·
Context is Everything
1.
It
has been contended that James 1:27 authorizes the church (as a collective –
acting as a church) to financially support orphans (within the church and in
the community) from the church treasury.
This further “authorizes” the formation of institutions such as
orphanages, which are to be supported by and from the church treasury.
2.
NOTE:
This argument fully relies on the assumption that James is addressing the
church as a whole and not individuals within the church.
3.
How
does this assumption fit in the context of James 1? Let us examine the context
and see.
a.
Consider
James 1:5-8; “if any of you lacks wisdom, let HIM ask of God…”, “But let HIM
ask in faith…”, “…for HE who doubts…”
b.
Each
of these indicates an individual, not a congregation or the church as a
whole. Again, we find the same thing in
verse 12 and 19. James is writing to all
Christians, but as individuals.
c.
“James
1:27 is written to the individual Christian, as a reading of the chapter will
indicate. Verse 27 describes the conduct
of a Christian, not a church. In like
manner Gal. 6:10 gives no help to the benevolent societies, as a reading of the
preceding verses will easily bear out.[1]”
·
What is the Pattern for Caring for
the Needy?
a.
Individual
Congregation Caring for Their Needy – Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35
b.
Multiple
Congregations Sending Aid to a Single Congregation – Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians
16:1-4
c.
The
Needy Saints – 2 Corinthians 9:1;
12
Needy
saints, not the world:
1.
Now,
in answer to that, let’s get our Bibles and turn to Acts, chapter 2. I’m going to do this very quickly, but I want
to point out how many times it’s the needy saints, it’s the brethren, it’s any
among them, who were being
helped. Look at Acts 2, verse 44 – now
I’m just tracing the benevolent work of the church through the Scriptures. Acts 2:44: “Now all who believed were
together, and had all things common.” Go
to the 4th chapter, look at verse 34: “Nor was there any among them
who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and
brought the proceeds of the things that were sold and laid them at the
apostles’ feet and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” – None among
them that lacked. Go on to the 11th
chapter of Acts. Read verse 29: “Then
the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren
dwelling in Judea.” Go on to Romans, the
15th chapter. So far we’ve
seen “among them”, the “brethren”. In
Romans 15, look at verses 25 and 26.
“But I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and
Achaia to make certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in
Jerusalem.” Go on to 1 Corinthians 16:1
and 2: “Now concerning the collection for the saints [incidentally, that’s
exactly the same collection mentioned over in Romans 15 – BH], as I have given
orders to the churches in Galatia, so you must do also: 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.
And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to
bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it
is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.” So the very passage that we talk about in our
giving on the first day of the week is in reference to the needy saints in
Jerusalem…[2]
·
Pattern for Eldership Oversight
a.
Shepherd
the Flock – Acts 20:17, 28
b.
Elders
in Every Church (Not a Single Eldership) – Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5
c.
Oversight
Limited to Each Congregation – 1 Peter 5:1-2
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