1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - Homiletics

Christian philanthropy.

"Now concerning the collection for the saints," etc. At the outset three truths are suggested.

1. That in the highest theological discussion the urgency of practical benevolence should never be overlooked. Immediately after the apostle had passed through the discussion on the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, he says, "Now concerning the collection." Practical benevolence is for many reasons more important than the grandest theological doctrine; it is doctrine demonstrated, exemplified, and reduced to utility; it is the blossom run into fruit.

2. That the grandest institutions are likely to break down in a world of depravity. The young Church at Jerusalem adopted the principle of Christian socialism. As many as were possessors of land or houses sold them, and brought the prices of those sold "and laid them down at the apostles' feet," and distribution was made to every man according as he had need. A magnificent social system this, a system suited to bind all classes and races of men into the unity of a loving brotherhood. But the swelling tide of human depravity soon bears it away; for here we find Paul urging a collection for the poor Christians at Jerusalem, many of whom were shut up m prison, and those of them who were released reduced to abject destitution,—hence the collection. How many magnificent schemes for the world's good are constantly being dashed to pieces by the black billows of popular depravity!

3. That the practical sympathy for human suffering which Christianity generates is a Divine element. Here are Galatia and Corinth drawn in sympathy for one common object, and that object was "suffering saints at Jerusalem." These people lived widely asunder, and were separated by many striking peculiarities, but here they meet together. This is the Divine principle that will one day draw all men together in Christ. Our subject is Christian philanthropy, and here we have—

I. ITS CLAIMS ZEALOUSLY ADVOCATED . "Now concerning the collection." Paul was the advocate, and his advocacy glows with zeal. We find that in this matter he proposes the Galatians as an example to the Corinthians, the Corinthians an example to the Macedonians, and both as an example to the Romans ( 2 Corinthians 9:2 ; Romans 15:26 ). Were it not for the earnest advocacy of Christly men, the probability is that the Divine element of pure and practical social sympathy would become extinct. It is the living ministry of the gospel that keeps it alive, and in this it fulfils the grandest of all missions.

II. ITS OPERATIONS WISELY DIRECTED . Paul directed:

1. That the contributions should be personal. "Let every one of you lay by him in store," No one was exempted, however poor; the widow's mite was acceptable. If no coin, then give service.

2. That the contributions should be systematic. "Upon the first day of the Week." Begin the week with deeds of practical benevolence.

3. That the contributions should be religious. "As God hath prospered him." This was the principle to rule the amount. Were this principle acted upon, some of the men who subscribe their ten thousand pounds, and who are lauded the world over as philanthropists, would be found to be churls after all, and those who subscribed their few shillings would appear as princes in the domain of practical charity. But, alas! how men reverse this principle! The more they have the less they give.

III. ITS CONTRIBUTIONS HONESTLY DISTRIBUTED . "And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me." It is your duty to see that what you have subscribed shall be honestly distributed, and for this purpose, send men as your almoners, and if it seems necessary to secure the honest distribution, I will go with them. How sadly is this duty frequently neglected! How much money given for charitable purposes is dishonestly used and misappropriated every year!