Shared Resources

Advising someone on the use of money is like trying to forecast the weather. Both are affected by so many factors that they seldom respond the same way. The best we can do is advise one another about biblical principles and general patterns of success.

Should Christians share resources in the global community? Absolutely! (Galatians 6:10, I John 3:17-18) The apostle Paul spent years collecting and distributing a missionary offering for the church in Jerusalem. (Acts 21:17-19, 24:17)

The apostle Paul gives us counsel on helping one another in Galatians. “Bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) The word Paul uses in the Greek speaks of a heavy load which is too much for one person to carry. Then he says, “For each one shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:5) The word he uses in this verse means a small personal burden which they must to carry for themselves.

Ten Laws of Receiving

1. It is better to trust in God than in money.
2. It’s more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:34)
3. Christians should work to provide and share. (Ephesians 4:28)
4. Christians are stewards. (I Corinthians 4:2)
5. Christians workers have a right to financial support. (I Timothy 5:18)
6. Christians workers should be grateful for support but not take is for granted.
7. Christian workers should provide financial integrity before God and man.

    (II Corinthians 8:16-24)

8. Christians should be content and thankful. (Philippians 4:10-19)
9. Some Christians may be poorer than others but that does not give them the right to be idle. There is a difference in helping someone and carrying someone.
10. Improper motives for getting money leads to trouble. (I Timothy 6:9-10)

Ten Laws of Giving

1. God honors the generous.
2. Christians should beware of giving with mixed motives. (Luke 12:12-14)
3. Christians should give according to what they have. (II Corinthians 8:13-15)
4. The surplus that some Christians have should make up for the deficiency of others. (II Corinthians 8:13-15)
5. Whoever sows generously will reap generously. (II Corinthians (9:6-11)

This is Called the Law of Harvest.

6. Christians are to do good to all people, especially to fellow believers. (Galatians 6:10)
7. Christians are to have self-sacrificing humility and show love for others. (Philippians 2:1-5)
8. Inappropriate giving can excuse others from taking responsibility. (I Timothy 5:4)
9. Christians should beware of favoritism in their giving. (James 2:1-10)
10. Love is a debt we can’t repay. (I John 3:16-20)

If We’re Going to Err, Let Us Err in Generosity.

Guidelines for Giving

The healthiest ministries grow out of their own resources. Cross-culture missionary work requires outside support, but outside support should be made only after invitation and careful assessment of the impact it will make. The giving and receiving of money requires wisdom to judge the changing circumstances. We need to build relationships of mutual honor and respect. When we respect the giftedness of each partner and the responsibility of every believer to steward what God has given, we will have partnerships that are complementary and mutually beneficial.

Covenant Giving

1. We are called to invest our lives and resources in ministries of reconciliation. (II Corinthians 8:15)
2. God has given a variety of gifts to equip the church. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
3. God is our source. (Zechariah 4:6)
4. It is an honor and an obligation to assist one another. (II Corinthians 8:1-15)
5. God honoring service must be carried out with mutual trust, respect, and submission. (Galatians 5:13)
6. Mutual accountability is an integral part of Christian stewardship. (Romans 14:12, I Corinthians 4:2)
7. Our motivation should be that of a servant following the example of Christ. (Philippians 2:1-11)

“Fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)