This past Sunday we looked at Galatians 6:1-10.  Paul instructed these Christians to give. 

“Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” Galatians 6:6

Oh no, he didn’t!!!!  He called these believers to give financially to the mission of the church.  He calls them to sow (plant) to please the Spirit (Pneuma = wind, breath), from the Spirit will reap eternal life (v.8). 

• Do you think giving was easier back then than it is now? 
• Why is giving so hard to do?   

We live in a time where things, money, and stuff are supreme (or so we think).  Everything is so expensive that to give seems impossible.  But isn’t interesting that we find money (or credit) when we see something we have to have or really really want.  I know we are during challenging times with our houses losing value and with gas prices tripling, but how important is our commitment to our church. 

Paul declares if we are receiving instruction from a person or a church, then we should share all good things.  What would your giving share about your faith?  What would your giving share about your relationship to Mount Ararat?

In another place in scripture Paul shares, “Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.  On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.  Then when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-3   

Paul was not afraid to set the expectation for people to give.  He even shared that giving should be a regular sum given in a consistent way.  Maybe we should draw closer to scripture to where our faith can be seen in our check book and our bank account.  I am praying that more people of Mount Ararat would begin to give a sum after every payday.  I can only imagine what God could do through us!