and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. see the Day approaching.

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How should local churches use the How should local churches use the contribution?contribution?

• Churches must be careful in what teaches Churches must be careful in what teaches they use and support. they use and support. (Gal 2:9; 2 Jn 9-11)(Gal 2:9; 2 Jn 9-11)

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• Galatians 2:9Galatians 2:9 - and when James, - and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowshipthe right hand of fellowship, that we , that we should should go go to the Gentiles and they to the to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.circumcised.

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• 2 John 9-112 John 9-11 - Whoever transgresses and - Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrinedoes not bring this doctrine, do not receive , do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him he who greets him shares in his evil shares in his evil deedsdeeds..

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• Discernment is required by our Lord! Discernment is required by our Lord! (Mt 7:15; 1 Tim 1:3; 4:6, 13, 16)(Mt 7:15; 1 Tim 1:3; 4:6, 13, 16)

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• Matthew 7:15Matthew 7:15 - " Beware of - " Beware of false false prophetsprophets, who come to you in sheep's , who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.wolves.

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• 1 Timothy 1:31 Timothy 1:3 - As I urged you when I - As I urged you when I went into Macedonia -- remain in Ephesus went into Macedonia -- remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrineno other doctrine,,

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• 1 Timothy 4:61 Timothy 4:6 - If you instruct the brethren - If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of faith and of the good doctrinethe good doctrine which which you you have carefully followedhave carefully followed..

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• 1 Timothy 4:131 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give - Till I come, give attentionattention to reading, to exhortation, to reading, to exhortation, to doctrineto doctrine..

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• 1 Timothy 4:161 Timothy 4:16 - - Take heed to yourself Take heed to yourself and to the doctrineand to the doctrine. Continue in them, for . Continue in them, for in doing this you will in doing this you will save both yourself save both yourself and those who hear youand those who hear you..

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• Some have supported men who did great Some have supported men who did great damage. damage. (2 Tim 2:16-18)(2 Tim 2:16-18)

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• 2 Timothy 2:16-182 Timothy 2:16-18 16 But shun profane 16 But shun profane and and idle babblings, for they will increase to idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message more ungodliness. 17 And their message will will spread like cancerspread like cancer. . Hymenaeus and Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sortPhiletus are of this sort, 18 who have , 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of someoverthrow the faith of some. .

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• Churches must not use the contribution for Churches must not use the contribution for entertainment and carnal purposes.entertainment and carnal purposes.

• There were many who sought Jesus There were many who sought Jesus because they wanted food. Jesus did not because they wanted food. Jesus did not yield to them and rebuked them. yield to them and rebuked them. (Jn 6:44-45; 26-27) (Jn 6:44-45; 26-27)

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• John 6:44-45John 6:44-45 - "No one can come to Me - "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And "It is written in the prophets, 'And they they shall all be taught by Godshall all be taught by God.' Therefore .' Therefore everyone who has everyone who has heard and learned from heard and learned from the Fatherthe Father comes to Me. comes to Me.

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• John 6:26-27John 6:26-27 - Jesus answered them - Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but signs, but because you ate of the loaves because you ate of the loaves and were filledand were filled. 27 ". 27 "Do not labor for the Do not labor for the food which perishesfood which perishes, but for , but for the food which the food which endures to everlasting lifeendures to everlasting life, which the Son , which the Son of Man will give you, because God the of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."Father has set His seal on Him."

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• We must never become angry when men We must never become angry when men ask for Bible authority for how the local ask for Bible authority for how the local church uses the contribution. Every church uses the contribution. Every member must be seeking God’s will on member must be seeking God’s will on this! this!

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• QuestionsQuestions

• 1. Did Paul command all churches to have 1. Did Paul command all churches to have a contribution in 1 Cor 16? How then can a contribution in 1 Cor 16? How then can we apply this verse to churches today?we apply this verse to churches today?

• 2. Did Paul require a weekly contribution in 2. Did Paul require a weekly contribution in the assembly? the assembly?

• 3. On what day and how often were they 3. On what day and how often were they to have a contribution?to have a contribution?

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• 4. What spiritual fruit can come when the 4. What spiritual fruit can come when the contribution is properly used?contribution is properly used?

• 5. What dangers can come when the 5. What dangers can come when the contribution is improperly used?contribution is improperly used?

• 6. Do you know how the money is being 6. Do you know how the money is being spent where you attend?spent where you attend?