STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (13th – 19th NOVEMBER 2023)

HOW TO BE A BLESSING TO YOUR LOCAL CHURCH CHAPTER 9

QUESTION 1.

"... It is more blessed to give than to receive…"

A disciple of yours strongly asserts that from Jesus's lips we can infer or confer a unique material or
manifold "blessing" on givers or giving.

Accept or refute this claim with clear explanation from the scriptures as presented in this chapter.

ANSWER.

INTRODUCTION

Luke records that Paul echoed the same truth as touching giving in Acts 20

Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or

gold, or apparel. Vs 34 Yes, ye yourselves know, that these hands have munistered unto my necessities,
and to them that were with me. Vs 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to
support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus. how he said, It is more blessed to give
than to receive

The word 'shewed' was translated from the Greek word hupodeiknumi.' It implies to exhibit under
another's eye; to exemplify; to instruct; to admonish,
The word 'labouring was translated from the Greek word 'kopiao' which implies to work hard; toil; to
feel fatigued from work. The weak' in verse 35 refers to those who are needy.

In other words, he worked hard so as to support those who are in need for them to see and follow his
example.

Observe the latter statements of verse 35...and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said.
It is more blessed to give than to receive

The word 'remember was translated from the work 'mnemoneuo' which implies to keep in mind, to
recollect

The term 'words' was translated from the Greek word 'logos' which refers to a conclusion, logic,
reasoning or intent.

The word 'blessed' was translated from the Greek word makarios' which means fortunate, happy. It was
used for felicitating with or congratulating someone.

It is important to note that the statement 'it is more blessed to give than to receive' is not a direct
reference from any of the synoptic accounts of the teaching of Jesus. In other words, this was a
summary of Jesus' teachings concerning giving to the needy, which was taught by the Apostles to
believers in the book of Acts.

Hence, what Paul taught that, which also can be seen in Jesus' teachings concerning given is that 'it is
more fortunate (congratulatory, well-spoken off) to give than to receive.

Hence, one of the ways a believer and a member of a local church can be a blessing is not to ask what
his church can do for him, rather what he can do for his local church. This implies that in being a blessing
to the local church a believer ought to put others before himself and by so doing will not be selfish.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem
other better than themselves. Vs 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the
things of others.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one
another;

1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil;

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful,
be courteous: Vs 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing but contrariwise blessing; knowing
that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

In other words, being unselfish is choosing to be a blessing in the local church. Thus, the believer's mind
ought to be filled not just with his/her own desires/wants, but with how he can be a blessing to others.

QUESTION 2.

By carefully reading through 1st Corinthians 16:1-2, highlight the important lessons or instructions for
believers as touching giving.

ANSWER

This explains why, the epistles are also emphatic on giving. Paul gave clear instructions to specific local
churches on how and when to give.

1st Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches
of Galatia, even so do ye. Vs 2 Upon the first day of the weeklet every one of you lay by him in store, as
God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

He instructed the churches of Galatia to give on the first day of the week. Thus, they were to give weekly
in their gatherings (services). He asked the church in Corinth to give the same way.
It should be noted that he asked everyone to lay by him in store. This implies giving during Christian
meetings ought to be planned for prior to the meetings. Hence, not giving offerings at all when required
is unscriptural and thus, a bad attitude among believers.

In the above text, the word 'God' was italicized, which implies that it was imputed by the translators of
the King James Version of the bible. Therefore, reading that sentence without the italicized word 'God,'
would be:

Verse 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as he hath prospered
him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

The statement 'lay by him in store, as he hath prospered implies that the way believers give to the local
church ought to be proportional to his income.

The statement, 'that there should be no gathering when I come further suggests the fact that our giving
to the local church ought to be well thought out, organized and planned for prior to the gatherings.

2nd Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia; Vs 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their
deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. Vs 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea,
and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Vs 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we
would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. Vs 5 And this
they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Vs
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace
also.

2nd Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which
soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Vs 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so
let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

From these texts, we can infer from Paul's instructions how believers ought to give;
It should be done cheerfully and not grudgingly

It should be done purposefully, that is, you are to determine what you are to give before coming for the
services

It should be done sacrificially

It should be done consistently

This implies giving in Christian meetings ought to be systematic and not coincidental.

QUESTION 3.

Discuss extensively those we're expected to give to as seen in this chapter

ANSWER

WHO ARE WE EXPECTED TO GIVE TO?

• Ministers of the Gospel

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your
carnal things? Vs 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we
have not used this power, but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ Vs 13 Do ye not
know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at
the altar are partakers with the altar? Vs 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the
gospel should live of the gospel.
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

1st Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who
labour in the word and doctrine. Vs 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that
treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished
again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Vs 11 Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Vs 12 I know both how to be
abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to
be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Vs 13 I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me. Vs 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my
affliction. Vs 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from
Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. Vs 16 For
even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Vs 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I
desire fruit that may abound to your account. Vs 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received
of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable,
wellpleasing to God. Vs 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus.

The epistles teach us to give materially to ministers of the gospel, that is, those who have spiritual
oversight over us in the local assembly. These are our Pastors and ministers within our local churches
who labour over us regularly in preaching and teaching.

1st Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are
over you in the Lord, and admonish you; Vs 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's
sake. And be at peace among yourselves

To esteem them implies to hold them in high regard and to honour them because of their role in our
lives. Honour is substantial, hence believers should respond in material giving because of their labours.

• Believers in Need
Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a
stranger, and took me in: Vs 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison,
and ye came unto me. Vs 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? Vs 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took
thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Vs 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Vs 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Act 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them
that were with me.

Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the
poor saints which are at Jerusalem. Vs 27 It hath pleased them verily, and their debtors they are. For if
the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them
in carnal things.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Vs 10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith.

Act 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to
remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

The word 'support' as written in 1st Thessalonians 5:14 was translated from the Greek word
'antechomai.' It implies to be devoted, dedicated, committed, steadfast towards. In other words, Paul
instructed believers to be devoted to the poor saints.

The word 'support' used in Acts 20:35 was translated from the Greek word 'antilambanomai.' It implies
to help, to partake, or succour.
In other words, we give to meet the needs of fellow believers. When we notice believers in our
gathering who have needs (shelter, clothing, financial help etc), we are to respond commensurately in
love.

• To Meet the Needs of the Church

Romans 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the
city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother

The word 'host' was translated from the Greek word 'xenos. It refers to someone who receives and
entertains another hospitably. Hence, Paul referred to Gaius as his host and that of the whole Church.

John also said the same concerning Gaius.

3rd John 1:1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Vs 2 Beloved, I wish above
all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Vs 3 For I rejoiced
greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the
truth. Vs 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Vs 5 Beloved, thou doest
faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Vs 6 Which have borne witness of
thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt
do well: V_{s} 7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. Vs 8
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth

In other words, Gaius was known to support the needs of the church materially. He made his resources
available by giving to meet the needs of his local church (the members and the leaders). Therefore, the
needs of the church are our responsibility. We have a duty to give to meet the needs of the local
assembly.

. To the Poor
Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor, the same which I also was forward
to do

John and the writer of Hebrews also wrote about entertaining strangers.

Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. Vs 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some
have entertained angels unawares.

1 John 1:5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Vs 6
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey
after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

It is important to state however that in giving to the poor, the instructions and practice was primarily
concerning and towards BELIEVERS.

Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. Vs 26 For it hath pleased them of
Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. Vs 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some
have entertained angels unawares... Vs 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such
sacrifices God is well pleased.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can
faith save him? Vs 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, Vs 16 And one of you
say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things
which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
1st Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the
multitude of sins. Vs 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging