Read 1 Corinthians 16:1–24
Today’s Scripture: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 1 Corinthians 16:2

It is unfortunate when Christian ministries lose their testimony because they mismanage funds entrusted to them. Paul was very careful not to allow anything to happen that would give his enemies opportunity to accuse him of stealing funds (2 Cor. 8:20–21).

This explains why Paul encouraged the churches to share in the offering
and to select dependable representatives to help manage it. Paul was not against individuals giving personally; in 1 Corinthians 16:10–20, he named various individuals who assisted him. This no doubt included helping him with his financial needs. But generally speaking, Christian giving is church centered. Many churches encourage their members to give designated gifts through the church treasury.

It is interesting that Paul mentioned the offering just after his discussion
about the resurrection. There were no “chapter breaks” in the original
manuscripts, so the readers would go right from Paul’s hymn of victory into his discussion about money. Doctrine and duty go together; so do worship and works.

Something to Ponder
What connection do you see between Jesus’ resurrection and your giving to the church?