Christian Duty

Romans 15:27: It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

Paul makes it clear that it was a freewill offering. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). This is the offering Paul collected. Paul makes it very clear that it not only was a freewill offering (they couldn’t give any other way to please God), but he also enforces the fact that they had a moral obligation and debt to pay. The Gentiles had received the gospel from Israel. Our Lord Jesus said, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). You see, the gospel began in Jerusalem. Macedonia and Achaia were obligated to Jerusalem. Now some of the saints in Jerusalem were having financial difficulties, evidently because of persecution. Macedonia and Achaia could now pay a spiritual debt in the coin of the realm. This is foreign missions in reverse! It is the missionary church helping the home church. This very thing may take place in our nation, by the way, in the not too far distant future! ¹

Application

• Would you consider yourself a cheerful giver or a resentful giver?
• In my opinion, until a person can give joyfully, it is not worth giving at all.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for saving me and thank You for giving me the joyful privilege of supporting the people and ministries that are committed to bringing the gospel to the world.