GIVING

Some 17 different words in the Greek New Testament represent, in one way or another, the concept of "giving."

While God does not "need" anything from man (Acts 17:25), he has always demanded that those who wish to serve him should give of their resources for the welfare of others in a variety of prescribed ways (see TITHE).

Frequently, giving is viewed as an overture of worship (Num. 18:11; cf. Heb. 5:1; Mt. 2:11; Phil. 4:18).

Since giving is a form of worship, and inasmuch as worship must be according to truth (Jn. 4:24; 17:17), it is clear that the Christian is not without direction in the obligation to give of his income.

Some basic facts regarding giving, as gleaned from 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, are as follows:

• Giving is the duty of "each" Christian who has prospered.
• Giving is to be "upon the first day of every week" (Greek text).
• It is to be put into the "store" (treasury) of the local church.
• The amount must be commensurate with one's prosperity.

While the foregoing is required as a Lord's day feature of worship, Christians are at liberty to give at other times as they have opportunity (Mk. 14:7; Gal. 6:10).