SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 8
MEMORY VERSE:
“But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (1 Corinthians 8:7)
GENEROSITY ENCOURAGED (vs. 1-9)
God has given grace to the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. They gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability. They urgently pleaded with Paul to give them the privilege of sharing this service to the saints. They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to Paul in keeping with God’s will. He urged Titus to also bring to completion this act of grace. This is what Paul taught: “Just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love – see that you also excel in this grace of giving. Jesus Christ was rich yet he became poor for our sake, so that we might become rich through his poverty.
PAUL’S ADVICE TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH (vs. 10-15)
Last year, you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 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 he does not have.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality. As it is written: “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little” (v. 13)
TITUS SENT TO CORINTH (vs. 16-24)
Titus was the partner and fellow worker of Paul. He was going to Corinth together with a brother who had much enthusiasm and on his own initiative and was praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. He was chosen by the churches to accompany Paul and Titus to travel together and carry the offering so that there could be no suspicion and that the gift was being handled honestly. Paul was encouraging the Corinthian church to give as a proof of their real love.
THOUGHTS:
The Macedonian churches – in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea – had given money even though they were poor. And they had sacrificially given more than Paul expected because they gave out of dedication to Christ and love for fellow believers. Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia, hoping that news of the generosity of these churches would encourage the Corinthian believers and motivate them to be generous.
Several churches joined together to help others beyond their circle of friends and their own city. We must also explore ways to link up with a ministry outside our city or through a Christian organization to do God’s work, increase Christian unity and help the Kingdom of God grow.
The Corinthian believers excelled in everything – they had faith, gifted speakers, knowledge, enthusiasm and love. Paul wanted them also to be leaders in giving. He encouraged the Corinthians to prove real love by giving and helping.
“Another brother” was traveling with Paul and Titus to take the large financial gift to Jerusalem. Paul explained that by traveling together, there could be no suspicion of dishonesty or mishandling of money. Those who handle the Lord’s money should be dedicated and faithful, making certain that everything is honest and honorable. ,
THE ESSENTIAL CONCEPT OF GIVING:
- First, we must give to the Lord. Then, look for opportunities to give instead of excuses not to give.
- Giving should be motivated by grace. Jesus Christ was rich in heaven but he became poor on earth so that we can share His eternal riches.
- It must be done gladly because God loves a cheerful giver.
- The giver should give in proportion to what God has given him. Don’t give until it hurts your own family who need your financial support.