1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 | Straight Outta Context Series

Talking about money in church can make people uncomfortable. It’s not a favorite subject, yet Jesus spoke about money more than almost any other topic. Why? Because money has a way of exposing where our hearts truly are. It reveals what we value, what we trust, and what we worship.

At the end of the day, giving isn’t about the dollars—it’s about devotion. It’s not a matter of percentages—it’s a matter of priorities. God is not interested in competing with our idols. He desires first place in our lives.

A Lesson from a Bonus Check

There’s an old story about a man who received a $5,000 bonus at work. Faithful in his giving, he quickly calculated his tithe, wrote his check, and dropped it in the plate. But halfway through the service, his eyes widened. In his excitement, he had added an extra zero. Instead of $500, he had just given $5,000.

Panicked, he whispered to his wife. Without missing a beat she replied, “You’re still taking me to the beach after church.” Later, he approached his pastor to explain the mistake. The pastor smiled and said, “If God wants it back, the check will bounce.”

The story is lighthearted, but it points us to a bigger truth: giving should never be accidental or last-minute. It should be intentional, prayerful, and worshipful.

From the Old Testament to the New

In the Old Testament, the tithe was a fixed command. Ten percent belonged to the Lord, and there were no exceptions. It served as a teaching tool—a way to remind God’s people to put Him first.

But in the New Testament, Jesus raises the bar. He doesn’t lower the standard—He deepens it. Giving is no longer about a percentage; it’s about the posture of our hearts.

The principle remains the same: God must be first. But the practice looks different. Now it is about generosity, stewardship, and joyful sacrifice.

What the New Testament Teaches

Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 give us a glimpse into the early church’s approach to giving:

• Purposeful – “On the first day of every week…” Giving should be intentional and worshipful, not an afterthought.

• Personal – “…each of you…” Every believer is called to participate, regardless of wealth or status.

• Proportional – “…as he may prosper…” Our giving should reflect how God has blessed us.

Paul expands on this in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7:

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

God isn’t interested in guilt-driven offerings. He wants cheerful, willing hearts that see giving as worship.

What Giving Reveals

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Money often becomes His greatest competition because it promises security, comfort, and control. But it cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the soul.

Generosity reveals trust. It declares, “God, I believe You are my provider.” And when we give sacrificially, we experience spiritual abundance—joy, peace, and contentment—that no amount of money can buy.

A Challenge for Us

For the next 90 days, consider asking God how He wants you to honor Him through your giving. Pray about it. Commit to it. And watch how He proves Himself faithful.

The Bottom Line

New Testament giving is not about equal amounts—it’s about equal sacrifice. It’s not about percentages—it’s about priorities.

God doesn’t need our money, but He does want our hearts. And when He has our hearts, giving back becomes an act of joy, not obligation.

So let me leave you with a simple question: What does your giving reveal about who sits on the throne of your life?