What Old Testament principles align with 1 Corinthians 16:2 on giving? Verse in Focus “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (1 Corinthians 16:2) Firstfruits—Giving Off the Top • Exodus 23:19: “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” • Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty…” • Principle echoed: Paul urges believers to set funds aside at the very start of the week, mirroring Israel’s habit of giving to God first, not last. Tithes—Proportional Giving • Leviticus 27:30: “A tithe of everything from the land… belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” • Malachi 3:10: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house.” • Principle echoed: “each of you” and “a portion” indicate percentage-style giving, as tithing did—generosity tied to income, not a flat amount. Regular Rhythm—Sabbath and Festival Offerings • Numbers 28-29 outlines daily, weekly, and festival sacrifices. • Principle echoed: Paul sets a weekly schedule (“first day”) so giving becomes a steady rhythm, just as Israel had fixed times of offering. Preparedness—The Storehouse Idea • Nehemiah 10:38-39: “We will not neglect the house of our God.” Offerings were stored so resources were ready when needs arose. • Principle echoed: “saving it up… so that no collections will have to be made.” Funds are on hand before the crisis hits. Willing Hearts—Freewill Offerings • Exodus 35:5: “Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering.” • Principle echoed: Paul doesn’t coerce; he invites willing, planned generosity—just as Moses did for the tabernacle. Equity—Give as God Has Blessed You • Deuteronomy 16:16-17: “…they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God…” • Principle echoed: The amount is tied to how God prospers each person—identical language to Paul’s “in keeping with his income” (v.2, lit.). Community Care—Provision for the Needy • Deuteronomy 14:28-29: Every third-year tithe supported “the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.” • Principle echoed: Paul’s collection aimed at relieving saints in Jerusalem; OT giving likewise funded the vulnerable. Threads that Tie It Together 1. Priority—Firstfruits; first day. 2. Proportion—Tithe; “a portion.” 3. Predictability—Set times of sacrifice; weekly setting aside. 4. Preparedness—Storehouse; savings ready ahead of need. 5. Partnership—Community-wide involvement; “each of you.” Living the Alignment Today • Give first, not with leftovers. • Decide percentage or amount prayerfully and consistently. • Build giving into the weekly budget so emergencies don’t derail generosity. • Let offerings flow toward gospel work and practical relief, reflecting both temple care and aid for the poor. |
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