Apostolic Traditions: Giving vs. Saving

In the previous post I mentioned the consistent teaching of scripture that giving amongst God’s people should flow from those who have abundance to those who are in need so that there may be equality. (II Cor.8:9-15) But in our Western society there is a longstanding tradition and belief that we must look out for ourselves or no one else will! This expresses itself in many ways but one of the most prevalent is the idea that it is wise and prudent to save and invest one’s finances so as to be able to have resources on hand to meet unexpected losses, reverses, or to provide for unknown future needs.

However, the words of the Lord Jesus and the apostles clearly reprove the error of such beliefs! Scripture does not speak of “saving” per ce but it does speak of the equivalent -“laying up for one’s self treasure on earth”! Such behaviour is forbidden by the Lord Jesus. Instead we are commanded to lay up treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19)  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20)  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

The apostle Paul explains how we are to do this, i.e. how we are to avoid laying up treasure on earth but rather to invest according to the Lord's desires and instructions:

2 Corinthians 8:9)  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10)  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11)  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12)  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13)  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14)  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15)  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

A study of the scriptural subject of laying up is a most interesting one! Laying up is a wise and obedient practice when it is commanded by God:

-Noah was instructed to prepare to build the ark,

-Moses and the Israelites were instructed to collect and gather materials for the building of the Tabernacle.

-Solomon was instructed to collect and gather materials for building the temple.

-Christians are instructed to lay by themselves in store as God has prospered them so they will have resources (not for their own needs, but rather) to be used to meet the needs of poor saints (I Cor.16:1-3)

-Parents are instructed to lay up for the needs of their children. (II Cor.12:14) and

-Families and churches are instructed to meet the needs of widows of their own house. (I Timothy 5)

Laying up for some future project is right and proper when:

(1) It is commanded by God,

(2) the amount of the need is known  (i.e. Moses commanded the children of Israel to stop bringing when the needs for the Tabernacle had been met.) 

(3) the needs which are being met are current, known needs for the daily care of one's children or widows of one's family, and

(4) the laying up is for the purpose of meeting needs of others (not one's own needs).

But saving or laying up so as to have a "nest egg", to be able to meet unexpected emergencies, provide for times of possible unemployment, to have "life savings" for one's "Old age" all violate the above scriptural principles!  Such laying up is not commanded by God but actually disobeys Him,  one never knows how much will be enough so resources that could be used immediately to aid others in need is disobediently "stashed away" and one begins to rest on their own schemes for the future rather than resting in and depending upon the Lord to meet future and unexpected needs in His own way!

By listening to the world and it's financial counsellors, multitudes of God's people have been deceived and vast resources which God intends for meeting the needs of His poor saints and for the spread of the Gospel are withheld! We must remember that we are simply stewards of His resources and not owners of our own!

May God help us to realize that we must give account to Him for our stewardship of all that He has entrusted to us. May we do it with joy and not with grief!

Apostolic Traditions Regarding Giving (Part Two)

In our physical bodies service and supply always flow from members which have to those members which lack or need that service or supply.

The lungs always have an abundance of oxygen and the cardiovascular system is continually moving that oxygen from the place of abundance to the places of need (every cell in the body).

The stomach and intestines are regularly supplied with food/nourishment/fuel. The cardiovascular system continually moves that nourishment from the place of abundance to places of need (every cell) throughout the body.

When one member suffers (an itch, a wound, a break) other members which are equipped to render service or supply to the suffering members do so.  A fingernail scratches a mosquito bite to relieve the itch. When an ankle is sprained - the hands bind it up and the other leg and the arms share the weight of the body to allow that ankle to rest and heal. If an arm or leg is broken, it is immobilized and other members of the body bear its responsibilities while it heals.

So also in scripture we see that service and supply in the Body of Christ is to flow from abundance to need:

     -from the fed to the hungry,

         -from the watered to the thirsty,

              -from the hospitable to the stranger,

                  -from the clothed to the naked,

                      -from the healthy to the sick,

                          -from the free to the prisoner,

                               -from the strong to the weak,

                                    -from the comforted to the troubled.

Below are a number of scriptures which outline instructions and commands which have been passed down to us by the apostles to guide us in the matter of giving. As you read them, ask: “Is this apostolic perspective on giving the same as or radically different from what we have been traditionally taught regarding giving, to whom we are to give and whom we are to support?”

Acts 20:33)  I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34)  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35)  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Romans 12:13)  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 15:1)  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Corinthians 8:9)  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10)  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11)  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12)  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13)  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14)  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15)  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Ephesians 4:28)  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29)  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use (need) of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1 Thessalonians 5:14)  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1 John 3:17)  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

How do these apostolic commands differ from what you have traditionally been taught about giving? To what kind(s) of people did the apostles say we should give?  To what kinds of people have we been traditionally taught to give?

Apostolic Traditions Regarding Giving: (Part One)

I am discovering that traditions of men are almost always contrary to apostolic traditions! Traditionally we have been taught that, in Christian ministry, giving should always flow from a large group of people to a small group of people and that the needs of the small group are to be met differently than are the needs of the large group. In this post, I simply ask you to consider some questions I’ve been asking myself as I’ve been seeking answers in the scriptures.  I hope this will spark your interest in searching the scriptures for your own answers and then hopefully we can discuss what we have discovered in future posts!

How are the needs of elders/overseers/pastors to be met? (Acts 20:28-35)

Do apostles, prophets, evangelists or teachers have a right for their needs to be met in a different manner than those of local elders/overseers/pastors?  Yes/No

If so, what scriptures set forth such a right?

If not, what scriptures teach the wisdom of the needs of both being met in the same ways? (Acts 20:33-35; II Thess.3:6-15)

Which apostles demanded or used such rights?  (Acts 6:2,4;  I Cor.9:4-6,12)

Which apostles did not demand or use such rights?  (Acts 20:33-35; I Cor.4:9-17;  I Cor.9:6,12,15,18;  II Cor.11:7-9; II Cor.12:12-19; I Thess.2:1-9; 4:9-12; II Thess.3:6-15)

Are there any good reasons to surrender such rights and not demand them?  (I Cor.9:12,15-18)

Did any apostle, whose needs were met differently than those of elders, teach others to follow his own example? Yes/No

Are apostles. prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers to be hired, paid and even fired by other believers? Yes/No

If so, what scriptures would teach these things?

If not, who calls, appoints, sends and rewards apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers? (Matthew 10:16; 23;34; John 20:21; Acts 20:28-35; I Peter 5:1-4)

Who gave such men to the Body?  (Ephesians 4:10,11) Who is then responsible to see that they receive their hire or reward for their labour?  (Matthew 16:27; 20:1-16; I Cor.3:18; I Tim.5:18; Rev.22:12)

Are the financial and material needs of widows, orphans, the weak, the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned and the poor to be supplied by believers?  Yes/No

If not, what scriptures teach this?

If so, what scriptures teach this? How and by whom are such to be supported? (Matt.25:34-46; Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30; 20:35; Rom.15:25,26; I Cor.16:1,2;  II Cor.8:13-15; 9:12; Gal.2:9,10;  Eph.4:28; I Tim.5:3-15)

 For what reason should some such not be given anything? (II Thess.3:10-15; I Tim.5:9-14)

What does scripture teach us…

- about “saving” for the future? (Matt.6:19,20;  10:7-12; Luke 10:1-8; I Cor.16:1-3; II Cor.3:13-15)

- about saving for known needs (i.e. storing crops for use in the winter when they won’t grow, for meeting the current known needs of one’s own children, elderly or widowed parents.)  (Prov.6:6-11; II Cor.12:14; I Tim.5:3-16)

-about saving for unknown needs (“for a rainy day”, for possible “emergencies” or catastrophes, for security in old age, for children’s education etc.)

“Saving” is not mentioned in scripture. But the Lord Jesus and the apostles did instruct us regarding “laying up”. Is “laying up” an equivalent to “saving”?  How is “laying up” the same as or different from “saving”?

Is fundraising (the act or occupation of asking, pleading, appealing or making known needs for funds) for ministry scripturally justified? Yes/No    If so, what scriptures teach us …

- how to do it? Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- to whom such appeals should be made? Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- by whom such appeals should be made? Acts 11:27-3                                                                                                                         - the reasons for generous response to such appeals? Luke 6:28-38; II Cor.9:6;  Gal.6:7-10.

The reason why the promise of Phil.4:19 was made to  saints at Philippi and not to others is found in Phil.4:14-16! This is entirely in keeping with the teachings of Luke 6:28-38, II Cor.9:6 and Gal.6:7-10!

 - the reasons for which some such appeals should be rejected? Prov.1:22-33; II Thess.3:10

What scriptural commands teach how the needs of the following are to be met:

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?  All of the above are instructed by Matt.6:3,4 & 19,20;  Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Luke 6:30,31,38; Acts 20:33-35;

What scriptural examples show (right or wrong) how the needs of the following have been met?

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?

Does any historical event or practice recorded in scripture establish an apostolic tradition which is incumbent on believers today, or must such responsibilities be established by an apostolic command?

What kinds of people are scripturally entitled to receive financial assistance? Poor saints Romans 15:25-27; those who preach the Gospel I Cor.9:9-14; those who teach Galatians 6:6;  faithful widows I Tim.5:3-14; elders who labour in the word and doctrine  I Tim.5:17,18

What apostolic traditions (commands of the Lord through the apostles) give us guidance in these matters? (the texts immediately above)

Who serves the Lord? Who are “the servants of the Lord”? (Col.1:1,2 with 3:24;  Romans 12:1,11)

Who is to “live of the Gospel”?  Who are those who “preach the Gospel”? (Evangelists?, Sunday school teachers?, parents who teach their children their need of a Saviour? Christians who are faithful witnesses to co-workers etc?)

What does “living of the Gospel” mean?  Does it mean -charging for preaching? - receiving a salary or wage for preaching?  - being hired to preach? - looking for one’s reward from the hand of the One who appointed the preacher? - something else?   If so, what does it mean?

What does the negative command “muzzle not the ox that treadeth out the corn” mean for us? 

-Does it mean positive commands such as: “Pay the apostle.” -“Pay those who preach the Gospel.” or “Pay the elders who labour in the word and doctrine” ?  If so, how are they to be paid, how much and by whom? 

Or does a negative command teach us there is something we are NOT to do?  If so, what are we NOT to do regarding apostles, those who preach the Gospel, or elders who labour in the Word and doctrine?  What does this mean in practical ways….how will this affect our care for such? 

   -When one literally muzzles an ox, what does he do and why does he do it?

   -When a believer or an ekklesia “muzzles” an apostle, a Gospel preacher, a teacher or an elder who labours in the word and doctrine? What do they do? Why do they do it?

Specifically, what are we NOT to do in this matter regarding apostles, Gospel preachers, teachers or elders?

Have you been surprised by any of the answers you have discovered in the scriptures? Feel free to share and comment on whatever you have learned in this regard in the "comments" section below or in an email to me at bwood4d@gmail.com

Apostolic Traditions Regarding Giving: (Part One)

I am discovering that traditions of men are almost always contrary to apostolic traditions! Traditionally we have been taught that, in Christian ministry, giving should always flow from a large group of people to a small group of people and that the needs of the small group are to be met differently than are the needs of the large group. In this post, I simply ask you to consider some questions I’ve been asking myself as I’ve been seeking answers in the scriptures.  I hope this will spark your interest in searching the scriptures for your own answers and then hopefully we can discuss what we have discovered in future posts!

How are the needs of elders/overseers/pastors to be met? (Acts 20:28-35)

Do apostles, prophets, evangelists or teachers have a right for their needs to be met in a different manner than those of local elders/overseers/pastors?  Yes/No

If so, what scriptures set forth such a right?

If not, what scriptures teach the wisdom of the needs of both being met in the same ways? (Acts 20:33-35; II Thess.3:6-15)

Which apostles demanded or used such rights?  (Acts 6:2,4;  I Cor.9:4-6,12)

Which apostles did not demand or use such rights?  (Acts 20:33-35; I Cor.4:9-17;  I Cor.9:6,12,15,18;  II Cor.11:7-9; II Cor.12:12-19; I Thess.2:1-9; 4:9-12; II Thess.3:6-15)

Are there any good reasons to surrender such rights and not demand them?  (I Cor.9:12,15-18)

Did any apostle, whose needs were met differently than those of elders, teach others to follow his own example? Yes/No

Are apostles. prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers to be hired, paid and even fired by other believers? Yes/No

If so, what scriptures would teach these things?

If not, who calls, appoints, sends and rewards apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers? (Matthew 10:16; 23;34; John 20:21; Acts 20:28-35; I Peter 5:1-4)

Who gave such men to the Body?  (Ephesians 4:10,11) Who is then responsible to see that they receive their hire or reward for their labour?  (Matthew 16:27; 20:1-16; I Cor.3:18; I Tim.5:18; Rev.22:12)

Are the financial and material needs of widows, orphans, the weak, the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned and the poor to be supplied by believers?  Yes/No

If not, what scriptures teach this?

If so, what scriptures teach this? How and by whom are such to be supported? (Matt.25:34-46; Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30; 20:35; Rom.15:25,26; I Cor.16:1,2;  II Cor.8:13-15; 9:12; Gal.2:9,10;  Eph.4:28; I Tim.5:3-15)

 For what reason should some such not be given anything? (II Thess.3:10-15; I Tim.5:9-14)

What does scripture teach us…

- about “saving” for the future? (Matt.6:19,20;  10:7-12; Luke 10:1-8; I Cor.16:1-3; II Cor.3:13-15)

- about saving for known needs (i.e. storing crops for use in the winter when they won’t grow, for meeting the current known needs of one’s own children, elderly or widowed parents.)  (Prov.6:6-11; II Cor.12:14; I Tim.5:3-16)

-about saving for unknown needs (“for a rainy day”, for possible “emergencies” or catastrophes, for security in old age, for children’s education etc.)

“Saving” is not mentioned in scripture. But the Lord Jesus and the apostles did instruct us regarding “laying up”. Is “laying up” an equivalent to “saving”?  How is “laying up” the same as or different from “saving”?

Is fundraising (the act or occupation of asking, pleading, appealing or making known needs for funds) for ministry scripturally justified? Yes/No    If so, what scriptures teach us …

- how to do it? Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- to whom such appeals should be made? Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- by whom such appeals should be made? Acts 11:27-3                                                                                    - the reasons for generous response to such appeals? Luke 6:28-38; II Cor.9:6;  Gal.6:7-10.

The reason why the promise of Phil.4:19 was made to  saints at Philippi and not to others is found in Phil.4:14-16! This is entirely in keeping with the teachings of Luke 6:28-38, II Cor.9:6 and Gal.6:7-10!

 - the reasons for which some such appeals should be rejected? Prov.1:22-33; II Thess.3:10

What scriptural commands teach how the needs of the following are to be met:

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?  All of the above are instructed by Matt.6:3,4 & 19,20;  Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Luke 6:30,31,38; Acts 20:33-35;

What scriptural examples show (right or wrong) how the needs of the following have been met?

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?

Does any historical event or practice recorded in scripture establish an apostolic tradition which is incumbent on believers today, or must such responsibilities be established by an apostolic command?

What kinds of people are scripturally entitled to receive financial assistance? Poor saints Romans 15:25-27; those who preach the Gospel I Cor.9:9-14; those who teach Galatians 6:6;  faithful widows                        I Tim.5:3-14; elders who labour in the word and doctrine  I Tim.5:17,18

What apostolic traditions (commands of the Lord through the apostles) give us guidance in these matters? (the texts immediately above)

Who serves the Lord? Who are “the servants of the Lord”? (Col.1:1,2 with 3:24;  Romans 12:1,11)

Who is to “live of the Gospel”?  Who are those who “preach the Gospel”? (Evangelists?, Sunday school teachers?, parents who teach their children their need of a Saviour? Christians who are faithful witnesses to co-workers etc?)

What does “living of the Gospel” mean?  Does it mean -charging for preaching? - receiving a salary or wage for preaching?  - being hired to preach? - looking for one’s reward from the hand of the One who appointed the preacher? - something else?   If so, what does it mean?

What does the negative command “muzzle not the ox that treadeth out the corn” mean for us? 

-Does it mean positive commands such as: “Pay the apostle.” -“Pay those who preach the Gospel.”or -“Pay the elders who labour in the word and doctrine” ?  If so, how are they to be paid, how much and by whom? 

Or does a negative command teach us there is something we are NOT to do?  If so, what are we NOT to do regarding apostles, those who preach the Gospel, or elders who labour in the Word and doctrine?  What does this mean in practical ways….how will this affect our care for such? 

   -When one literally muzzles an ox, what does one do and why?

   -When a believer or an ekklesia “muzzles” an apostle, a Gospel preacher, a teacher or an elder who labours in the word and doctrine? What do they do? Why do they do it?

Specifically, what are we NOT to do in this matter regarding apostles, Gospel preachers, teachers or elders?

As you have considered these questions in light of what scripture says, have you been surprised? Have you had any long-standing ideas challenged by the scriptures?  If so, share your thoughts in the comments below or send me an email at bwood4d@gmail.com