Honoring God in Personal Finances (Workbench of Practical Christianity #4) | Douglas Wilson

[@matthewcharles6869]

I’m in a crippling amount of debt and can’t pay it off what do I do? I’m newly married and it’s causing so many problems for us. I have a full time job but it isn’t enough. I’m trying to find a second job at night and on the weekends but God hasn’t given me anything yet. Idk what to do. I’ve admitted to God I did this to myself and I’m willing to work whatever and how ever many jobs to get out of debt but haven’t been able to find anything. Putting a tremendous strange on my marriage. I just wanna be debt free so I can serve the Lord. Why hasn’t he helped me yet? Please pray for me. I’ve never felt so helpless and lost in my life. I used to be so much more friendly and care free. I feel like this has changed me. Please pray. Thanks

[@lizakamomboyd6965]

Thank you Pastor

[@supersmart671]

John MacArthur has a different interpretation about the widows offering..

[@markb7067]

We don't give to get. We get to give. The closest biblical instruction for "honoring God with our finances" is to give to the poor and support our household. Sure we should support our local church, other ministries, and charities with money or otherwise as we're led and as we're able. But giving to a religious institution isn't the equivalent of "giving to God" unless that religious institution is your God.

[@Brievel]

And what to do when the choice is literally between tithing, and feeding and clothing one's children? What does one choose?

[@holdingonforlife1]

He answered that, you feed your kids. The verse he quoted, “But if someone doesn't provide for their own family, and especially for a member of their household, they have denied the faith. They are worse than those who have no faith.” 1 Timothy 5:8

[@Brievel]

@@holdingonforlife1 Yes, I have long been familiar with that verse. But tithing is also very much required.

[@holdingonforlife1]

@@Brievel "I desire mercy not sacrifice, knowledge of God not burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6. Jesus quoted this twice in the NT, and it shows God's heart. If it's truly between feeding your starving family and tithing, feed your family.

[@TheReader6]

The poor were generally excused from tithing. With this said, God blesses giving. Giving is part of worship. I don’t think tithing is required in the NT, but that doesn’t preclude the saints from giving and I don’t think that it’s possible for saints not to desire to give.

[@ralphdavis162]

It is impossible to give money to God. 1st Cor.16 1,2 is a one-time event! I ask that you read the text in context. Paul was instructing only the Christians in Corinth and Galatia that were living in the 1st century. You and I are not included in that group. They were instructed “to store up and set aside” until Paul arrived. They were not told to give to a pastor every Sunday. Selected men in Corinth and Galatia then brought their stored-up offering (which was anything at all, not just money) to the persecuted Christians in Jerusalem and they distributed their offering themselves as they saw fit. This was a one-time event only. Paul did not keep a large amount for his salary and the corporations’ expenses like so called pastors do today. Please remember, people are the church not a corporation. Placing the word “church” at the end of the corporation’s title, whether profit or non-profit, does not make it a church. By definition, a corporation is a false church. Amazon Church, Microsoft Church, Community Bible Church, Grace Church. A corporation is not a church! 2 Cor. 9:7 instructs us to be cheerful givers, but that is to each other. And we can be cheerful givers/helpers, and servants to each other in many, many ways and on any day of the week. Please remember to always read God’s word in context.

[@TimZornes15]

Paul also tells Timothy that the laborer is worthy of his wages, in specific reference to the work the elders are doing in their local congregation. Yes, the Corinthian church was setting aside an offering specifically for Paul, Paul's other writings indicate he was intending this practice to continue with all worthy officers in the church.

[@ralphdavis162]

Thank you for your reply. Paul said “to bear your gift to Jerusalem.” 1 Cor. 16:3 As I read the text the gift was not for Paul but was for “Jerusalem”. This was a onetime event. You said “Paul's other writings indicate he was intending this practice to continue” Will you please give references supporting your statement? I know of no place the Bibles commands Christians today to store up their gift, or give to a non-profit corporation. If I’m wrong, please show me where. Regarding your usage of 1 Tim. 5:18 please read the text in context. That section is talking about giving the proper respect and honor to older men that try to help those that are newer in Christ. Wages is referring to giving of honor. Wages is not referring to money or a full-time salary. I believe, that would be an example of you inserting your own definition into the text. Thanks again, please send your supporting scripture references. @@TimZornes15