Daily Bread 2011 - 2 Corinthians 8
2011 Daily Bread – 2 Corinthians 8
Generosity Encouraged
1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And 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. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 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.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Paul now moves to the practical application of “giving generously”. Paul encourages the Corinthian church, with its wealth of resources, to give generously. He cites the church in Macedonia (the Philippians), as a great example of sacrificial giving. Even though they were going through an extreme hardship, they were able to be rich in generosity first to the Lord, but also through what we call today, “above and beyond giving”.
Paul continues to teach the OT principle of giving first to the Lord (the tithe) for the upkeep of the temple, but also special giving for needs of the global church. I.e. Giving to the mother church in Jerusalem, which was quite poor. Paul speaks almost as if it was a modern day “pledge drive”. He reminds them that Titus will be around to bring to completion their financial commitment, in what he calls an “act of grace” (see the many uses of the word grace, which means charity!) Paul urges the Corinthian church, which is tremendously gifted, from a spiritual gifts standpoint, to also excel in the practical gift of giving!
What Does This Mean For Us?
Although there are many ways to give back to God in response to the grace He has given us In Christ Jesus, one of the most practical ways is in this area of financial giving. Today this would usually means dollars, but back then it meant cattle, livestock etc… Paul not only brought the Gospel to these folks, but also used his influence to help raise money for the Church at large. He realized that without resources the Church could not function in the way God intended.
One of the principles that we will see again in the next chapter is that we cannot out-give God! As we give generously when we have ample means, we open the door for the principle to come full circle when we are in need and others can supply what we are lacking. This is God’s economy, as giving becomes every much of a spiritual discipline as praying and reading the bible.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for joy of giving back to Your work on earth as we advance Your kingdom through freely giving of resources. We know that all we have is an evidence of Your amazing grace through the indescribable gift of Your Son, Amen.
Generosity Encouraged
1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And 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. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 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.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Paul now moves to the practical application of “giving generously”. Paul encourages the Corinthian church, with its wealth of resources, to give generously. He cites the church in Macedonia (the Philippians), as a great example of sacrificial giving. Even though they were going through an extreme hardship, they were able to be rich in generosity first to the Lord, but also through what we call today, “above and beyond giving”.
Paul continues to teach the OT principle of giving first to the Lord (the tithe) for the upkeep of the temple, but also special giving for needs of the global church. I.e. Giving to the mother church in Jerusalem, which was quite poor. Paul speaks almost as if it was a modern day “pledge drive”. He reminds them that Titus will be around to bring to completion their financial commitment, in what he calls an “act of grace” (see the many uses of the word grace, which means charity!) Paul urges the Corinthian church, which is tremendously gifted, from a spiritual gifts standpoint, to also excel in the practical gift of giving!
What Does This Mean For Us?
Although there are many ways to give back to God in response to the grace He has given us In Christ Jesus, one of the most practical ways is in this area of financial giving. Today this would usually means dollars, but back then it meant cattle, livestock etc… Paul not only brought the Gospel to these folks, but also used his influence to help raise money for the Church at large. He realized that without resources the Church could not function in the way God intended.
One of the principles that we will see again in the next chapter is that we cannot out-give God! As we give generously when we have ample means, we open the door for the principle to come full circle when we are in need and others can supply what we are lacking. This is God’s economy, as giving becomes every much of a spiritual discipline as praying and reading the bible.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for joy of giving back to Your work on earth as we advance Your kingdom through freely giving of resources. We know that all we have is an evidence of Your amazing grace through the indescribable gift of Your Son, Amen.
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