INTRODUCTION
At the Rainbow Bird Park in Kalbarri Western Australia there are two exotic birds valued at $8000 each. They were purchased in order to commence a breeding program - only they won’t breed! That’s what I call a high risk investment.
Wealth and money holds various levels of importance to us doesn’t it. Well today we’re looking specifically at the issue of how we should go about paying the bills that impact the various areas of our lives.
I. RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD’S GENERAL WORK (THE WORLD) (Romans 13:1-8)
The Tax Office received a letter from a conscience stricken tax-payer. It read,
“Dear Sir, My conscience bothered me. Here is $175 I owe in back taxes. PS - If my conscience still bothers me I’ll send the rest.”
Tax. No one likes it, but now with the GST it effects almost every legal financial transaction we make. Perhaps it’s because Tax is so much a part of our financial life that God has expressed his opinion on it.
In fact the bible is very clear on what our financial responsibility is to the world; whether it be tax we owe to the government or a debt we owe to a lender.
We might sum up the bible’s teaching on this issue like this ….
By fulfilling our financial responsibilities outside the church, we are participating in God’s general work in the world.
To understand this better lets take a look at Romans 13. In this chapter the Apostle Paul explains the standard of community responsibility that is expected from people who follow Jesus Christ.
He begins by explaining the Believer’s responsibility to government generally – and I want us to take a brief look at this first to give us some necessary background, before we move on to the specific issues of Tax and debt.
Submission is the standard (v1).
RO 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
The principle here is that submission is the standard. And the reason given is because God has set up every authority that exists. So if we wish to be obedient to God, then we must be obedient to the authorities which he has put in place. And v 2 spells this out ….
Rebellion is against God (v2)
RO 13:2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
So if we rebel, it is not against the system, or the authority, it is against God. And there is a very high and very personal price to pay. But there is a more peaceful way to live…
The way of peace (vv3-4). (God sees even if man does not!)
RO 13:3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. RO 13:4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
This is all very logical and practical advice. Essentially what’s being said is abide by the law and you can sleep at night. So this is the way of peace .
Now to the specifics on tax and debt. What we are about to read is a revelation of God’s will regarding how we are to pay the bills.
Our motivation. (Not fear of punishment but love of what is right v5)
First of all, what’s our motivation supposed to be.
RO 13:5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
It’s just like God to raise the issue of our attitude before the practicalities. God is interested, first and foremost, about the condition of our heart.
It is God’s desire that we pay the bills, be it tax or debt, not because we fear punishment if we don’t pay, but because we love what is right. Believers follow a God who loves righteousness, and if we want to reflect our God’s heart, then we must love righteousness too. And that means we pay not because we have to, we pay simply because it’s the right thing to do – and this reflects God’s heart.
For example, we all use the roads and expect our children to be educated, it follows that the right thing to do is to pay for that service in our taxes. And to pay for it willingly – even cheerfully - not begrudgingly.
What we really believe about God (v6).
You know, our attitude towards taxes and debt reveals what we really believe about God? [Handout].
RO 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
This is an important statement about himself that our Father is making here. I.e. we pay taxes because it’s simply right – and it’s right to support God’s servants! Yes our nation’s Treasurer Peter Costello is God’s servant! Notice it doesn’t say that Peter Costello is God – but he is God’s servant.
All governing authorities are God’s servants. So it reasonable that God’s people support them willingly. If we don’t, we reveal that we have limited understanding of how our God works in the world.
The person in authority may be unworthy of our support, but the institution is not, because God established it. It goes without saying that without financial support, government cannot function – and without a functioning government we have chaos - anarchy.
But by contributing to government we are contributing to God’s general work in the world as he cares for and directs whole nations of people.
Debt (vv7-8).
And for a specific word on debt we have vv7-8
RO 13:7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue [i.e. income], then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. RO 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
The directives here are very straightforward – we are simply to pay back what we owe. But again our motivations are challenged.
Love for others is to be our incentive. We live in community, we benefit from the government over that community, and the commercial world within it – and both government and commerce are not just institutions – they are people, people with families, people that may be our neighbors, people who may not yet know Christ – but certainly people who really matter to God.
The over-riding principle that I want you take home here is this, give as good as you get. By world standards we really do have good government and we certainly enjoy material abundance and commercial prosperity. Our response should reflect this blessing.
What does all this mean? Firstly this …… the expectation the world has of you far exceeds that of anyone else. If you owe – pay up and quick. Make it a priority in your business to never be chased for money.
Make it a pleasure for people to do business with you. Why? So that you don’t jeopardize your witness. Being slow to pay or by being caught up in shady financial deals, whether in your personal finances, in your employment, or with your taxation responsibilities, can only harm our Lord’s reputation.
I know people, and maybe you do too, who have been put off Christianity because of a Believer they know who has shafted them!
Secondly, don’t break relationship with your God due to sinful attitudes and practices in your financial dealings. Sin is sin and it will separate you from God and you will struggle through life.
Also, God is the ultimate authority to whom we answer, not the nation’s Treasurer. There is more to paying bills and taxes than merely paying bills and taxes – there is a crucial relationship at stake. When we avoid our financial responsibilities we are offending not our government, not the bankers, but ultimately we are offending God. And this is the basis of sin and it may be what is standing between us and an eternity of blessing in this and the next life. Forgiveness is available (1 John 1:9).
Also, We must pay our bills in full and on time if the witness of our church family is to be preserved. Don’t place our treasurer in an embarrassing situation. And if your ministry handles its own budget – be diligent to protect your witness.
II. RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD’S SPECIFIC WORK (THE CHURCH) (2 Corinthians 8-9)
Well, that’s money and the world. What does the bible say about our money and the church. For that we need to turn to 2 Cor 8-9.
While you do that let me tell about some research I found on giving in the church.
John And Sylvia Ronsvalle lead an organization called “Empty Tomb.” For twenty years they have worked in hands-on ministry to the poor, while also operating a small think-tank that analyzes more than 30 years of data on giving in religious institutions.
Their research proves one of the unwritten laws of church finances; that 20% of the members give up to 80% percent of the annual budget. And that in most cases, 50% or more give little or nothing. In a recent report on their work the question was raised, “Why do people give what they give?”
Some of the answers they found are not very comforting. For example they found that ….
* Some people give as if they are purchasing shares in a beautiful building which will be used for major events in the life of their family – like christenings, weddings and funerals. And they care deeply about what that building looks like for these events.
* They also found that many people view their offerings as payment for services rendered by the staff and clergy. Perhaps they want witty and practical sermons that please their intellects or emotions. They expect Pastors to visit them in the hospital and offer pastoral counseling -- for free -- in times of crisis. Youth pastors must heal and entertain their sons and daughters and answer awkward questions feared by parents.
* Still others are buying a culture. For some members, this may be that they are buying a traditional church service or a contemporary church service. Some use the church as a social club, or the focus of ethnic identity – outside of which they have no friends and no identity.
* Finally, the Ronsvalles’ research shows that many church members sincerely see giving as a matter of faith, the natural result of gratitude and a biblical vision.
Sadly when it comes to giving to the church what can often be missed is this principle ….
By fulfilling our financial responsibilities to the church, we are participating in God’s specific work in the world.
And this is an awesome privilege.
You see God cares for the world’s population generally, through the financial systems and governments of the world, but the church is like his special project.
In this passage from 2 Cor Paul is talking about a substantial gift given to one church from another. And once again God goes straight for the heart.
1. Attitude.
Our attitude in giving to the church is hugely important. And it is to be one of ….
a. Generosity (8:3; 9:6)
We are to be generous …
2CO 8:3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
2CO 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Generosity becomes real through our commitment to God and his people. And Believers are to be characterized by a spirit of generosity.
b. Privilege (8:4)
And our attitude should also reflect the privilege it is to contribute to the work of God.
2CO 8:3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 2CO 8:4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 2CO 8:5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.
We don’t have to give to the church, we get to. It is a privilege to partner with God financially in saving lives – that’s our mission.
We are not maintaining a beautiful building for people to marry in; we are not paying a fee for services rendered; we are not developing a social club; and we are not paying for a church service that suits us – we are paying for the work of saving lives into the kingdom.
It’s been said that the church is the only institution that exists solely for the benefit of its non-members. When we give it is to the vision and work of reconciling people to their God enabling them to live the lives God has intended for them.
So our attitude is to be one of open-handed generosity and a sense of joy in giving.
2. How much?
But here’s the question ----- How much should I give?
Many Believers base their giving on the Old Testament pattern of 10%. This is a helpful guide, but it is not the NT pattern. In the NT we see that giving should be based on, and proportional to, our means.
2CO 8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
In other words, God will not hold you responsible for giving what you do not have. For example, a believer with a non-Christian spouse should not be expected to give unless the unbelieving spouse approves. And also, it could be that a double income no kids family – or an “empty nest” family could see their way to giving more than say a single income family with kids at home. This is a matter of conscience before the Lord. But in this we also need to remember that willingness doesn’t pay the bills – and sometimes we are to be stretched in our giving in order to practice and grow in our faith.
3. Our Example.
And our example in generous giving is Jesus.
2CO 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Easter is just around the corner – what a reminder this is of the generosity of Christ’s love! He gave his life that we might live – how much more should we give in order that others might know this life also?
Christ is the supreme example of one who showed eagerness and generosity in giving as a demonstration of his love. If nothing else will motivate us towards generosity, then the example of Christ’s selflessness certainly should.
Christ "became poor" by coming from heaven to live on earth as a human. Jesus gave up his position with God and became a human so that we might know him! Philippians spells this out … (cf. Philippians 2:6-8 in the Message).
Christ moved from wealth to "poverty" for your sake and mine! Christ was incredibly rich, but he gave selflessly and became poor for the sake of others. Believers are to follow this example.
“How broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love.”- Ephesians 3:18
And love for others should be our motivation in giving also.
4. Benefits.
Spiritual returns
2CO 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
All the resources of heaven are ours to accomplish the work of God in us and in the world around us. God will supply you with what he needs to complete his work.
And Jesus promise to us when we give is this ….
LK 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
PHP 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Again the principle in all of this is give as good as you get. Believer, you have been granted a brand new and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a priceless gift, more than we could ever repay. For this reason it is a privilege and a joy to express our gratitude to him by giving; and to partner with our God and his people financially as he transforms his world one life at a time.
Now in my life I will …...
1. “Not “me and now” but “others and Eternity.”
When we think finances, Jesus says “eternity.” When we think a new car, Jesus says “eternity.” When we think budgets, Jesus says, “eternity.” When we think building debt, Jesus says, “eternity.” When we think taxation, Jesus says, “eternity.” When we ask how much do I give? Jesus says, “eternity.”
2. Principle: Give as good as you get. Have and attitude of generosity and joy in giving.
CONCLUSION
Paying the bills is a fairly practical issue. The challenge is to remember firstly, that we are not at war with the tax man and lenders – we are cooperating with God in the working out of his general purposes in the world.
And in giving to the church we are not building a social club for ourselves, we are cooperating with God in the working out of his specific purposes in the world through the church. We are giving for the benefit of others who do not yet know Christ.
Bills must be paid, but how we carry that responsibility reveals much about our heart and what we really believe about God and his work in the world.
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