Misuse Of The Treasury
The work of the church is basically two fold: (1) Preach the gospel for the edification and salvation of man. (2) Helping the needy saints. (Eph. 4:12). Anything more than this is sin.
The treasury of the church was used for these two purposes. The collection was used for the needy saints (I Cor.16:1,2; Acts 11:28-30) and it was used in proclaiming the word of God (Phil. 4:15,16; I Cor. 9:14). Any other use made of this treasury is a transgression of God's will!
When one gives upon the first day of the week as God has prospered him, it is done with the understanding that it is to be used for the propagation of the kingdom of Christ and the spread of the gospel of peace. We must understand that the Lord has limited the use to which a congregation's money may be put. Entertainment is NOT one of the uses authorized by the word of God. Any kind of entertainment (i.e. a party) provided out of the church treasury is a direct violation of God's command. There is no exception!
The misuse of these funds may be in the spending of money to provide a party in a private home of a public building; or it may be in the form of using the facilities of the church (which were provided for worship) for fun and frolic. The misuse applies to the turning the basement or classrooms into a permanent or temporary recreation room. It would apply to the holding of dinners in the meeting house of the church. It is a misuse of the Lord's treasury to supply a room, materials, lights, and transportation for the Boy Scouts or any similar organization. Those who practice these things know as well as we that there is no authority for them in the word of God! They will not defend the practice but do it because they want to do it; even if it divides the kingdom of God!
How can sincere, true Christians be encouraged to give if the money given is being misused? Bible study classes may do without important teaching material while men enjoy their 'socials'. Mission work is neglected and building repairs left undone. The very work that God authorized is left undone while men misuse the Lord's money is providing a party or supply the refreshments or provide the place of entertainment.
There are three obvious reasons this is wrong: (1) It is unwise in view of the number of lost souls in, the world and the finances needed to carry on the work. (2) The emphasis has been misplaced. Such a misuse of the treasury is to put great emphasis upon the material things than upon the spiritual. (3) It is sin! A sin because it is a direct violation of God's pattern for the work of the church.