GIVE FOR THE UPKEEP OF THE TEMPLE

PROCLAMATION

“Let every priest receive the money from one of the treasurers, then use it to repair whatever damage is found in the temple.”  2 Kings 12:5 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

When Joash (Jehoash) became king of Israel, he did that which was right in the eyes of The Lord. (2 Kings 12:2)  He gathered all the priests together and requested that all of the money which was collected from the people be used to repair the temple. (2 Kings 12:4-5)  However, after twenty-three years no significant repair work had been done.  Then he ordered the priests to bring all of the money which was collected to him and he would see that it got to the workmen who were to repair the temple. (2 Kings 12:6-12) 

APPLICATION

All too often people complain about giving money to the church out of concern that all of their money is going to the preacher.  While some of the money which is collected does go to the man of God, the majority of the money goes to pay the bills for services which are necessary in order to keep the temple operational like the mortgage, utilities, cleaning, repairs, and upkeep.  We should not let the temple fall into disrepair.  Just like it costs to keep our homes operational, it costs to keep the church house operational.  There are also costs associated with the various outreach missions of the church.  The Lord devised a fair and equitable system whereby the members could support the financial obligations of the church by giving one tenth of all their increase. (Genesis 28:22 and Numbers 18:26)  There is an overflow of blessings in store for all believers that tithe. (Malachi 3:8-10)

AS WE SOW SO SHALL WE ALSO REAP

Proclamation:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Here Paul is continuing the topic he began in the previous chapter, requesting a generous gift from the believers in Corinth to help the believers in Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 9:1-5)  He tells them that they will be rewarded in the same manner as they give.  He tells them that God will bless them abundantly and that for helping the poor, their righteousness will endure forever. (2 Corinthians 9:8-9)  He also says that God will increase what they have and enrich them in every way so that they can continue to be generous in the future. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

Application:

As believers, we are encouraged to give to and help the less fortunate.  The Bible says we will be blessed for doing so. (Proverbs 22:9)  Paul quotes The Old Testament when he says, “They have scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” (Psalm 112:9)  Jesus said that as we treat the least of His people, He will take it as if we have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:35-45)  Jesus also said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)  If you want more, try giving more of what it is that you want.  That applies to smiles, love, and money.  Because as we give, so shall we receive. (Luke 6:38)  Remember, when a seed is planted, and it grows, it does not just bring forth one seed but it produces many seeds, sometimes thirty, sixty, or even a hundred seeds. (Matthew 13:8 and 13:23)  Think about a kernel of corn, when it is planted it produces a plant with several ears of corn, each of which has more than sixty kernels of corn on them.  There are two very important points here.  First, we will only reap the same thing that we sowed.  Secondly, we get back more of what we sowed than we gave out.  The Lord God can bless us abundantly with all that we need and even with more than we need. (2 Corinthians 9:8)