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Insights into the Life, Ministry, and Challenges of the Apostle Paul
by Samuel E. Ward
2 Corinthians 8-9
March 6 & 13, 2011
Review
I. Paul's Defense of His Conduct and Ministry, 2 Cor 1-7
The major sections thus far have contained the following:
A. Paul's Introduction,
B. The Best Laid Plans Are Subject to Change,
C. The Best Response to the Issue at Hand,
D. The Bothersome Circumstances that Lead Paul to Macedonia,
E. The Basic Explanation of Paul's Apostolic Ministry, 2 Cor 2:14-6:10.
F. The Basic Expectations of Paul has for the Corinthians, 2 Cor 6:11-18.
In the second major section of this study of 2 Corinthians Paul moves from the defense of his conduct and ministry to a new subject of concern: their participation in an offering to be received for the benefit of saints suffering in Jerusalem.
II. The Gift, 2 Cor 8-9
If we view this microcosm, the human body, we shall find that the heart does not receive the blood to store it up, but while it pumps it in at one valve, it sends it forth at another. The blood is always circulating everywhere, and is stagnant nowhere. . . . The whole of the human system lives by giving. . . . If the members refuse to contribute to the general stock, the whole body will become poverty-stricken, and be given up to the bankruptcy of death. Let us learn, then, from the analogy of nature, the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that to get good and become spiritually vigorous, we must do good, and seek the spiritual good of others.
--C. H. Spurgeon
A. New Issue: The Opportunity to Give
1. The example of the Macedonia churches, 2 Cor 8:1-6
(2 Cor 8:1-6 NIV) 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.
The Macedonians were commended for . . .
a. Their joyous generosity in spite of severe trial and extreme poverty.
b. Their unsolicited plea for the opportunity to share
c. Their giving not only of the financial gift but first themselves to God.
Do not miss a subtle idea in this message. God graciously blessed the Macedonians so that they might be moved to graciously bless others. Do you think it possible that they were reminded of the Jesus' words in Luke 6:38?
(Luke 6:38 NIV) Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
2. The opportunities available for the Corinthians through their giving: (2 Cor 8:7-15)
a. To excel in giving as they do in every other Christian virtue, 2 Cor 8:7
(2 Cor 8:7 NIV) 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.
b. To pass the test of their love and support for Paul and his ministry.
(2 Cor 8:8 NIV) I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
c. To show their appreciation for Christ's giving Himself to them, 2 Cor 8:9.
(2 Cor 8:9 NIV) For 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.
d. To complete with earnestness the commitment they made the year before to giving, 2 Cor 8:10-11.
(2 Cor 8:10-11 NIV) And 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. {11} Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
e. To give from what they have to those who have not, 2 Cor 8:12-13.
(2 Cor 8:12-13 NIV) For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. {13} Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
f. To promote a culture of reciprocal care between churches and believers, 2 Cor 8:14.
(2 Cor 8:14 NIV) 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,
g. To give God the opportunity to prove His promise to supply our needs and that He often does so through the sharing done among His children, 2 Cor 8:15.
(2 Cor 8:15 NIV) as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
B. Excited Ambassador: Titus, 2 Cor 8:16-24
1. Titus had the same concern for the Corinthians, 2 Cor 8:16
(2 Cor 8:16 NIV) I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.
2. Titus had the same enthusiasm for the gift project, 2 Cor 8:17, 23a.
(2 Cor 8:17 NIV) For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.
(2 Cor 8:23a NIV) As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you.
a. He didn't have to be recruited—he sought the opportunity to serve.
b. He was Paul's personal representative to the Corinthians.
C. Esteemed Partners, 2 Cor 8:18-22
1. The first partner: (2 Cor 8:18-21)
(2 Cor 8:18-21 NIV) And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. {19} What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. {20} We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. {21} For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
a. He was praised for his service to the gospel
b. He was chosen by the churches to accompany the offering and lend accountability to the Lord and the participating churches in the project...
2. The second partner: (2 Cor 8:22)
(2 Cor 8:22 NIV) In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
a. Zealous in his service to the Lord.
b. Confident in the Corinthians to come through with their gift.
3. Both partners were representatives from other participating churches, 2 Cor 8:23b).
(2 Cor 8:23b NIV) As for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
D. Expected Response: They Prove Their Love and Paul's Pride in Them, 2 Cor 8:24.
1. He has been boasting to other churches about their readiness to give, 2 Cor 9:2.
(2 Cor 9:1-2 NIV) There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. {2} For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.
2. He wants to insure the success of the Corinthians in their commitment, 2 Cor 9:3-5.
(2 Cor 9:3-5 NIV) But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. {4} For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we--not to say anything about you--would be ashamed of having been so confident. {5} So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
3. He wants them to give according to several principles: (2 Cor 9:6-9)
a. If one gives sparingly, one will receive sparingly—the converse is also true, 2 Cor 9:6.
(2 Cor 9:6 NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
b. Each one has the right to decide how much to give (keeping in mind the spiritual principles concerning giving) and not reluctantly or forced to do so. 2 Cor 9:7a,b.
(2 Cor 9:7a,b NIV) Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.
c. Keep in mind, God loves a cheerful giver, 2 Cor 9:7c.
(2 Cor 9:7c NIV) For God loves a cheerful giver.
d. God rewards cheerful and generous giving with the promise of His favor, provision of needs, and fruit borne from their good works, 2 Cor 9:8-9.
(2 Cor 9:8-10 NIV) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. {9} As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
D. End Results for the Corinthians, 2 Cor 9:10-15
1. They will be made rich so they can be generous, 2 Cor 9:10-11a.
(2 Cor 9:10-11 NIV) Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. {11a} You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.
2. They will meet others' needs and be the cause of thanks to God, 2 Cor 9:11b-12.
(2 Cor 9:11b-12 NIV) And through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. {12} This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
3. They will be the cause of others' praise to God for their obedience, the sincerity, of their faith, and their generosity toward many, 2 Cor 9:13.
(2 Cor 9:13 NIV) Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
4. They will receive the benefit of others' prayer for them because of the grace of God others have received through them, 2 Cor 9:14-15.
(2 Cor 9:14-15 NIV) And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. {15} Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Applications
1. Let us learn the characteristics of giving that pleases God:
a. Make it a joyous exercise.
b. Let it spring from an eager desire to share with others in need.
c. Desire that God receive the glory and thanksgiving.
d. Willingly accept less so that others can have more.
2. Let us be inspired by the blessings that come from God to cheerful and generous givers:
a. God gives us more so we can give more.
b. God gives us the right to give according to our blessedness rather than an established percentage. Giving is not to be an imposed tax but a free-will offering.
c. We will be granted fruitfulness in our other spiritual endeavors and are promised God's provision and favor.
d. We will acquire a testimony for the obedience and sincerity of our faith as a result of our generosity to others.
e. We will receive the benefit of the prayers of others for our willingness to be the channel of God's blessing.
When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ to render an account of our stewardship, we will fervently regret giving so little, since it is inescapably true that what we spend we lose; what we keep will be left to others; what we give away will remain forever ours.
(Mat 6:19-21 NIV) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
