#180-G125 ~ Galatians 6:6-10
We now continue with our passage where the apostle Paul is talking about spiritual giving. I point out that we’re not under the Mosaic Law today, and even though tithing preceded the giving of the Mosaic Law, it is NOT a part of God’s program for us today. Rarely will you find people who understand that. Today, we are a part of what Paul calls The Dispensation of Grace. The principles of truth that are to guide us today are not the same as what went before. It is the apostle Paul who sets forth for us God’s way of life for His people today. So, we continue our study with Galatians 6:6.
6 Let him that is taught in the word [students] communicate [KOINONEO = distribute, as in giving out. In this case providing support.] unto him that teacheth in all good things [in all kinds of ways].
Again, we’re looking at what the Bible tells us about spiritual giving. Here I note that spiritual giving began long before the giving of the Mosaic Law. We see in Scripture that Abraham once gave tithes to Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:20
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The apostle Paul talks about giving, but not one word about tithing. For more information about giving, go to my article— Giving: Are believers supposed to tithe?
So, our first principle in this study is that tithing IS NOT a part of God’s program for His people today.
2nd Principle: We [today] are free to give as we have prospered.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
3rd Principle: We are to give willingly [not by anyone’s coercion].
2 Corinthians 8:12
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
4th Principle: We are to give responsibly.
1 Timothy 5:17-18
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour [there’s honor in the office they hold and there’s honor in the offerings they receive], especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1 Corinthians 9:9-11
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
5th Principle: We are to give systematically.
1 Corinthians 16:2
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Now we go back to our Galatians 6 passage for this next principle. We’ll now address the next three verses together.
Galatians 6:7-8
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. You’ll REAP it and may have to EAT it.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
6th Principle: We are to give tirelessly.
Galatians 6:9-10
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
That’s a promise you can count on.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith [believers].
We’ll continue with this study of giving next time.
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