Learning to Give

Romans 15:23-33

Here at the end of the letter, Paul spends time laying out plans to visit the church in Rome. His current destination was to Jerusalem. From there, he planned to go to Spain by way of Rome.

There are a couple of things of interest here.

1. Paul was carrying a tithe to Jerusalem to support the poorer church there.
   
2. Paul was reaching out for spiritual and financial help from the church at Rome.

Many scholars believe the money from Macedonia and Achaia was in support of a church facing large costs from aiding pilgrims journeying to the Holy City. There is a precedent set for giving that shows churches eager to aid in invigorating other churches. Competition between churches was not part of their thought processes. They wanted to help each other in tough times.

Our day of financial problems is growing tough. Churches are beginning to reach out for help as they find more and more problems meeting budgets. People continue to lose jobs while finances dwindle. Things are a lot tougher than people realize. If ever we are to band together, as the body of Christ, then this is a great time for us to do so.

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30 (NIV)

Beyond the money to help support each other, Paul is a missionary. He was not financially well off. His journeys cost money, and he normally had a small group traveling with him. He asks for prayer because he understood the danger he faced. He hints at support from the Roman church to aid him as he proceeded to Spain. Again, precedents are set for giving. All support for missionaries should include prayer. Paul was very specific about his prayer request.

What can we learn from this:

• God's plan for the church is for us to support the church through giving as a means to aid others and keep the church running (administrative stuff included).
• God never instituted the church to be in competition against each other but in competition against the devil's drive to keep lost souls. We are to be soul seekers!
  
• God's plan is for us to aid in missionary work through financial and spiritual help. Pray and give. Paul may have even equipped people to journey with him to help plant churches in Spain.
  
• Prayer is not something we should casually ask people to give. We must learn to become more specific in our requests.

• Are you supporting and praying for a missionary?
• How faithful are you in giving?
• How specific are you in your prayer requests?