Philip A. Eubanks: TwoMost Significant Themes

To explore these themes, I have selected key passages from which these themes emerge, which provide examples of how they were lived out in the early church, and an instructional example that indicates how it reflects a holistic approach to money and giving.

Matthew 6:19-34 was selected to explore God’s pre-eminence not only because this theme emerges from the text but because it is part of Jesus’ core teaching to followers from the Sermon on the Mount.

Luke 14:25-35 was selected to explore the call of discipleship to embrace the pre-eminence of God in one’s relationship with money and the material world because Luke addresses discipleship and possessions far more than the other gospels and in such a demanding manner that has sparked various interpretations, which are important to explore to understand the nature of this call to discipleship.

I selected Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37 to explore how the early church understood and was living out the call of discipleship to embrace God's pre-eminence.

I selected 2 Corinthians 8-9 to investigate Paul’s teaching and instruction on giving associated with the Jerusalem offering because they showed promise of emphasizing a more holistic approach."

Philip A. Eubanks in "Live the Vision Church Culture: An Ethnographic Case Study and Theological Inquiry." PhD diss., Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (2024) 55-56. Click here to download his dissertation.

Today marks the second of seven posts from the doctoral dissertation of my friend, Philip A. Eubanks. Pay attention this week to gain insights for growing giving in your church.

As his research unfolds, I respect how he reviewed 90 key New Testament texts with money in view and put them in two categories: (1) the pre-eminence of God over money and the material world for all who follow Jesus and (2) the call of discipleship to embrace God’s pre-eminence.

Because of the preeminence of God over money, Jesus calls disciples to renounce ownership. This is radical in a world where people fight to claim ownership.

Let’s connect the key passages he has noted like a tapestry. When we do, we choose to serve God rather than mammon. We renounce ownership, and in so doing, agree to use possessions for God rather than for our own purposes.

And when we do this in community, we look like the early church in Acts and care for others in the larger Body of Christ like the Gentile collection demonstrated in 2 Corinthians 8-9.

Where do you fit in this picture?

Does your handling of money reveal the pre-eminence of God and surrendered discipleship? This is the heart condition necessary for generosity to flow.

Jesus can see your finances and your heart. What would He say to you?