Sermons
The Use of Money In the Church
Series: The Lord and Me, And Money5The Lord and Me, and Money
The Use of Money In the Church
Introduction:
1. Some of the earliest problems in the church had to do with money.
2. In Acts 5 the incident with Ananias and Sapphira was money related. This was a collection issue.
3. In Acts 6 the Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily serving of food. This was a distribution issue.
4. We are familiar with the teaching of 1 Cor. 16:1-2 and the first day of the week contribution made by Christians. It is evident that it was to be a widespread practice. Paul says he had directed the churches of Galatia to do this and now the church at Corinth. The churches of Macedonia evidently did the same (2 Cor. 8:1; 9:2). This practice has been recognized as a precedent in churches now for nearly 2000 years.
5. There are precedents set in Scripture for both collecting and distributing in the church, also for trustworthy and ethical oversight of these funds. We hear much today about transparency in organizations. Does Scripture have anything to say about this?
Discussion:
I. The collecting of funds in the church.
A. An individual/family matter—“each one of you” (1 Cor. 16:2).
1. Individual or family?
2. Acts 4:36-37 describes how Joseph, an individual, sold a piece of property and gave
the proceeds.
3. Acts 5:1-2 describes how a husband and wife, acting in concert, sold a piece of
property and together brought a portion of the proceeds.
4. So it is appropriate to act individually or in concert as a family. (Such actions provide
a good teaching opportunity for parents to teach their children. Children are often
“left out” of the process and have no knowledge of the family contribution and learn
little as a result of being ignored. Ex. My parents always made sure I had something
in my hand when it came time to “lay by in store.” It would have been more effective
if there had been discussion, but I did learn something of personal involvement in
having something to give each first day.)
B. It is interesting to observe that the churches did not engage in business to bring in
money.
1. They did not run any retail businesses.
2. There were no property rental businesses.
3. No hotel chains, etc.
4. Instead Christian individuals and families engaged in business and then made
contributions. There is no precedent for solicitation of funds from non-Christians.
5. There is no other mechanism for contributions to the church.
C. The funds were collected into a common treasury.
1. Some have reasoned that individuals and families collected at home into their own
individual treasuries, but did not give into a common congregational treasury.
2. This reasoning does NOT square with the biblical evidence.
a. It was a practice for owners to sell and bring the funds to the apostles (Acts
4:32). When they laid it at the apostles’ feet it became common property.
b. Joseph brought his contribution and laid it at the apostles’ feet. He no longer
maintained personal control (Acts 4:36-37).
c. Ananias and Sapphira did the same (Acts 5:1-2). Peter makes the observation
that before and even after they sold their property “it was under their control.”
After they laid it at the apostles’ feet it was no longer under their personal
control.
d. In 1 Cor. 16 Paul called on those Christians to, “Put aside and save that no
collections be made when I come.” If they all saved individually, after he
arrived they would then have to take up a collection. This seems to defeat his
purpose. It is a regular week-by-week collection that no collection need be
taken when he arrived.
D. This plan indicates a forward look and preparations made to accomplish a future
work (2 Cor. 9:1-5).
1. Their collecting was purposeful.
2. In many instances it involved help for those Christians in need (Acts 2:43-47).
Note 3:1ff there was a lame beggar. He asked for “alms,” but Peter said, “I do
not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.” He made the man
walk but he did not give him silver and gold. He said he did not have silver and
gold, but didn’t he have money that had been given? Evidently, it was limited to
those who were believers.
II. This brings us to the consideration of the distribution of the funds collected.
A. From what we have studied already it is evident that the funds were collected
purposefully. Note also 2 Cor. 8:13-15.
1. In the instances already noted the purpose was the relief of needy Christians.
a. Acts 2:45.
b. Acts 4:34-35.
c. Acts 6:1.
d. Acts 11:27-30.
e. 1 Cor. 16:1-4.
f. Rom. 15:26.
g. 2 Cor. 9:12.
2. For teaching the gospel.
a. Phil. 1:5; 4:15-16.
b. Gal. 6:6-10.
c. 1 Tim. 5:17-18.
d. 1 Cor. 9:8-14.
e. 2 Cor. 11:8.
3. Funds were collected purposefully and distributed in the accomplishment of these
purposes. There is no evidence of funds being distributed to accomplish any other
purposes—not to finance recreation, entertainment activities; not to build hospitals;
not to build schools, etc. Their focus was narrow. Their purpose was clear—to
teach the gospel and care for the needy among them.
III. They were careful in the administration of these funds.
A. Paul assured the church at Corinth of proper administration and gave them control (1
Cor. 16:3-4).
B. There were precautions taken so that their trust was not violated (2 Cor. 8:16-
24).
C. We try to practice such faithfulness in this congregation.
1. Counting the collection—multiple individuals, not same as treasurer.
2. Multiple signatures on checks.
3. Financial statements posted and available as requested.
4. Budget reviewed.
5. Those we support. Regular reports (posted on website). Try to maintain regular
contact. We need to be concerned for those we support. Are they receiving
sufficient support? Perhaps more than sufficient? Are they honest and
trustworthy? Are they really doing the work? Are they faithful to the Lord? Are the
Christians they are working with doing their part?
Conclusion:
1. All of this begins with our hearts being given to the Lord.
2. He is our King. We belong to Him and all we have belongs to Him. Therefore it comes under His control.
3. Have you given yourself to the Lord?
4. If so, it will be reflected in your relationship to money.
