Should we give to a corrupt church?
(Deut. 16:16-17; 1 Chron. 16:29; Psalm 116:16-18; Mark 12:41-44; 2 Cor. 9:6-7) Blog Jan. 22-28, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Besides creating all his creatures and lavishly supplying their needs, God came to their rescue when sin spoiled everything. In the gift of his Son, God gave us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Only those who receive this gift are equipped to return to him the love he has shown to them. The first way they acknowledge his love is by returning a tenth of their income for the support of his ministers on earth.
Why should we give?
1. Does God expect his people to give offerings besides the tithe? Yes, God considers it robbery for his people to withhold giving him offerings (Mal. 3:8).
2. What reason do we have for giving to God? We give offerings to God out of love for him who first loved us & has given us all things necessary for life & godliness (1 Chron. 29:14; Acts 17:25; 2 Pet. 1:3; 1 John 4:19).
3. What does David say we should bring when we come to worship God? David says we should bring an offering when we come to worship God (1 Chron. 16:29).
4. In Psalm 116 what other reason does David give for giving? David says he will give because God has delivered him from bondage (Psa. 116:16-18).
5. Does God keep track of the offerings we give? Yes, our offerings are the fruit of our love to God & he keeps a record of them & will reward them (Acts 10:4; Phil. 4:16-18).
How should we give?
6. What should our attitude be when giving offerings? When giving offerings they should be given willingly & with a cheerful heart (Ex. 25:2; 2 Cor. 9:7).
7. How much should we give in offerings? We should give as we are able, according to the blessing of the Lord (Deut. 16:16-17).
8. According to Moses of what quality did offerings to God have to be? Every offering made to God had to be without blemish (Ex. 12:5; Lev. 1:3).
9. How did Jesus express the way we should give? Jesus said: “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8).
10. What did the Corinthians give to God before they gave offerings? The Corinthians first gave themselves to God & then they willingly offered for the support of God’s missionaries (2 Cor. 8:5).
Where should we give?
11. What kinds of offerings did the children of Israel give? Besides burnt, sin offerings the children of Israel gave firstfruits, peace offerings & thank offerings (Ex. 23:19; 2 Chron. 33:16).
12. For what purposes do God’s people give offerings? God’s people give offerings for temple construction, poor saints, fatherless, widows, Bible workers, & independent missionaries (Ex. 25:1-8; Psa. 82:3; Zech. 7:9-10; Phil. 4:14-15).
13. If God’s church has become corrupt, should we stop giving offerings to support it? Jesus commended a poor widow for supporting God’s corrupt church, Abigail was blessed for supporting David’s independent ministry, & Mary was blessed for supporting Jesus’ independent ministry (1 Sam. 25:18-33; Mark 12:41-44; 14:3-9).
15. What should be our priority in giving? First, we should give to support God’s work on earth, then we should give for the needs of our fellow men (Matt. 22:37-39; Mark 14:7).
16. When helping our fellowmen, whose needs should be our priority? Our priority should be the needs of our own family & then the needs of those who make up the household of faith before those of unbelievers (Gal. 6:10: 1 Tim. 5:8).