Title: God’s Financial Plan
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Date: October 13, 2024

Introduction: Paul’s last subject in the book of 1 Corinthians was on money or the collection of money. There is no greater contrast than to go from the subject of the resurrection in chapter 15 to the mundane subject of taking up the collection.

Some people believe that the matter of collection is too materialistic. However, it is really a deep spiritual affair. In fact, the Greek word for “collection,” logeias, means “to say something.” In a very real sense, the collection in a church says something about the church and its members. Christianity is both deeply spiritual and supremely practical. The Bible shows us how to keep our heads in the clouds and keep our feet firmly planted on the ground. Our Christian lives are in two worlds. We are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, sharing a resurrection life with Jesus Christ. Yet, we are also citizens of this world. We live in this world’s houses, pay this world’s taxes, and in a very real sense live out our Christian lives in daily experience. Though at times we deal with the glorious theme of the hereafter in the Christian faith, we also deal with the theme of the nitty-gritty here and now, that is how to live out our Christian lives in every day experience.

The subject of giving is important to our Christian lives and must not be resented or apologized for. Jesus gives us thirty-eight parables in the four Gospels, and stewardship of our material possessions is the theme of sixteen of them. Any resentment or rebellion in the hearts of Christians toward the subject of giving illustrates that their lives are not truly committed to Christ.

An old preacher once said, “There are three books necessary in carrying out the work of the church. First, there is the Good Book, the Bible. Second, there is the hymn book through which we sing the praises of God. Finally, there is the pocket book, by which we carry out the activities of the church.”

In His Word, God gives us a financial plan for His church. It is called tithing! This financial plan, when faithfully followed, will care for all the needs of God’s work in the world. Let’s consider God’s financial plan this morning from our text. Verse 2 of 1 Corinthians 16 pulls together most of what the Bible says about giving. This verse lays out before us the divine plan of stewardship. What is involved with God’s financial plan?

I. A Definite

Of Time (1 Corinthians 16:2a)

II. A Definite

Involved (1 Corinthians 16:2a)

III. A Definite

To Be Given (1 Corinthians 16:2b)

IV. A Definite

Achieved (1 Corinthians 16:2c)

Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church Oneonta