Make Not My Fathers's House An House Of Merchandise

II Corinthians 8:1-15

Financial matters are a source of problems for many churches. As a result. Churches hold various fundraising programs, from Bingo games, church suppers, sales of cookbooks, recordings, and candy to Faith Promise Missions conferences. One group checks on the monthly earnings of their members, then sends them a bill for their tithe. Many others get their members to pledge a certain amount weekly, and send notices if it is not received. Evangelists pass the plate, and if there isn’t enough money, pass it again. The plate is regularly passed to meet special needs.

Many people have the impression that the church is only interested in money. Every time they go, they are asked for more. John 2 describes Jesus running out those who were selling items for worship in the temple.

“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.” (John 2:11-16)

The church is not to be a business, and the gifts and service of God are not to be used to make us a profit. Churches with bookstores, daycare centers, or apartments come very close to, if not overstepping this principle, as do many other present day church activities. Simon the Sorcerer fell into this in Acts 8. Peter makes it clear that this was not the result of spiritual leadership, but of a carnal, and sinful state.

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” (Acts 8:18-23)

Paul starts the passage by showing the spiritual attitude of the Macedonian Christians in their giving. They were in poverty themselves, yet gave tremendous amounts, far beyond any reasonable expectation. They were not asked to give, but asking for the privilege. Almost every new Christian has that attitude of wanting to give. It is a direct result of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Far too often the unspiritual attitude of the church destroys that attitude. Paul seeks demonstrate a Spiritual attitude by the example.

“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 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. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.” (II Corinthians 8:1-6

The Macedonians devoted themselves to Christ, and thus to following the lead of Paul and his helpers. As a result their giving was out of love, and far exceeded what would have been expected. Titus has been sent to encourage the Corinthians in a similar manner, building on what they had started in I Corinthians 16 the year before.

“Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.” (II Corinthians 8:7-10)

Giving is as much a part of the Christian life as any other aspect such as witnessing, or faith. It is not to be done from a sense of obligation so Paul is not commanding them to give, but suggesting that they follow the example of the Macedonians. If they understand what Christ has done, and appreciate it, they will see it as an opportunity to do as he did They will find it beneficial to their own spiritual state.

“Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.” (II Corinthians 8:11-15)

A lady in Farmington New Mexico told of being some what depressed after their church had committed to supporting a missionary to the Navajo Reservation. Her and her husband postponed purchasing some things they needed in order to help that missionary, including both furniture and a car. The missionary proceeded to buy one of the most expensive houses in town. She described how itr hurt to drive by his house on her way to church and see snowmobiles, jet skis and boats, when they needed a new couch to sit on. God never intended such situations.

God did not want churches in one area to support churches in another area, but that there should be an equality. Sharing is a mutual thing. Both sides are to share, not just one give to the other. Properly done, both will be able to do what is needed, without either one being unduly burdened. God’s intent was that each one depend on God to supply their needs. While others can help out, we are not to depend on them, but on God. It is often easier to ask people than to trust God.