2 Corinthians 8
Daily Bread
2 Corinthians 8
Generosity Encouraged
1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
10And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Observation
Part of Paul’s mission, as he wrote letters and took missionary trips to encourage churches and correct them if necessary, was to take offerings to those churches who were in need financially. Since there were no denominations, there was really one church, and so Paul encouraged each church that had plenty was challenged to fund those who had little.
Paul cites the church in Macedonia (the Philippians) as a good example of those who gave above and beyond, despite the difficult circumstances they were under. Instead of giving out of obligation, they pleaded for the privilege of sharing in the service to the saints, (v.4) Wow! That’s impressive.
The Corinthian church was one of the first to pledge financially, but Paul urged them finish the work that they had promised. By this he is testing their sincerity. The Corinthian church had many spiritual gifts, but Paul challenges them to be earnest in finishing what they started in helping those in material need.
Application:
Often the topic of financial giving turns people off in the church. Someone might say, “Oh there they go again talking about money.” The reality is most pastors talk about money/finances a lot less than Jesus did. Many of Jesus parables were about stewardship of the resources given to us and the benefits of giving in God’s economy.
What impresses me about the Philippian church was that they gave generously and counted it a privilege to share in the work of God outside their particular church. They gave to the Lord first, and then even above and beyond. I take this to mean they tithed to their local church, then gave special offering to the churches in need. This is called today “above and beyond” giving.
They are a great example of the type of generosity marked by those who have understood the generosity of Jesus’ who though rich, became poor so that we could become rich. As one contemplates the offering Jesus gave to us, then offering the resources God has given us back to His work seems natural and right. There is no “arm twisting” and we can give willingly, joyfully and expectantly that God will increase our capacity to be generous, as we fund the mission that will last beyond us into eternity.
Prayer: God help us to be generous to support you first through our local church and then give to those causes you lay on our hearts. In a time of economic challenge, you will test the sincerity of our intentions. Help us to be faithful to the One who gave everything to us through the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
2 Corinthians 8
Generosity Encouraged
1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
10And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Observation
Part of Paul’s mission, as he wrote letters and took missionary trips to encourage churches and correct them if necessary, was to take offerings to those churches who were in need financially. Since there were no denominations, there was really one church, and so Paul encouraged each church that had plenty was challenged to fund those who had little.
Paul cites the church in Macedonia (the Philippians) as a good example of those who gave above and beyond, despite the difficult circumstances they were under. Instead of giving out of obligation, they pleaded for the privilege of sharing in the service to the saints, (v.4) Wow! That’s impressive.
The Corinthian church was one of the first to pledge financially, but Paul urged them finish the work that they had promised. By this he is testing their sincerity. The Corinthian church had many spiritual gifts, but Paul challenges them to be earnest in finishing what they started in helping those in material need.
Application:
Often the topic of financial giving turns people off in the church. Someone might say, “Oh there they go again talking about money.” The reality is most pastors talk about money/finances a lot less than Jesus did. Many of Jesus parables were about stewardship of the resources given to us and the benefits of giving in God’s economy.
What impresses me about the Philippian church was that they gave generously and counted it a privilege to share in the work of God outside their particular church. They gave to the Lord first, and then even above and beyond. I take this to mean they tithed to their local church, then gave special offering to the churches in need. This is called today “above and beyond” giving.
They are a great example of the type of generosity marked by those who have understood the generosity of Jesus’ who though rich, became poor so that we could become rich. As one contemplates the offering Jesus gave to us, then offering the resources God has given us back to His work seems natural and right. There is no “arm twisting” and we can give willingly, joyfully and expectantly that God will increase our capacity to be generous, as we fund the mission that will last beyond us into eternity.
Prayer: God help us to be generous to support you first through our local church and then give to those causes you lay on our hearts. In a time of economic challenge, you will test the sincerity of our intentions. Help us to be faithful to the One who gave everything to us through the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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