Ephesians 4:28 King James Version (KJV)

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

 

Philippians 2:4

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

 

In his ministry in Thessalonica and Corinth (and probably other places where he sought to establish new churches), Paul tried not to confuse the mission and to burden new converts by asking for money. Thus, he either worked with his own hands to pay his way or received money from a distant church to supply his needs.

 

Three understandings to learn from Paul concerning liberality:

 

1. Our liberality facilitates the propagation of the Gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:11-12 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we [have a better and greater claim]? However, we have never exercised this right, but we endure everything rather than put a hindrance in the way [of the spread] of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:9 For you recall our hard toil and struggles, brethren. We worked night and day [and plied our trade] in order not to be a burden to any of you [for our support] while we proclaimed the glad tidings (the Gospel) of God to you.

 

II Corinthians 11:5-9 For I am not inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the Gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

 

 

2. Enrichment from God for liberality is to be embraced and desired. In fact it is a ministry.

II Corinthians 9:12-13 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 

 

 

3. Be cheerful in giving, and do not be weary in well doing. In so doing, your seeds are multiplied.

 

II Corinthians 9:6-8 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 

 

Galatians 6:9-10

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, especially those of the household of faith.

 

II Corinthians 9:10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,