Collection For The Saints In Jerusalem

II Corinthians 8:16–24
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A man had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. He could receive little company and was to avoid excitement. While in the hospital a rich uncle died and left him a million dollars. His family wondered how to break the news to him with the least amount of excitement. It w … More

Stewardship

One of the things in Christian circles that tends to be done in a careless manner is the handling of money. The apostle Paul in this passage organizes the collection of funds for the saints in Jerusalem so that it will be managed honestly and faithfully. We can find here the qualifications for people handling funds in a local church or Christian organization:

A desire to serve (vv. 16-17) - Titus had a desire to help in the gathering of this special offering and was not just put on this Finance Committee because no one else would do it.
A burden for lost souls (v. 18) - We do not know who this brother was but we are told that he had a desire to share the gospel. Every Finance Committee needs to have members who have a burden for lost souls.
A desire to honor God (v. 19) - When a church selects deacons or elders, to handle the “spiritual affairs” of the church, and trustees to handle the “material and financial affairs,” it is making an unbiblical distinction. One of the most spiritual things a church can do is use its money wisely for spiritual ministry.
A reputation for honesty (vv. 20-22) - It is very unwise for anyone to handle funds in a Christian organization by himself. There needs to be at least two and preferably three people who collect and count it in order to avoid any accusations.
A cooperative spirit (vv. 23-24) - Finance Committee members do not own the money. It belongs to the Lord and they just manage it.

Application

Of the qualifications mentioned above I want to have more of a burden for lost souls. Especially for our president and those who are in government locally, in our state and nationally. What a difference it would make in our country if our leaders would seek the Lord.

II Corinthians 8:16-24 (English Standard Version)

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.

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