The Christian and His MONEY

Part 2: New Testament

At the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ a new era began - the age of grace.[1] That is, the law of Moses was set aside by God for the greater ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. [2] Thus we are to live moment-by-moment by the grace of God in accord with the word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.[3] In the area of giving (or any other area of life) we are therefore under no obligation to the law.

General Principles

In the New Testament, there are principles laid down by Jesus Christ, which are to govern the life of the believer in every area[4]. This includes the resources that the Lord has given to us - money, property, and other possessions. For example, Jesus taught that we should use our money for the glory of God.[5] We are not commanded to tithe or to observe festivals or whatever,[6] but rather to carry out certain principles by which God is glorified. For example, we are to pay taxes to the government,[7] remembering that government has been established by God and the governing officials are His servants.[8]

Related to the Assembly

Also in the New Testament, certain principles are delineated which relate to our life in the Christian Assembly.

We are to meet the needs of others in the Assembly by sharing our material possessions.[9]
We are to meet the needs of those who are laboring full-time in the Assembly and in gospel around the world.[10]
We are to give joyfully and not grudgingly or of necessity.[11]
We are to give regularly[12] and sacrificially[13] remembering that our omnipotent God can always replenish the supply.[14]

Related to Rewards

Jesus, Himself, spoke much on finances[15] – and its relationship to eternal rewards. He taught that the sacrificial investment of our resources on earth would result in eternal treasure.[16] This concept was also reiterated by the Apostle Paul.[17] He taught that the greater the financial sacrifice the greater will be the reward.[18]

Conclusion

God, therefore, is not so much concerned with the amount of our giving[19] as He is with the attitude and faith in which it is given.[20] The greatest reason and pattern for our giving is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself – Who gave up everything that we might be forever rich.[21] May God help us, both as individuals and as an Assembly, to put these principles into practice.[22] Indeed, may we excel in this grace.[23]

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[1] Rom. 6:14, Gal. 5:18, John 1:17, Heb. 7:18-19

[2] Rom. 7:6, II Cor. 3:6, Gal. 3:2-3

[3] II Cor. 3:18, Rom. 8:9-11, Col. 3:16

[4] Matt. 28:20

[5] Luke 16:9

[6] Cf. Col. 2:16-17

[7] Matt. 22:21, Rom. 13:7

[8] Rom. 13:1, 4

[9] The common N.T. word for this is κοινωνία koinonia = a close association involving mutual interests and sharing. This is marvelously exemplified by the Assembly at Jerusalem (Acts 2:42-45, 4:32-35) and is constantly mentioned throughout the entire New Testament (Cf. Rom. 15:26, II Cor. 8:4, 9:13; Phil. 1:5, 4:14; Heb. 13:15) See also 1 John 3:16-17 where, although this word is not used, the concept is clear. Believers throughout the world are also included in this sharing (Acts 11:27-30, II Cor. 8:1-7, Gal. 6:10). The motivation for this giving is love - for God and for one another (Cf. John 13:34-35; Acts. 4:32, Rom. 12:9-13, II Cor. 8:8, 24; 9:27)

[10] I Cor. 9:13-14; Gal. 6:6, I Tim. 5:17-18, Phil. 4:15

[11] II Cor. 9:7; 8:2, 5

[12] I Cor. 16:1-2

[13] Heb. 13:16, II Cor. 8:1-4

[14] II Cor. 9:8-11, Phil. 4:19

[15] For example, He mentioned “riches” 29 times.

[16] See for example Luke 12:31-34, Matt. 6:1-4, 19-33, 19:23-30, Rev. 21:7.

[17] Cf. I Tim. 6:6-12, 17-19; Phil. 4:10-17,

[18] II Cor. 9:6 [and see also Gal. 6:6-10]. This principle is implied in Luke 21:1-4.

[19] See Mark 12:41-44.

[20] II Cor. 8:1-5; 9:5-15

[21] II Cor. 8:8-9

[22] Matt. 28:20, John 13:17

[23] II Cor. 8:7.