Was the collection in I Corinthians 16:1-2 really worship?

Question:

The church I attend teaches that the collection in I Corinthians 16:1-2 is not part of the worship service. They say Paul commanded that to help the church in Jerusalem, not to worship by giving. What is your comment about that?

Answer:

The same giving is discussed in II Corinthians 8 and 9, where we can read: "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (II Corinthians 9:10-15).

What is worship? "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24).

  1. It is something a man does that is giving praise and honor to God.
  2. It is limited to things that God has told men to do to worship Him.
  3. And it requires a proper attitude by men toward God while doing what God has directed.

Does the giving that included aiding the destitute in Judea match this definition?

  1. It gives praise and honor to God. "... is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God ..."
  2. It was commanded by God. "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come" (I Corinthians 16:1-2). The apostle Paul wrote by the command of God. This was not his idea or suggestion. That is why the praise is going to God and not to Paul. "... they will glorify God for your obedience ..."
  3. The participants had a proper attitude toward God. "... your righteousness ... your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all ... because of the surpassing grace of God in you."
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