Introduction

How the church should collect its money

It should teach Christians the importance of giving and the many biblical reasons for giving. Distill the reasons from these passages:

Philippians 4:18

Philippians 4:16

Philippians 4:17

Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:8,10

Luke 12:33,34

1 Timothy 6:9-10,17-18

Romans 15:25-27

It should teach people to give generously based on grace and not demand its people tithe. (2 Corinthians 8:1-4; Deuteronomy 14:22-27)

It should be done with sensitivity to the non-Christian (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Corinthians 9:12).

It should be done in a regular and orderly manner (1 Corinthians 16:1-3).

How the church should handle its money

Those who lead in spiritual matters should also lead in financial matters (Acts 4:34-37; Acts 11:27-30; 1 Timothy 3:3,8).

Does the FST undermine this principle?

What about designated giving?

What are the potential problems with designated giving?

The church should be above reproach in the way it handles its money (2 Corinthians 8:18-23).

Xenos’ application of this principle:

What the church should do with its money

It should pay its key workers, especially teaching elders (1 Timothy 5:17,18; Galatians 6:6; Luke 10:7-10).

What happens if we neglect this principle?

It should pay for evangelistic and missionary work, including logistical expenses for meetings and training (Acts 18:5; Philippians 4:15,16; 1 Corinthians 9:4-11).

Examples:

It should give to the needs of the Christian and Non-Christian poor (Galatians 6:10; John 12:8; Luke 10:30-37; Matthew 19:21; Acts 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9).

We cover this material in Christian Principles.

Proverbs:

(Proverbs 13:23) Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but it is swept away by injustice.

(Proverbs 14:21) He who despises his neighbor sins, but happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

(Proverbs 14:31) He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

(Proverbs 9:17) He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.

(Proverbs 21:13) He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.

(Proverbs 22:9) He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.

(Proverbs 28:27) He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

(Proverbs 29:7) The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such concern.

NOTE: The term “the poor” does not refer to people who are unwilling to work. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-10)

Xenos’ Strategy for Social Ministry

Focus on projects that effect permanent socio-economic change

Social ministry should go hand in hand with evangelism and church planting

We should direct our resources to the areas of greatest need

We should accept limitations in the size of the area and the number of people we help for the sake of effecting real change.

Conclusion

Memory Verses

None

Assignment

Study passages on God’s part in ministry and distill the principles in your own words.

Key Points to Know for Exam

Be familiar with the seven biblical reasons for being a generous financial giver.
Be able to explain why the elders should have the authority to lead in financial matters of the local church.