Money for God’s people.

The Bible contains 2,350 verses about money and possessions—15% of everything Jesus said related to issues of money. – Dave Ramsey

Biblical Stewardship   –    Making smart money decisions

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (NLT)
The Collection for Jerusalem
¹ Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. ² On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. ³ When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

Examine the scriptures:

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (NLT)
The Collection for Jerusalem
¹ Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Church was facing harder than usual economic times as a result of a famine.

Acts 11:28 (NLT)
One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.)

The area around Jerusalem was dealing with a precarious economy.

 

This is a practical expression of faith. (From a person transformed by God.)

Previous chapter.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 

• Work enthusiastically for the Lord. 

You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.  

• This teaching is not only for the Corinthians. This is for Christians everywhere.

2 Corinthians 8:14 (NLT)
Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (NLT)
⁷ “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. ⁸ Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. ⁹ Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the Lord, you will be considered guilty of sin. ¹⁰ Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. ¹¹ There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need. 

² On the first day of each week,

• Give systematically.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT)
⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

 you should each

• Everyone should participate.

James 2:14-17 (NLT)
Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead
¹⁴ What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? ¹⁵ Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, ¹⁶ and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
¹⁷ So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)
²⁷ Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.

Philippians 2:4 (NLT)
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

 put aside a portion of the money you have earned.

• Giving is to be proportionate.

1 John 3:17-18 (NLT)
¹⁷ If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
¹⁸ Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 

Acts 20:35 (NLT)
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

 Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 

• Don’t procrastinate.

³ When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 

• Handle money in a responsible manner. (financial accountability)

⁴ And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

Paul volunteered to travel with the men transporting the money.

 A parting thought:

Luke 6:38 (NLT)

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

• • • • Give systematically.
      • Everyone should participate.
      • Giving is to be proportionate.
      • Don’t procrastinate.
      • Handle money in a responsible manner.