What other scriptures emphasize integrity in managing church resources? Setting the Stage: Paul’s Careful Plan (1 Corinthians 16:3) “Then, when I arrive, I will dispatch letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.” • Paul does not handle the money himself. • He insists on approved messengers and written authorization. • The verse shows that integrity is woven into the very logistics of giving. Integrity Modeled by Paul and His Team • 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 – “We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” • 2 Corinthians 9:5 – “So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and make arrangements for the generous gift you had promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.” Key ideas: multiple trusted brothers, advance planning, open transparency. Patterns from the Early Church • Acts 4:34-35 – resources laid “at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” • Acts 5:3-4 – Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit exposes the seriousness of lying about money: “You have not lied to men, but to God!” • Acts 6:3-4 – seven Spirit-filled men appointed so that distribution to widows is handled fairly. These passages underline accountability, honest reporting, and Spirit-led administrators. Leadership Qualifications that Protect the Purse • 1 Timothy 3:2-3 – overseers must be “free of the love of money.” • Titus 1:7 – an overseer is “not greedy for money.” • 1 Peter 5:2-3 – shepherds serve “not out of greed, but eager to serve.” When leaders meet these standards, church funds remain in trustworthy hands. Timeless Principles from Jesus’ Teaching • Luke 16:10-12 – faithfulness with “very little” determines fitness for “true riches.” • Matthew 25:21 – “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Stewardship of money reveals character and opens—or closes—future responsibility. Wisdom from the Old Testament • Proverbs 11:1 – “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD.” • Proverbs 20:23 – “Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD.” • Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings.” • Deuteronomy 25:15 – “You must maintain honest weights and measures.” • Malachi 3:10 – the tithe belongs in God’s storehouse, handled plainly and faithfully. • 2 Kings 12:15 – workers on the temple project “acted with integrity,” so no auditing was required. God’s unchanging standard: precision, honesty, and open accounting. Putting It All Together From Paul’s travel plans to Old Testament building projects, Scripture consistently ties generosity to integrity. Multiple witnesses, written records, Spirit-qualified leaders, and honest weights all safeguard the Lord’s resources. Managing money this way honors God, protects His people, and ensures that every gift arrives where He intends. |
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