信徒的責任
哥林多前書十六章1至4節
1論到為聖徒捐錢，我從前怎樣吩咐加拉太的眾教會，你們也當怎樣行。
2每逢七日的第一日，各人要照自己的進項抽出來留著，免得我來的時候現湊。
3及至我來到了，你們寫信舉薦誰，我就打發他們，把你們的捐資送到耶路撒冷去。
4若我也該去，他們可以和我同去。
信息分享
這次收集捐獻的目的，是為了幫助耶路撒冷那些有缺乏的聖徒。當時的耶路撒冷出現飢荒，保羅發起這捐輸的運動，除了幫助有需要的信徒外，可能還希望藉此化解某些人對他的誤解和攻擊。
哥林多的信徒未必可以親自前往耶路撒冷，去幫助那裡的信徒；可是，他們卻可以透過捐助來幫助他們。捐助是一種切實分享和關懷的途徑。經文沒有指定哥林多信徒要捐助的款額，卻提出一個非常重要的原則：「各人要照自己的進項抽出來留著」；換言之，信徒每週從主所賜的收入中，抽取一個數額來作出捐獻。
按照舊約的規定，各人要將所得的十分之一奉獻給神。倘若在律法之下的猶太人，也能夠作出這樣的奉獻；我們這活在恩典之下的信徒，就更應該當仁不讓了。
保羅給哥林多信徒的原則，同樣適用於我們今天。我們必須培養定時奉獻的習慣，藉此來支持神的工作。我們必須知道，我們所得著的一切，都是從神而來的，所以，奉獻給神便是我們的本分。我們應該按照收入，定出固定的奉獻金額；並且，要像繳付其他賬單一樣的按時奉獻。要記著，捐得樂意的人，是神所祝福的；反之，我們若將應該奉獻的金錢留為己用，就等於剝奪神繼續祝福自己的機會，白白失去神的更多祝福。
反思：
神將各樣好處賜給我，我可以拿甚麼來回報神呢？
RESURRECTION RESPONSIBILITIES
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
Message
This collection was for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Paul had started the collection possibly with the hope that somehow it might overcome some of the opposition which seemed to face him everywhere. There had been a famine in Jerusalem and Paul wanted to help those in very real need.
The Corinthians might not be able to go to Jerusalem; but they could send their money. When we give our money, in one way we are giving part of ourselves. The exact amount that the Corinthians were to give is not stated, but there is a wonderful principle laid down here. 'As the Lord has prospered you.' An amount was to be given every week according to what the Lord had given them the previous week.
In the Old Testament, that amount was always one tenth. If the Jews under the law had to give that amount, surely we who are under grace should give at least that much.
What Paul said to the Corinthians still holds good today. We should give regularly to the Lord's work. We should do it recognizing that what we have has come from the Lord. We should determine what amount we should give week by week and be as faithful in giving that as we are in paying other bills or accounts. It is something we owe to God and if we hold it, back from him there will be lost blessing in our lives.
A THOUGHT:
What can I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?