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Authority Lesson 10
The treasury
It’s authority to exist, authority in collection
of funds, and authority in the divestiture of funds
I. Is there authority for a treasury in a local
congregation?
A. Is there a direct command? No
B. Is there an example of a treasury to
pay the bills of a local congregation? No
1. What about the Saints
selling their goods and giving to the Apostles? (Acts 4:32)
a. A treasury
to provide relief to the poor, not to support a local treasury
C. Is there a necessary
inference?
1.
Yes Congregations were given orders to pay preachers, elders etc.
a.
This would not be possible if there wasn’t a treasury.
II. How are funds to be collected?
A. Is there a direct command? No
B. Is there an example of a collection
to support the work of the local church?
1. No
See addendum on I Cor. 16
C. Is there “specific
authority” requiring a specific method of collection? No
D. Is there a necessary
inference requiring collection be done a particular way? No
E. Therefore, since it is
necessary to have a collection, and we are not told how to do it, it
falls under the realm of an expediency.
Look at each method of collection:
Sunday AM collections, rummage sales, wills, investment proceeds
Is it lawful? Does it
break any other biblical laws?
Does it edify?
Would it create division or
cause a brother to sin?
III. For what can the funds be used?
A. Bible Texts On
Benevolence:
1.
Texts that deal with formal benevolence within a local congregation:
a.
Acts 2:44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in
common
b. Acts 4:34-35 Nor was
there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands
or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were
sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each
as anyone had need.
c. Acts 6:1 Now in those
days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a
complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows
were neglected in the daily distribution.
d. 1 Tim 5:9-10 Do not
let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not
unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good
works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if
she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if
she has diligently followed every good work.
2.
Texts where one church helps another needy church(s)
a.
Acts 11:27-30 Antioch to churches of Judea
b.
Rom 15:25-28; 1 Cor 16:1,2; 2 Cor 8,9 Macedonia & Achaia to Jerusalem
3.
Texts where we are to show benevolence: (just a few of the many)
a. Gal 6:10 Therefore,
as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who
are of the household of faith.
b. James 1:27 Pure and
undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans
and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the
world.
IV. The Pattern of collective benevolence
A. For the saints
1.
Acts 2:44; 4:32: needy ‘believers"
2.
Acts 6:1-10 dispute over "believing" widows
3.
Acts 11 "relief for the brethren"
4. 1
Tim 5:9-10,16 "believing widows"
5. 1
Cor 16:1 collection "for the saints"
6. Rom
15:25 to minister "to the saints"
7. 2
Cor 8:9 the "need of the saints" in Judea and to all (needy saints
outside Judea)
8. 2
Cor 9:1 "ministry to the saints"
B. For “non-saints”
1. Jas. 1:27 Pure and
undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit
orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted
from the world.
a. But it says
“keep oneself unspotted” Isn’t it talking about the individual here?
I. Can an
individual be a religion? Greek seems to think not
A. threskeia (thrace-ki'-ah);
ceremonial observance: (Thayer)
B.
religion, worshipping. (Strongs)
II.
can’t find where Jesus ever said if 1 or more are gathered in my name...
2. 2 Cor 9:13-14 for your
liberal sharing with them and all men
3. Gal 6:10 Therefore,
as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to
those who are of the household of faith.
V. Church or individual?
A.
Many in the Faith make a distinction between the “lord’s” money
and the “individual Christian’s
a.
Does the Bible make such a distinction?
i.
Some “in the Faith” would call this a stupid question
b.
Just answer the question, does it? NO it does not
c.
Why does man make a distinction where the Bible does not?
i.
They say they don’t make a distinction, the Bible by it’s SILENCE
does
1.
It doesn’t say that you CAN give out of the treasury, therefore,
you can’t
a.
Anything then (following this argument) not SPECIFICALLY
mentioned cannot be done with the Lord’s money
i.
Can’t pay an electric bill, phone bill, mortgage
1.
Nothing except paying a preacher and elder
2.
They admit if it is authorized to have using any of the rules of
authority, it is OK to pay with the Lord’s money
3.
Giving to non-saints is authorized, isn’t it?
a.
Js. 1:27, 2 Cor 9:13-14, Gal 6:10 Yes it is!
4.
So in the light of this proof, they go back to “this is an
individual responsibility” But the Bible doesn’t make that distinction
a.
And we start all over again!
B.
Did the Lord himself (and his apostles) have a treasury? Yes
a.
Can you find 1 example (how many do I need) where money from this
treasury was given to a poor “non-believer?”
i.
Yes - Matt 26:9 Could have sold the oil and given it to the
poor
Am I certain I am right here? NO. But I believe I
am absolutely closer to the truth by doing something to help the poor,
even if I am wrong in my interpretation, than the
group who sits on their treasury doing nothing, even though helping the
poor was one of Christ’s greatest missions while on earth. What an
example for his church!
The Lord’s Church has the Responsibility
to do the Lord’s Work here on Earth. |
