Equality II Cor. 8:1-15 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give to the poor saints by equality.  He taught them how from the Old Testament rule concerning manna.  In Ex 16:16-18 the Jews would go out each morning [except on the Sabbath] and gather manna, some more and some less.  Then they would return to their camp and mete [measure] out of what they gathered, an homer for each man.  When they were through measuring out the distribution, “He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack,” [2 Cor 8:15].  This then establishes the principle of equality.

In giving to missions, the Lord directs our church to those whom he wants us to support.  Then he directs each of us in the amount that he wants “every man,” [Ex 16:16] to give.  Some will give less and some will give more.  However, when it is measured out each month, the amount received will be equal to that amount of money with which the Lord wants us to support our missionaries.  Furthermore, there will be a sufficient amount to take care of their unexpected needs and their special projects.

To demonstrate this, we pretended that our church supported 5 missionaries, 3 for $100.00 per month and 2 for $200.00 per month.  Then we passed out $700.00 in various denominations to those attending this service.  Some received $5.00 and some $100.00 and others amounts between these two.  These amounts represent the amounts the Lord would have each to give, as an example.  Then the ushers passed the plates and received these bills as an offering for missions.  When the offering was meted out, each imaginary missionary received his support because what was gathered was equal to what the Lord would have us, as a church, to give.

This sermon is a simple illustration to encourage those in our church who do not give to missions to prayerfully consider what the Lord would have them to give and then to start giving it.  It is also an encouragement to those who can give more to do so.  Because when the offerings are meted out there is equality whether one gives more or less.