Lesson 33: The Church and the Kingdom

Why am I here? I am here to participate in the reign of Jesus Christ. Besides knowing that Christ will one day conquer His enemies, I also know that I will take part in His kingdom . Christ will establish a perfect and eternal kingdom, and every church-age believer will reign with Him in it.

Before proceeding any further, we must clarify the difference between two biblical kingdoms: God’s universal kingdom and His mediatorial kingdom. The universal kingdom is God’s absolute sovereignty over all His creation. The mediatorial kingdom is His personal rule of specific individuals through a mediator (or representative). This latter kingdom began in the Old Testament and is the ultimate goal of history (see Lesson Twenty Two). It is in this kingdom that believers will one day co reign with Christ their King.

[A mediator is a go-between or representative. A mediatorial kingdom is an earthly, political, kingdom in which God rules thru a mediator. God’s universal kingdom is the fact that God rules over the universe.]

The mediatorial kingdom is known by various names, such as “the kingdom of heaven,” “the kingdom of God,” or simply “the kingdom.” Generally, the context determines which of these two kingdoms (universal or mediatorial) the author has in mind. In this lesson, “the kingdom” refers to the mediatorial kingdom.

[The Schofield Reference Bible makes a distinction between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven, but the two are synonymous and used interchangeably. Most dispensationalists make no distinction between the two.]

One should not confuse the kingdom with salvation or the church. Though people often use these words interchangeably, the kingdom is a distinct idea.

[I.e., “Joe has entered the kingdom,” meaning “Joe got saved.” There are a couple of passages which teach that one enters the kingdom in some sense at the point of salvation. However, we’ll see that it’s best to keep the kingdom and salvation separate ideas. The kingdom will be a physical reality. The church does not fulfill all the kingdom promises.]

This lesson will explore the nature of the mediatorial kingdom, its history, and the church’s relationship to it.

[Remember that when we use the word “kingdom” in this lesson, we’re talking about the mediatorial kingdom, not God’s universal sovereignty or salvation.]

I. The Nature of the Kingdom

The Bible indicates that the kingdom of God includes three elements: (1) a divinely-chosen ruler , (2) a realm of subjects to be ruled, and (3) the actual act of reigning . Unless all three are present, there is no kingdom. David bears this out when he says:

Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me from my whole family to be king over Israel forever. He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah he chose my family, and from my father’s sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel. Of all my sons–and the LORD has given me many–he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.   1 Chronicles 28:4 5

The prophet Daniel also stressed these three elements when he wrote of the Messiah’s future reign:

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.   Daniel 7:13 14

[According to this definition, is Jesus Christ currently ruling over His kingdom? No. Some might say that He is ruling the church as its head, or that He rules the hearts of believers, but this is not in keeping with the kingdom idea Jesus and the apostles taught. They taught a literal, earthly kingdom, not an invisible, spiritual one.]

II. The History of God’s Kingdom

Throughout the Bible, God has consistently ruled through human representatives. Following are some of the men God has used or will use in this way.

A. Moses

This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, “Who made you ruler and judge?” He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.   Acts 7:35

Moses was God’s representative. God ruled Israel through him.

B. Saul and David

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed [David] in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.   1 Samuel 16:13 14

Saul was God’s representative king. However, because of his disobedience, God took away his right to rule (1 Samuel 15:23) and the special anointing of the Spirit that went along with it, the “ theocratic anointing .” [Review the idea of the theocratic anointing.] At this point, we should note two facts: (1) At the moment that the theocratic anointing was given to David, it was taken from Saul (David feared the same fate later in life according to Psalm 51:11.). (2) God began a dynasty with David through which He would rule His people. From that time on, every king over God’s kingdom had to be from David’s line.

C. Solomon

[God] said to [David]: “Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he is unswerving in carrying out my commands and laws, as is being done at this time.”   1 Chronicles 28:6 7

D. Christ

As mentioned above, every mediatorial king since David had to be of Davidic descent. This included Christ (Isaiah 11, Matthew 1, and Luke 3).

1. Christ’s kingdom was foretold .

Because of Israel’s rebellion, God temporarily ended His kingdom arrangement with the nation. [This occurred in 586 BC with the Babylonian Captivity.] However, from that point on the prophets foretold that God would one day restore His kingdom in an eternal fashion.

The former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to the Daughter of Jerusalem.   Micah 4:8

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.   Isaiah 9:7

[Note that the same sort of kingdom that David had will be restored. Was David’s kingdom a spiritual one? No, it was literal, earthly, etc. So will be Christ’s.]

2. Christ’s kingdom was offered .

Both Christ and John the Baptist preached a kingdom message. Christ came to earth as the promised king, the Messiah . However, the Jews rejected His offer and brutally murdered Him.

John the Baptist preached:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” – Matthew 3:2

Christ likewise proclaimed:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”   Matthew 4:17 (See also Matthew 4:23 and Luke 11:19 20.)

The disciples were told to preach:

“The kingdom of heaven is near.”   Matthew 10:7

Note: The offer of the kingdom to Israel was a genuine offer. However, God’s plan included Israel’s rejection and Christ’s death . Thus, Christ came to earth for two reasons: First, He came to offer the kingdom to the Jews. Second, He came to make involvement in the future kingdom possible. By allowing Himself to be crucified, He provided the way of salvation so that men could know Him as King.

[There is some debate regarding what would have happened had the Jews accepted Jesus as their Messiah. Some say that the Millennium would have begun right there. It’s a moot point because Israel did not accept Jesus as their Messiah at this time.]

3. Christ’s kingdom was postponed .

The kingdom of God has been postponed. It is not in existence today. After His resurrection, Christ gave His disciples further instruction concerning His coming kingdom (Acts 1:3). The disciples assumed He would immediately restore the kingdom to Israel and begin to reign. Christ, however, taught otherwise.

So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”   Acts 1:6 7

[This is a good text that shows that the disciples were expecting a literal, earthly kingdom. If the kingdom was a spiritual one (i.e., salvation), they wouldn’t have asked this question, because the kingdom would have been in effect.]

4. Christ’s kingdom will one day be established .

At His second coming, Christ will establish His earthly reign. It will be a literal, physical kingdom centered in Jerusalem.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.   Revelation 22:3 (See also Isaiah 9:7, Daniel 7:13 14, and Luke 1:31 33.)

III. The Church and the Kingdom

God’s mediatorial kingdom actually involves three stages: the Old Testament theocracy , the millennial kingdom, and the eternal kingdom. As mentioned in Lesson Thirty Two, the Tribulation will culminate with the second coming of Christ. At that time, Christ will utterly destroy His enemies, temporarily bind Satan, and set up His millennial kingdom (“millennium” means 1,000 years). After the Millennium, Satan will be released from his temporary bondage, lead a final revolt, suffer defeat, and be condemned to eternal punishment (Revelation 20:1 10). God will then judge the unsaved of all ages at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11 15), destroy the present heavens and earth and create new ones (2 Peter 3:10 13 and Revelation 21:1), and establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:2ff).

A. Church age believers are citizens of the kingdom.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.   Colossians 1:13

Our citizenship is in heaven.   Philippians 3:20

One must interpret these verses in terms of “positional” truth. Positional truth describes that which the believer possesses but does not experience. Thus, even though we still live in this sin-darkened world, and Christ’s kingdom has not yet been established, we are free from the power of sin and are citizens of Christ’s kingdom positionally.

B. Church age believers will reign in the kingdom.

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.   Revelation 3:21 (See also Revelation 20:6.)

In this verse, Christ is speaking to church-age believers. The word “overcomers” refers to those who have overcome Satan by faith in Christ (1 John 5:4 5). Therefore, all church-age believers will be part of the royal family. We will co reign with Christ in the eternal kingdom.

[This is true only of church-age saints. OT believers will have no part in the millennium.]

Learning to Live It

1. The trials of life are numerous. Jobs, family, ministry, and illness often cause difficulty. How might the material learned in this lesson affect the way one deals with the trials of life?

It should help us to cope with them better/persevere through them, knowing what awaits us at the end (Rom 8:18, Heb 11:10, 13-16, 24-26). We know that there is more to life than this life. Everything in history and in the universe is moving to its predetermined end. Our trials play their part in God’s plan for history. We know the end of the story. We’re on the winning team. Our trials are really quite temporary. We have an eternity to be free of them and to enjoy true happiness.

2. How might the knowledge of these facts affect the way one views the short time during which he lives upon this earth?

It is relatively insignificant when compared to eternity. Our eternal destiny, however, is determined in this life. A great time of joy is in store for us. Also, we don’t need to “go for the gusto” now, as if this is all there is. We can defer/put off some pleasurable things until later. We ought to live in light of eternity.

Introduction to the Destiny of the Church

Why am I here? I am here to participate in the reign of Jesus Christ.

In Lessons Twenty Two through Twenty Four, we learned that the purpose of the church is to glorify God through the ministry of His Word. In Lessons Twenty Five through Thirty One, we learned that the objectives of the church are edification, evangelism, and expansion and that each of these three can be accomplished by pursuing various activities. Among these are education, worship, fellowship, personal and corporate evangelism, and physical and organizational expansion.

In this final section on Ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church), we will discuss the church’s destiny. Why am I here? I am here to participate in the reign of Jesus Christ. As a believer living in this dispensation, I know that I am on the “winning team.” I will not face God’s judgment during the Tribulation. Instead, I can eagerly look forward to being a part of Christ’s triumph over His enemies and reigning with Him through all eternity.

Lesson 32: The Church and the Tribulation

What’s going to happen in the future, and what part does the church play in it? The Bible speaks of a seven-year period involving unparalleled judgment. It will be a time when one man, empowered by Satan, will arise to control the political, religious, and military resources of the entire world. It will be a time when God unleashes His wrath upon the earth and its inhabitants. This period is called the Tribulation . In this lesson, we will learn what the Tribulation will be like and when it will take place.

I. The Nature of the Tribulation

The Tribulation period will be a time of worldwide judgment lasting seven years. It will begin with the breaking of the first of seven seals of judgment (see chart below) following the Rapture of the church and will end with the second coming of Christ, at which time He will utterly destroy His enemies at the Battle of Armageddon and establish His kingdom.

A. The Tribulation will involve the continuous unleashing of God’s wrath .

From the opening of the first seal judgment in Revelation 6 to the pouring out of the last bowl judgment in Revelation 16 (which will conclude the Tribulation), God will be pouring out His wrath. The succession of the Tribulation judgments can be visualized as follows:

Some believe that only the second half of the Tribulation will involve God’s wrath [This is the so-called mid-trib position.] . However, the first two seals, which begin the Tribulation, clearly demonstrate that the entire period is characterized by the outpouring of God’s wrath.

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. When the Lamb opened the second seal . . . another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other.   Revelation 6:1 4

B. The Tribulation will involve the prominence of one key satanic leader – the Antichrist.

During the Tribulation, Satan will empower the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the apostate church. Of these three, the Antichrist will be the primary figure with the other two being under his control. The Antichrist (1 John 2:22) is also referred to as the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:4), the wicked prince (Ezekiel 21:25), the little horn (Daniel 7:8), the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3), and the beast (Revelation 11:7).

1. The Antichrist’s abilities

The Antichrist will surpass all other human leaders and thus attract a universal following.

a. He will be a capable politician (Daniel 8:23-25).

b. He will be a military genius (Revelation 13:4).

c. He will be considered worthy of worship (Revelation 13:4, 8).

2. The Antichrist’s career

The Antichrist will initially appear as a little-known political leader, a “little horn” (Daniel 7:8). However, within a short time he will become the world’s greatest dictator . The high points of his career are as follows:

a. The Tribulation will begin when he makes a treaty with Israel, allowing her to rebuild the temple and renew sacrificial worship (Daniel 9:27).

b. At the midpoint of the Tribulation (after 3 1/2 years), he will break the treaty with Israel, demand self worship (Daniel 9:27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4), kill the Lord’s two witnesses (Revelation 11:1 14), begin to actively persecute Israel (Revelation 12:1 6), and destroy the apostate church, which he no longer needs (Revelation 17:16).

c. At the end of the Tribulation, Christ will return, destroy His enemies, and cast the Antichrist and the False Prophet into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11 21).

C. The Tribulation will result in the salvation of many people.

Although God will punish the earth’s inhabitants by sending devastating catastrophes and by allowing the Antichrist and his forces to do their worst, His punishment will be a means of bringing many Jews and Gentiles to Himself (Zechariah 13:1 and Revelation 7:9 17).

II. The Time of the Tribulation

A. The Tribulation will take place after the Rapture of the church.

[Many evangelicals agree with all we’ve said up to this point. The exact timing of the tribulation is a debated point. Recently the “Pre-Wrath” rapture theory has gained popularity. This theory suggests that Christians will go thru the first part of the Tribulation, before God begins pouring out his wrath (thus “Pre-wrath”). We believe such a position is in error.]

The church will experience no part of the Tribulation because it will be caught up (“raptured”) just prior to it. According to Scripture, Christ will come down from heaven and “ catch up ” both dead and living church age believers to meet Him in the clouds. He will then take them to heaven, where they will remain during the Tribulation.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.   1 Thessalonians 4:16 17

[The dead “in Christ” refer to church-age saints, not OT believers. To be “in Christ” is to be saved.

The word “rapture” is used nowhere in the Bible. It comes from the Latin translation of “to catch up.”]

A number of passages imply that the Rapture will take place before the Tribulation. The passages below clearly state that believers will not be subject to God’s wrath. Since the Tribulation involves the outpouring of God’s wrath, believers will not go through it.

And to wait for his Son from heaven whom he raised from the dead  Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.   1 Thessalonians 1:10

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.   1 Thessalonians 5:9

Note: The context of 1 Thessalonians 5:1 11 is speaking of the end times. Therefore, the wrath being referred to is not hell, but the wrath which will occur during the Tribulation.

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.   Revelation 3:10

Two things should be noted about this promise to the Church at Philadelphia:

1. It applies to all New Testament churches.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.   Revelation 3:13

2. It promises that all churches will avoid the Tribulation.

The Greek words translated “keep you from” in Revelation 3:10 indicate the one action of separating church-age saints from the Tribulation, not the continual protection of believers during the Tribulation.

B. The Tribulation will take place before Christ returns to earth to establish His kingdom .

The kingdom of Christ will be that time when Christ personally reigns as king and all creation submits to His rule. This will occur immediately after the Tribulation.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.   Luke 21:10 11, 22 23, 25-26, 31

The Tribulation will culminate with the second coming of Christ to the earth with all church age saints to destroy His enemies.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf . . . . The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.   Revelation 19:11, 14, 19-21

[Don’t confuse the rapture with the Second Coming. They are two distinct events separated by 7 years. ]

Below is a timeline (developed by Rolland McCune, ThD) indicating some of the more significant end-time events.

Recap & Review

In this lesson, we have learned:

1. The Tribulation is the future, seven-year period during which God’s wrath is unleashed, the Antichrist rises to power, and multitudes are saved.

2. The Tribulation will take place after the Rapture of the church and before the establishment of Christ’s kingdom at His second coming.

Learning to Live It

1. While in a local Christian bookstore, you notice a new book on Bible prophecy. After buying it, you take it home and begin reading it. The author states that the Rapture will take place sometime around the middle of the Tribulation because the first half of the Tribulation does not involve God’s wrath. Why is this position wrong?

All of the Tribulation involves the outpouring of God’s wrath, not just the last half. The last half will be more severe, however (sometimes called “the Great Tribulation” in Scripture). Since believers are kept from this wrath, they will go through no part of the tribulation.

2. A Christian friend of yours is worried that he will go through the Tribulation. What can you tell him to ease his anxiety?

God has promised that believers will not go through the Tribulation (1 Thess 1:10, 5:9, and Rev 3:10).

Lesson 31: Stewardship & Expansion of the Church

Ministry growth, or expansion , takes place as local churches engage in edification and evangelism. Such growth requires the management of the church’s physical and human resources. Another word for such management is “ stewardship .” In this lesson, we will examine:

1. The foundation of stewardship

2. The profile of a steward

3. An example of stewardship

4. The importance of stewardship

I. The Foundation of Stewardship

Stewardship is based on two foundational principles:

A. God is the Creator and Owner of all things.

Since God created the universe, He owns it and everything in it. This is not only true of rocks, trees, and animals, but also of human beings.

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.   Psalm 24:1 2

B. Mankind does not truly own anything.

When people speak of their “possessions,” they are really speaking inaccurately. Everything that a person “owns” will be left behind for someone else. All that a person “possesses” has been loaned to him by God.

For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?   1 Corinthians 4:7

II. The Profile of a Steward

A. A steward is given a trust (responsibility) by another.

Stewards were common in biblical times. A steward was expected to oversee the affairs of someone else. The word “steward” literally means “one who

manages a household .” A stewardship is that which has been entrusted to the care of a manager. A good synonym for stewardship is administration . The New Testament often compares believers with stewards. God has given believers tasks to accomplish and the resources needed to accomplish them. Christ illustrated this truth in many parables.

Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?   Luke 12:42

B. A steward is to administrate (oversee) that trust.

Believers are to use all the resources entrusted to them by God to accomplish their appointed tasks.

It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.   Luke 12:43 44

[In other words, believers are to manage/administrate/oversee everything God has entrusted to them. E.g., Joseph.]

C. A steward is accountable for the performance of his task.

A time is coming [at the Judgment Seat of Christ] when God will demand an accounting for how His affairs have been managed. This accounting will be based on the following principle: the greater the privilege , the greater the responsibility .

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.   Luke 12:48

D. The resources of the steward

Many believers incorrectly think that they must give God a portion of their resources. However, true stewardship is based upon the realization that all one has belongs to God.

1. Believers are stewards of their time .

How we use our time is a reflection of our priorities. Every second of every day must be used wisely.

Be very careful, then, how you live  not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.   Ephesians 5:15 16

[Obviously this does not mean that we can’t spend time resting, relaxing, and just plain goofing off. But it does mean that we are accountable for how we spend such time. We should not simply “waste” large chunks of time doing nothing profitable, e.g. watching 3-4 videos, playing video games, “vegging out,” etc. We are to “redeem the time.”]

2. Believers are stewards of their talents .

Every believer has abilities which God wants to use to accomplish His purposes. God expects every believer to use his talents to enhance the ministry of his local church.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.   Romans 12:6 8

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.   1 Peter 4:10

[How has God “wired” you? Where are your talents, abilities, gifts? This is where God wants you to serve in the church.]

3. Believers are stewards of their treasures .

The New Testament strongly emphasizes the proper use of possessions by believers. Many passages warn about their improper use.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.   1 Timothy 6:6 10

James 5:1 6 identifies several of the sins associated with the love of money:

a. Placing one’s trust in that which is temporal (5:1 3)

b. Hoarding wealth rather than using it for good (5:3)

c. Using dishonest means to gain wealth (5:4)

d. Living in luxury (5:5)

e. Practicing self indulgence (5:5)

[Notice that a luxurious, self-indulgent life-style is wrong for the Christian. Why do you think we say this? Because from God’s perspective, there are more important uses of money than luxury and comfort. The hard part is determining the proper standard of living. Most people increase their standard as their income increases (if it does). Instead, one should determine what he needs and use the extra to support various ministries, programs, charities, etc. Few actually do this.]

4. Believers are stewards of a message .

Paul considered the message that he preached to be his greatest responsibility.

I have become [the church’s] servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.   Colossians 1:25

2 Timothy 2:1 2 indicates that the stewardship of this trust is the task of every generation of believers.

III. An Example of Stewardship

One of God’s requirements for stewards in this dispensation is the support of the local church. In 1 Corinthians 16:1 4 and 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul discusses an offering that was being taken for famine relief for churches in Palestine. These passages give us important instructions concerning giving.

A. The time of giving

Offerings were to be collected on Sunday .

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.   1 Corinthians 16:2

The significance of this fact is two fold: First, money given for ministry was to be channeled through the local church , which assembled on Sunday. Second, since giving was to be done while the church was assembled, it should be viewed as part of worship .

B. The place of giving

As noted above, offerings were to be taken to the local church, which was responsible for the administration of the funds. It was local churches that managed the funds collected by Paul. Paul took great pains to ensure the wise use of those funds, both in reality and in perception . In other words, Paul was careful to work under the authority of local churches to avoid the perception or accusation of misusing funds.

And we are sending along with [Titus] the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.   2 Corinthians 8:18 21

[Be very cautious about supporting parachurch organizations. Strictly speaking, they are not biblically based (God’s program is the church, not the parachurch), and they may not use the money they receive wisely, as evidenced by the recent TV evangelist scandals.]

C. The attitude of giving

1. Stewardship giving is voluntary .

New Testament giving is not a matter of law . Rather, it flows from a heart which recognizes that all that we have and are belongs to God.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.   2 Corinthians 9:7

[Interesting note: The Greek word for “cheerful” comes from the root “hilarion,” as in “hilarious.” ]

2. Stewardship giving is a privilege .

Paul originally did not ask the churches in Macedonia to give to the offering for the Palestinian churches because he knew that the Macedonians were extremely poor. However, when they heard of the need, they pleaded with Paul to be included. Even though in great need themselves, they considered giving to be a privilege.

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.   2 Corinthians 8:1-4

3. Stewardship giving should be done cheerfully .

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.   2 Corinthians 9:7

D. The amount of giving

1. Stewards should give according to their income .

God wants believers to worship Him with the wealth and talents that they currently possess, no matter how great or small. The widow with her small copper coins (Mark 12:41 44) is a prime example of giving that pleases the Lord.

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.   1 Corinthians 16:2

For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.   2 Corinthians 8:12

2. Stewards should give as much as possible .

The New Testament does not teach that a specific percentage of one’s income is to be given to the Lord. The Old Testament tithe (ten percent) can only serve as a starting point. The sacrificial Macedonians are once again an excellent example:

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.   2 Corinthians 8:3

[Actually, the Law required that OT believers give considerably more than just 10% (they were required to give almost 25%). Besides what was required, they gave their sacrifices and often free-will offerings too. Nevertheless, 10% is a good place for the believer to start. One should give at least that much.]

IV. The Importance of Stewardship

Stewardship is important for at least two reasons:

A. Stewardship brings glory to God.

1. Stewardship is an act of faithfulness .

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.   1 Corinthians 4:2

2. Stewardship is an expression of Christ likeness .

Paul urged the Corinthians to give liberally in order to imitate the supreme act of giving, the self-sacrifice of Christ.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.   2 Corinthians 8:9

B. Stewardship accomplishes the work of the ministry.

God has determined to accomplish His will in this dispensation by entrusting His work to believers. Apart from the commitment of God’s people to be faithful stewards, the work of the ministry cannot take place.

1. Stewardship of time and talents provides human resources for the ministry.

Believers must be willing to dedicate their lives to the work of the ministry. This is one of the many reasons why God has saved us.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.   Ephesians 2:10

2. Stewardship of treasures provides physical resources for the ministry.

The New Testament gives specific directions concerning the use of the financial resources of the church. They should be used:

a. To meet the needs of pastors and their families

Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.   1 Corinthians 9:13 14

[The Bible also says that those who labor in the Word are worthy of “double honor,” very likely a reference to their pay.]

b. To meet the needs of missionaries

For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.   Philippians 4:16 18

c. To meet the needs of others , especially other believers

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.   Galatians 6:10

Recap & Review

In this lesson, we have learned:

1. Stewardship is based upon the fact that God is the Creator and Owner of all things.

2. A steward is one who is responsible to manage a trust given by another. Believers are responsible to properly manage the time, talents, treasures, and message they have been given by God.

3. Believers should voluntarily and cheerfully give as much as they are able to their local church each Sunday.

4. Stewardship brings glory to God and accomplishes the work of the ministry.

Learning to Live It

1. A man in your church has a job that pays extremely well. He can easily afford to drive a Mercedes and live in a $1,000,000 home. Would it be right for him to have such a car and home? Why or why not?

no; He does not need them–they are luxuries. As Christians we should not live in posh luxury. Instead, we should provide for what we need and then for the needs of the ministry and the needs of others.

2. A church in town makes a big deal over the number of missionaries it supports. The pastoral staff, however, is struggling to make ends meet and the church facilities are in desperate need of repair. Yet, the church continues to take on new missionaries. What scriptural responsibilities has this church overlooked?

its responsibility to meet the needs of its pastors and to make its building presentable; Only after meeting these obligations should this church consider taking on more missionaries. Perhaps if they did this, the pastor would work harder or better, and better facilities would help the church grow, so the church could support even more missionaries. A solid mission program is based on a solid home church.