What does "set aside a sum of money" teach about planned giving? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians 16:2: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” Paul is giving the Corinthian believers a standing order for supporting the Jerusalem church. The directive reveals timeless truths about planned, God-honoring generosity. What “Set Aside a Sum of Money” Shows Us • Intentionality – Giving is not left to impulse. A deliberate choice is made before the money is spent elsewhere. – Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” Firstfruits are purposeful, not accidental. • Regularity – “On the first day of every week” ties giving to the church’s weekly worship. – This rhythm keeps generosity from becoming sporadic. Hebrews 10:25 links the weekly gathering with mutual encouragement; giving is part of that shared worship. • Personal Responsibility – “Each of you” indicates every believer, regardless of income level, is included. – 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” The decision is personal yet accountable to God. • Proportionality – “In keeping with your income” guards against both pride and discouragement. – A widow’s two small coins (Luke 21:1-4) outweigh a wealthy person’s surplus in God’s economy because He measures sacrifice, not size. • Provision in Advance – “Saving it up, so that … no collections will have to be made.” Funds are ready before the need becomes urgent, ensuring relief can be sent immediately. – Joseph stored grain in Egypt ahead of famine (Genesis 41:34-36); planned provision prevented crisis. Principles for Planned Giving Today • Give first, not last. Treat generosity as a non-negotiable line in the budget. • Schedule it. Set up weekly or monthly transfers just as you would for utilities. • Tie the amount to income. When God increases supply, enlarge generosity (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). • Keep funds accessible for kingdom needs. A designated account or envelope mirrors “saving it up.” • Remember the larger mission. Corinth’s gift aided distant believers; your planned giving can strengthen local ministry and global outreach alike. Why Planned Giving Honors God • It acknowledges His ownership of everything (Psalm 24:1). • It reflects His orderly character (1 Corinthians 14:33). • It frees the church to focus on ministry rather than emergency fundraising. • It turns a potentially anxious topic into an act of weekly worship and trust. Planned giving, rooted in “set aside a sum of money,” transforms generosity from a sporadic reaction into a steady, faith-filled habit that mirrors God’s orderly provision for His people. |
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