How Buff Is Your Wallet?

HOW BUFF IS YOUR WALLET?

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 | #buffwallet

THREAD: HOW BUFF IS YOUR WALLET?

As we begin today, I would like us to read together the Scriptures that we will focus on. We are looking at just two verses in the book of 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians was written by a man named Paul. He was an Apostle of Jesus which means Jesus personally picked him to be a representative and witness for Him. The Apostle Paul wrote many books in the New Testament and informs us much about our Christian faith.

Let’s read together this morning from 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. There are only two verses so let us read them together out loud.

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-2 (ESV) [read together]

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

Let’s read together this morning from 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 again, but this time from the Message Version. There are only two verses so let us read them together out loud.

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-2 (MSG) [read together]

Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you’ll have it ready, and I won’t have to make a special appeal.

The topic that Paul is addressing in 1 Corinthians 16 is money even though in English in some translations the word “money” doesn’t appear. The Apostle Paul uses the word “collection” twice. He is not talking about collecting food or clothes or anything else, but specifically talking about the giving and collecting of money in the church. The Apostle Paul does not shy away from money in his letters and addresses it when it is appropriate.

The Apostle Paul teaches us much about giving and money actually:

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-7 (ESV)

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

READ 1 TIMOTHY 6:6-10 (ESV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

The Apostle Paul presents important Truths for us on the topic of giving and tithes and offerings and managing finances and our heart desire for material things. Money is part of life and a necessity for living and he shares these truths in many of his letters. As I read our verses for today from 1 Corinthians 16, we see the Apostle Paul teaching us about the spiritual exercise of giving. You can also call it a habit, a discipline, a requirement, a command, or some other term, but today as we think about tithing and giving gifts to God, I would like us to think of it as: a spiritual exercise.

Based on that thought, as giving as a spiritual exercise, I ask the question:

THREAD: HOW BUFF IS YOUR WALLET?

STRETCHING

As with most things, exercise needs preparation. The preparation before exercise is called TV watching. No, that’s not right. The preparation before exercise is called “stretching.” PE teachers across the fruited plains tell us that “stretching” is a deliberate release and contraction of a muscle or muscle group to increase elasticity and build strength.

ILLUSTRATION…acefitness.org/resources/blog/5107/top-10-benefits-of-stretching/

The American Council on Exercise lists ten principal benefits of stretching:

1. Decreases muscle stiffness and increases range of motion.

2. May reduce your risk of injury.

3. Helps relieve post-exercise aches and pains.

4. Improves posture.

5. Helps reduce or manage stress.

6. Reduces muscular tension and enhances muscular relaxation.

7. Improves mechanical efficiency and overall functional performance.

8. Prepares the body for the stress of exercise.

9. Promotes circulation.

10. Decreases the risk of low-back pain.