Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that contributions need not be made when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
“As Paul speaks of the collection in Corinth, he instructs his readers to set aside a certain amount on the first day every week, so that special contributions will not have to be made on his arrival. The phrase that the RSV translates “as he may prosper” is difficult to translate. It certainly does not mean that they should contribute only if they prospered. More likely it means that they should set aside as much as they could. These instructions, which Paul says that he has given also to the churches of Galatia, seem to apply to a community most of whose members are neither destitute nor rich. At the same time, Paul expects the total amount he is raising to be liberal, abundant, or even lavish.”
Paul’s theological understanding of the offering for Jerusalem is best seen in 2 Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9. Paul begins by giving the Corinthians news of the collection in Macedonia, where the response was such that “their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of liberality on their part. Paul makes clear throughout his argument that the gifts he is requesting should be made voluntarily. The Macedonians have given “of their own free will.” Paul stresses that his asking the Corinthians for an offering is not a command. Their offering should be ready not as an exaction, but as a willing gift.”
Justo L. González in Faith & Wealth: A History of Early Christian Ideas on the Origin, Significance, and Use of Money (Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2002) 84-85.
It’s super important to lean into these two words: proportionate and voluntary. I will use them every day this week in four events from Monday through Thursday in Panama.
The giving that God desires is measured proportionately and flows voluntarily.
Proportionate giving means that God loves it when see our prosperity as resourcing our capacity to bless others, to spread the good news, to show His love to the world.
That’s what God wants to see, which is why Paul gave these directions to the churches.
And the directions went to the churches in every nation, so this is true in USA, Panama, and everywhere else. It’s true wherever you find yourself reading this. But there’s a second part to it.
He does not force us to do this. He wants it to be proof of our love.
But leading hindrances to proportionate and voluntary giving globally are factors like a lack of trust of people, insufficient accountability from churches and ministry, and systemic corruption.
At GTP, we always combine accountability instruction with generosity teaching.
This helps remove the obstacles to build trust and create a culture that fosters proportionate and voluntary giving. It follows the example of Paul. Pray for that for Panama this week.
Today’s event targeted 60 people and we have 102 registered.