SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 8
BIBLE VERSES:
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5)
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7)
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:11-12)
GENEROSITY ENCOURAGED (vs. 1-15)
Paul was taking the offering for the needy believers in Judea. Paul reminded them of their promise and explained to them some principles of Christian giving:
- Give first to the Lord in keeping with God’s will (v. 5)
- Excel in the grace of giving (v. 7)
- Be willing to complete the desire to give (vs. 10-12)
- Be faithful in handling and administering the gift to honor the Lord (vs. 19-20)
TRUTHS:
- Our first responsibility of offering is to the church where we have fellowship and serve.
- Christian giving must come from the heart to express our love to Christ.
- We have to give faithfully to the Lord because Christ Himself gave his life for us. He became poor to make us rich as we receive salvation and eternal life.
- Giving must be measured proportionately. Tithing is the Biblical way of giving.
- Church fund must be handled honestly and spent wisely. All money should be receipted and recorded for proper accounting.