Why Should I Give to the Church?

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The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Paul turns to the matter of one of the reasons Titus was sent to the Corinthian church.  Paul was trying to raise support for the church in Jerusalem which was experiencing extreme material poverty.  Paul cites the Macedonian churches, which included the church at Philippi, as excellent examples of those who gave to help their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Even though they had limited means, they gave as much as they could and willingly.  There are a couple of principles regarding giving that are worth noting and very relevant for today.
1. Though the churches did not have a lot of means, but they gave what they could and generously.  This reminds us of the widow's mite.  She gave all she had and received Jesus praised her for it.  
2. They pleaded with us to for privilege in sharing in the service to the church in Jerusalem.  They not only were willing to give, but they actually wanted to give. Nobody should have to cajole us into giving to the Lord. It is a privilege. 
3. They gave first to the Lord.  Their first priority was giving back to God what He had already given them.  They knew God was the owner and they were just the managers of the money here on earth, and they would be accountable for what they did with what they were given. 
4. Then gave to us as well.  They not only gave a portion to God first, but gave above and beyond to help the churches outside of themselves.  They had a kingdom mentality where it wasn't just about their church but all of God's people, the body of Christ! 
This is a great model for us to consider and for you to consider as you offer a portion of what God has given to you back for His work.  Paul couches all of this by saying this about the gift we have received through Christ,
 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
As we have received the incredible gift of God's grace, let us be generous to give back to God to all who he leads us to give to.

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