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“Bonafide Areas of Giving”

Thoughts for Today:

Paul's request for help comes in the same letter in which he said (1 Corinthians 9:15): "But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me [provide personal financial assistance], for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast." Regardless of his authority, Paul had refused support from the Corinthians. Are these statements contradictory? No, because in our passage today, Paul is asking for missions assistance, rather than personal financial support.

Paul made it clear on multiple occasions that ministers are to be supported by those to whom they minister. (Galatians 6:6: "Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor." 1 Titus 5:17-18: "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'") Paul voluntarily exempted himself from this requirement in Corinth; however, it was still appropriate (and not contradictory) for him to ask for mission support.

We find there are at least four areas of giving in Scripture that are clearly identified: giving to ministers, giving to the poor, giving to pay for facilities (for example, construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:1-8, and its maintenance in Exodus 30:1-16), and the one Paul addresses in our passage today -- giving to support missions. All are bonafide areas of giving in which we are commanded to provide financial support.

Questions to Ponder:

Is there a particular area of giving that touches your heart? I find I am more oriented to missions than any other area of giving? Why? Because filling someone's belly does nothing for their place in eternity. Another person might say, "But how can they listen to the Gospel if they're so hungry they can't think or feed their family?" Both are right. The point is giving is not mutually exclusive. We can give to more than one area (and are commanded to do so). Are you giving as the Lord commanded?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.