Giving: Collection

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

 

Matthew 6:13

And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(NKJV)

 

Temptation is something every individual encounters for even Jesus encountered temptation, but Jesus did so without sin (Matthew 4:1-11). Temptation is not sin, giving into it is but one should avoid putting themselves into a position where they have the temptation to sin. This is why pastors should not have access to or oversee the finances of the Church out of temptation to misappropriate the money. This is why Paul hired trusted individuals to deliver the gift of the Corinthians to the Judean saints instead of delivering the gift himself, establishing the principle of separation of the minister from the finances of the ministry. Churches and ministries today should follow this pattern.

 

The text begins with Paul thanking God for the Earnest care in the Heart of Titus for the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:16). Titus not only accepted the exhortation to go to Corinth but did so of his own accord (2 Corinthians 8:17). Titus was accompanied by an unnamed man whose praise was in the Gospel throughout the Churches and a trusted man chosen to travel with the Gift from Corinth. The gift from Corinth was a gift administered by the glory of God to show the ready mind of the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:18-19). This allowed Paul to escape any blame in administering the Gift from the Corinthians to provide honorable things in the sight of God and man (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

 

In addition to Titus and the unnamed man Paul sent a brother who often proved diligent in many things but now much more so due to the confidence of Paul in the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:22). Paul tells the Corinthians that if anyone asks about Titus they are to say he is Paul’s partner and fellow worker concerning the Corinthians, and if asked about the brothers accompanying them that they are messengers of the churches to the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 8:23). Paul tells the Corinthians to show Titus and the messengers the proof of their love and Paul’s boasting on their behalf (2 Corinthians 8:24)

 

Paul is sending trusted men to Corinth to collect the gifts they have for the Judean saints. The collection of the gift from the Corinthians to the Judean Church had to occur without any appearance of the misappropriation of the funds. Paul was a man of integrity who had a desire to do what was right in the appearance of man to avoid any additional persecution that seemed to follow his ministry (Acts 17:13). The last thing Paul wanted was a rightfully deserved accusation of the misappropriation of funds and why he sent trusted men to Corinth to collect the Corinthians gift to ensure its delivery to the Judean saints.

 

Giving in the Church is something done by believers sacrificially, out of love, with others at its center, and in proportion and response to God’s love for them (2 Corinthians 8:1-9). However, charlatans have misappropriated money given out of love for the Lord to line their own pockets. Unfortunately, there are recent allegations of financial improprieties in the Church that illustrate the importance of internal controls within the Church's handling of finances and the stewardship of contributions made out of love to the Church. (1), (2), (3)

 

Whether true or not, allegations will tarnish the witness of a Church along with causing people to hesitate to give to the Church out of concern the money they give is not going to the cause intended for it. It is vital that pastors in the Church have no direct connection with contributions and that there be regular audits of accounting records of the Church with the reports of these audits available to Church members and those contributing to the Church. The pastor of a Church is not the CEO, CFO, or owner of the Church but the shepherd given the calling to shepherd the flock under the leadership of the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1). The Church also has a mission to spread the Gospel and make disciples (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) with contributions made to the Church advancing this mission.

 

If you are reading this post and have never prayed to accept Jesus as your savior or if you have drifted from your faith in Jesus as your savior, I encourage you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

 

References:

 

1. Reese, Thomas. Vatican financial scandals: Corruption, stupidity or both? National Catholic Reporter. [Online] August 3, 2023. https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/vatican-financial-scandals-corruption-stupidity-or-both.

2. Stych, Anne. Hillsong Church Initiates Financial Review After Whistleblower, Australian MP Allege Misuse of Funds. Ministrywatch.com. [Online] March 16, 2023. https://ministrywatch.com/hillsong-church-initiates-financial-review-after-whistleblower-australian-mp-allege-misuse-of-funds/.

3. Maxwell, Anne. Former Celebration Church pastor releases report he commissioned to dispute financial misconduct accusations. News4jax.com. [Online] January 30, 2023. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/01/30/former-celebration-church-pastor-releases-report-he-commissioned-to-dispute-financial-misconduct-accusations/.