SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 9
MEMORY VERSES:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
PAUL’S MESSAGE TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH (vs. 1-5)
There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we – not to say anything about you – would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangement for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
SOWING GENEROUSLY (vs. 6-15)
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (vs. 6-8)
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
The service of giving not only supplies the needs of God’s people but it is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Your generosity in sharing with them is the proof of your obedience that accompanies confession of the gospel of Christ and the surpassing grace of Jesus Christ.
THOUGHTS:
According to George Sweeting, “For the Macedonian Christians, giving was not a chore but a challenge, not a burden but a blessing. Giving is not something to be avoided but a privilege to be desired”
Paul reminded the Corinthians to fulfill the commitment that they had made. They had said that they would collect a financial gift to send to the church in Jerusalem. Paul sent a few men ahead to make sure their gift was ready so it would be a real gift and not look like people had to give under pressure at the last minute. He was holding them accountable to keep their promises so that neither Paul nor the Corinthians would be embarrassed.
Paul emphasizes the spiritual rewards for those who give generously. Those who receive your gifts will be helped and will praise God. If you have the opportunity to give, be glad because God promises blessings to faithful givers. You can never lose.