Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. - Luke 6:38
Good morning church family! Are you grateful to be in the Lord’s house today? Are you eager to hear and receive His word? Are your hearts tender and prepared for its life-giving nourishment? Are your ears open to heed and obey His magnificent voice? Have you come here today to encounter and be transformed by Almighty God? I trust that you have, and I pray that He’ll move powerfully among us!
Today’s message is a continuation of last week’s message on generosity. As you may recall, Paul was discussing the missions offering that he was collecting during his third missionary journey. Let’s pick up where we left off last Sunday at the beginning of chapter 9.
I. DON’T LET US DOWN (2 Cor. 9:1-5)
Paul stated that it was rather unnecessary for him to write to the Corinthians about “the collection for the saints”. As made plain in the previous chapter, they were already well aware of this missions offering, had been eager to participate in it, and had even been preparing for it for almost a year’s time. In fact, Paul boasted of Corinth’s readiness to the various churches in Macedonia, who themselves became stirred up by their zealous attitude.
For this reason, Paul explained, he was sending the 3 men he’d just mentioned in chapter 8:16-24 ahead of him to make final preparations for the offering. Paul wanted to ensure that their gifts would be ready to collect when he arrived. He feared that if he were to show up, especially if accompanied by some of the Macedonians, to find the Corinthians unprepared or unwilling to give as they had earlier indicated, he’d be embarrassed and ashamed for having boasted of their generous intentions - not to mention how they’d feel.
Therefore, Paul sent his messengers to make arrangements beforehand to ensure that the bountiful gift they’d already promised would be ready. He wanted to make certain that in the meantime the Corinthians had not been overcome with greed, stinginess, or covetousness that would adversely affect their offering. Otherwise, both they and he would have egg on their face…
When we make promises it is important that we keep them. When we boast that we are going to do something, it is critical that we follow through. When we fail to honor our word, it is a cause for shame and embarrassment - not only for us, but for those who were counting on us. Not only that, it erodes our trustworthiness and damages our reputation. This is why we should be slow to make promises or boastful commitments unless we are serious about keeping them.
II. PRINCIPLES FOR GIVING (2 Cor. 9:6-11a)
Paul continued by describing some principles for giving. First, those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly, and those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully. To say that in simpler terms, “You reap what you sow.” As this rule pertains to giving, those who are stingy and close-fisted will receive little of God’s blessing while those who are generous and open-handed will receive much of God’s blessing.
Second, a person should give voluntarily and not under compulsion. Generosity is a matter of the heart. Thus, it is up to each individual person to determine how much they should give and the attitude with which they do so. Offerings should never be made begrudgingly, but rather cheerfully. For the LORD loves a cheerful giver!
Third, those who give may rest in the confidence that God is able to make His grace abound so as to supply sufficiency in everything. He will provide abundantly for every good deed. Citing Psalm 112:9, Paul urged the Corinthians to follow God’s example by giving to the poor. He wrote that the same God who supplies seed to the sower and bread to the hungry will multiply the giver’s sowing and their harvest of righteousness, thereby enriching them in all things.
Let’s briefly review these 3 principles before moving on to the final point. 1 - The wise and universal proverb “You reap what you sow” also applies to giving. 2 - People should give voluntarily and with a cheerful heart. Forced giving does not express generosity. 3 - God will graciously supply the needs of those who give.
III. OTHER BENEFITS OF GIVING (2 Cor. 9:11b-15)
Finally, Paul concluded his discourse on giving by detailing some of its other benefits. Not only did it provide materially for the needs of the poor, but beyond that it produced thanksgiving to God. Those who were collecting the offering, those who were contributing to the offering, and even those who were simply witnessing the generosity that was taking place among the churches all overflowed with gratitude to the LORD.
In addition, because the cheerful and generous giving of an offering demonstrated evidence of obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, it led many to give glory to God. They were not only thankful, but also acknowledged and exalted God as the divine provider of all things. Beloved, we as Christians need to realize that giving is an act of worship just as much as singing is.
Lastly, Paul wrote that those who receive offerings given by others - especially when the recipients are also Christians, as in this case - typically develop an appreciation and strong affection for those who gave. They recognize it as an expression of God’s surpassing grace at work through the giver. This leads them to pray on behalf of and yearn for those who’ve provided for them.
Thus, we read in these verses that generous giving results in thanksgiving to God, in the worship of God, and in fondness for and heartfelt prayers on the behalf of others. Ultimately, all of this - the material and immaterial blessings that result - are gifts of God, who Himself gave His only begotten Son so that we might be redeemed from sin. Moved by this wonderful thought, Paul declared, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
CONCLUSION
Earlier in this series we discussed a few competing theories regarding the make-up of the Biblical book we call 2 Corinthians. The traditional view is that it is a single letter - all 13 chapters. There is no historic record of anyone seriously questioning its oneness until more recent times. For this reason, I have presented it chronologically during this sermon series.
However, modern scholarship suggests that the book of 2 Corinthians might actually be composed of 2 (or even more) letters that were combined into a single piece. This theory is based upon the differing tones and somewhat abrupt transitions between certain passages. Some who follow this school of thought believe that chapters 1-9 and chapters 10-13 are actually 2 distinct letters that have been slightly edited and joined to form a composite.
Having studied 2 Corinthians carefully, I believe it is quite possible that it does consist of 2 letters. If so, we have concluded the first letter by completing chapter 9. It was written by Paul from Macedonia after receiving news of the Corinthian church’s repentance. It expresses Paul’s comfort and feelings on behalf of Corinth, explains why he altered his original travel plans and wrote his tearful letter, describes the nature and work of his ministry, and challenges them to give generously to the upcoming missions offering.
Next Sunday we will begin chapters 10-13, which might possibly be a different letter altogether. As we work our way through them, you can decide for yourself. Either way, you can rest assured that all of 2 Corinthians (whether 1 or more letters) is the inspired, authoritative Word of God!
Good morning church family! Are you grateful to be in the Lord’s house today? Are you eager to hear and receive His word? Are your hearts tender and prepared for its life-giving nourishment? Are your ears open to heed and obey His magnificent voice? Have you come here today to encounter and be transformed by Almighty God? I trust that you have, and I pray that He’ll move powerfully among us!
Today’s message is a continuation of last week’s message on generosity. As you may recall, Paul was discussing the missions offering that he was collecting during his third missionary journey. Let’s pick up where we left off last Sunday at the beginning of chapter 9.
I. DON’T LET US DOWN (2 Cor. 9:1-5)
Paul stated that it was rather unnecessary for him to write to the Corinthians about “the collection for the saints”. As made plain in the previous chapter, they were already well aware of this missions offering, had been eager to participate in it, and had even been preparing for it for almost a year’s time. In fact, Paul boasted of Corinth’s readiness to the various churches in Macedonia, who themselves became stirred up by their zealous attitude.
For this reason, Paul explained, he was sending the 3 men he’d just mentioned in chapter 8:16-24 ahead of him to make final preparations for the offering. Paul wanted to ensure that their gifts would be ready to collect when he arrived. He feared that if he were to show up, especially if accompanied by some of the Macedonians, to find the Corinthians unprepared or unwilling to give as they had earlier indicated, he’d be embarrassed and ashamed for having boasted of their generous intentions - not to mention how they’d feel.
Therefore, Paul sent his messengers to make arrangements beforehand to ensure that the bountiful gift they’d already promised would be ready. He wanted to make certain that in the meantime the Corinthians had not been overcome with greed, stinginess, or covetousness that would adversely affect their offering. Otherwise, both they and he would have egg on their face…
When we make promises it is important that we keep them. When we boast that we are going to do something, it is critical that we follow through. When we fail to honor our word, it is a cause for shame and embarrassment - not only for us, but for those who were counting on us. Not only that, it erodes our trustworthiness and damages our reputation. This is why we should be slow to make promises or boastful commitments unless we are serious about keeping them.
II. PRINCIPLES FOR GIVING (2 Cor. 9:6-11a)
Paul continued by describing some principles for giving. First, those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly, and those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully. To say that in simpler terms, “You reap what you sow.” As this rule pertains to giving, those who are stingy and close-fisted will receive little of God’s blessing while those who are generous and open-handed will receive much of God’s blessing.
Second, a person should give voluntarily and not under compulsion. Generosity is a matter of the heart. Thus, it is up to each individual person to determine how much they should give and the attitude with which they do so. Offerings should never be made begrudgingly, but rather cheerfully. For the LORD loves a cheerful giver!
Third, those who give may rest in the confidence that God is able to make His grace abound so as to supply sufficiency in everything. He will provide abundantly for every good deed. Citing Psalm 112:9, Paul urged the Corinthians to follow God’s example by giving to the poor. He wrote that the same God who supplies seed to the sower and bread to the hungry will multiply the giver’s sowing and their harvest of righteousness, thereby enriching them in all things.
Let’s briefly review these 3 principles before moving on to the final point. 1 - The wise and universal proverb “You reap what you sow” also applies to giving. 2 - People should give voluntarily and with a cheerful heart. Forced giving does not express generosity. 3 - God will graciously supply the needs of those who give.
III. OTHER BENEFITS OF GIVING (2 Cor. 9:11b-15)
Finally, Paul concluded his discourse on giving by detailing some of its other benefits. Not only did it provide materially for the needs of the poor, but beyond that it produced thanksgiving to God. Those who were collecting the offering, those who were contributing to the offering, and even those who were simply witnessing the generosity that was taking place among the churches all overflowed with gratitude to the LORD.
In addition, because the cheerful and generous giving of an offering demonstrated evidence of obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, it led many to give glory to God. They were not only thankful, but also acknowledged and exalted God as the divine provider of all things. Beloved, we as Christians need to realize that giving is an act of worship just as much as singing is.
Lastly, Paul wrote that those who receive offerings given by others - especially when the recipients are also Christians, as in this case - typically develop an appreciation and strong affection for those who gave. They recognize it as an expression of God’s surpassing grace at work through the giver. This leads them to pray on behalf of and yearn for those who’ve provided for them.
Thus, we read in these verses that generous giving results in thanksgiving to God, in the worship of God, and in fondness for and heartfelt prayers on the behalf of others. Ultimately, all of this - the material and immaterial blessings that result - are gifts of God, who Himself gave His only begotten Son so that we might be redeemed from sin. Moved by this wonderful thought, Paul declared, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
CONCLUSION
Earlier in this series we discussed a few competing theories regarding the make-up of the Biblical book we call 2 Corinthians. The traditional view is that it is a single letter - all 13 chapters. There is no historic record of anyone seriously questioning its oneness until more recent times. For this reason, I have presented it chronologically during this sermon series.
However, modern scholarship suggests that the book of 2 Corinthians might actually be composed of 2 (or even more) letters that were combined into a single piece. This theory is based upon the differing tones and somewhat abrupt transitions between certain passages. Some who follow this school of thought believe that chapters 1-9 and chapters 10-13 are actually 2 distinct letters that have been slightly edited and joined to form a composite.
Having studied 2 Corinthians carefully, I believe it is quite possible that it does consist of 2 letters. If so, we have concluded the first letter by completing chapter 9. It was written by Paul from Macedonia after receiving news of the Corinthian church’s repentance. It expresses Paul’s comfort and feelings on behalf of Corinth, explains why he altered his original travel plans and wrote his tearful letter, describes the nature and work of his ministry, and challenges them to give generously to the upcoming missions offering.
Next Sunday we will begin chapters 10-13, which might possibly be a different letter altogether. As we work our way through them, you can decide for yourself. Either way, you can rest assured that all of 2 Corinthians (whether 1 or more letters) is the inspired, authoritative Word of God!