What Giving Is. What Giving Does.

After an entire chapter teaching on resurrection and eternity, Paul does something surprising. He starts talking about money.

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At first glance, it seems like a sharp turn. One moment we’re soaring in the heights of eternal truths—the next, we’re talking budgets and collections. But here’s the beauty of it: Paul is showing us how eternal realities show up in everyday life.

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That’s what great pastors do. That’s what the Holy Spirit does. He doesn’t just give us theology to admire—He gives us truth that transforms our lives.

Let’s look at what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16, and discover what giving is and what giving does in the life of a believer.

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What Giving Is

1. Giving is Worship

“On the first day of every week…” (v. 2)

Giving was a regular part of early church worship. Right alongside prayer, teaching, communion, singing, and spiritual gifts — giving had a central place.

And just like those other elements, giving isn’t something we do to get through the service — it is the service.

Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:18 when he describes a gift from the church as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” That’s temple language. That’s worship language.

We will either worship our money, or we’ll worship God with our money. One way or the other, our wallets are worshiping.

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2. Giving is For Everyone

“…each one of you…” (v. 2)

There’s no exemption clause here. Paul isn’t talking only to the wealthy or the well-off. He’s speaking to the whole church — rich and poor, old and young.

Because giving isn’t about how much you have — it’s about your heart toward God.

It’s not equal dollars, but equal sacrifice.

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3. Giving is Intentional

“…set aside a sum of money… saving it up…” (v. 2)

Paul is not a fan of impulsive giving. He encourages the believers to plan ahead. Think about it. Set it aside. Be ready when the time comes.

Giving isn’t just something we do at church — it’s something we plan before church.

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4. Giving is Proportional

“…in keeping with your income…” (v. 2)

Paul doesn’t give a flat amount. He doesn’t throw out a number. But throughout Scripture, we see a principle repeated: 10%.

• Adam and Eve learned that God has a portion.
• Cain and Abel showed us the first portion belongs to Him.
• Abraham gave 10% before there was ever a law.
• Under Moses, God’s people gave up to 30% annually.
• Jesus affirmed the tithe, saying we shouldn’t neglect it.
• And the early church? They gave everything.

The tithe is not about legalism — it’s about honesty. It’s a starting point for God-honoring giving.

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What Giving Does

1. Giving Meets Needs

“…send them with your gift to Jerusalem…” (v. 3)

The church in Jerusalem was hurting — famine, persecution, devastation. Paul called on the Corinthian believers, Gentiles who had received the Gospel through Jewish believers, to return the favor.

Giving builds bridges between believers.
Giving lifts burdens in times of crisis.

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Even today, giving at Champions Church supports:

• Local impact: Feeding the homeless, equipping young athletes, and discipling our youth.
• Global missions: Through organizations like Convoy of Hope, Ima’s Home, Village of Hope, and Vapor Ministries.

Every time we give, we’re meeting real needs — spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

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2. Giving Fuels Ministry

“…so that you can help me on my journey…” (v. 6)

Paul knew his mission depended on the support of the church. God was opening doors, and Paul was walking through them — but he couldn’t do it alone.

The same is true today. When God speaks to our leadership about ministry opportunities, our response in giving is what brings those opportunities to life.

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Because of your giving:

• We’ve remodeled spaces, expanded rooms, and increased capacity for Champions Kids.
• We’re launching Champions Club for children with special needs.
• We host Dream Team Conference to pour into our leaders.
• We host “Big Days” that create massive open doors for the Gospel.

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Last year, just six of those Big Days accounted for:

• 12% of all Sundays
• 35% of all first-time guests
• 43% of all decisions to follow Jesus

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Giving makes it possible.

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A Legacy of Giving

Years ago, someone gave a “miracle check” that helped launch a wave of ministry. That person has come and gone — but the mission continues.

Because week after week, people like you bring the tithe.

You give faithfully. You give sacrificially. You give worshipfully.
And God uses every single dollar to change lives.

You may not give a million dollars — but your obedience and faithfulness are no less important.

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A Promise Attached

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly… so that… you will abound in every good work.”
(2 Corinthians 9:7-8)

When we give cheerfully, God promises to bless abundantly. Why? So we can keep doing more good work.

Because giving isn’t just about what’s in your wallet — it’s about what’s in your heart.

And that’s what matters most.

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So, what is giving?
It’s worship. It’s for everyone. It’s intentional. It’s proportional.

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And what does giving do?
It meets needs. It fuels ministry.

And it builds eternal legacy — one life at a time.

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