It is important that we never lose the reason behind our work for the Lord. The Corinthians had demonstrated a willingness to ask questions and seek further.

It is important that we never lose the reason behind our work for the Lord.It is important that we never lose the reason behind our work for the Lord.

•The Corinthians had demonstrated a willingness to ask questions and seek further understanding. For this Paul praised them. (1 Cor 11:2)


•1 Corinthians 11:2 - Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.


•Understanding is not easy! We must constantly seek it. (Jn 4:23-24)


•John 4:23-24 - "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."


•We fall into the way of the Pharisee's when we substitute the outward for the inward! (2 Cor 10:12)


•2 Corinthians 10:12 - For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.


•This chapter is dealing with a contribution he had earlier commanded the Corinthians. (1 Cor 16:1-4)


•1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.


•In this contribution other churches were sending to the church at Jerusalem to help the needy Christians there.


•In this contribution other churches were sending to the church at Jerusalem to help the needy Christians there.•Paul knew that proper purpose and motivation was important throughout our efforts for the Lord.


•In this contribution other churches were sending to the church at Jerusalem to help the needy Christians there.•Paul knew that proper purpose and motivation was important throughout our efforts for the Lord.•Also we see how Paul used wisdom in the handling of the money.

The Power of Example (8:1-7)


•2 Corinthians 8:1-7 - Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.



•5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us -- see that you abound in this grace also.



•When God's people understand the grace of God they will bear much fruit. (8:1)



•“Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia”



•“Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia”•What did the grace of God bestow upon these churches? They made great sacrifices under extreme conditions.



•God's grace will push us to suffer for the glory of God. (Titus 2:11-12; Phil 1:29)



•Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,



•Philippians 1:29 - For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,



•How do you see the grace of God in your life?



•We can do much more than we realize!



•We can do much more than we realize!•Consider the "impossible" conditions these brethren were experiencing. (8:2)



•“that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.”



•Some of us might say to them: "You do not have to give!" We would be wrong.



•Some of us might say to them: "You do not have to give!" We would be wrong.•Are you a liberal? These brethren were poor yet rich! (2 Cor 6:10)



•2 Corinthians 6:10 - as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.



•These brethren begged Paul to let them give. Why? Because they wanted to have fellowship in the work of God. (8:4)



•“imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”



•Would you tell someone that they did not have to pray?



•Do we view our giving this way? (Phil 4:15-17)



•Philippians 4:15-16 - Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.



•What is the key to abounding in any work we do? (8:5; 1 Cor 6:19-20)



•“And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”



•1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.



•Far too many have never died to the world! They still think they are their own master!



•How have you planned your day tomorrow?



•We need to abound in our work to its completion! (8:6-7; 10-11)



•“6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us -- see that you abound in this grace also.”



•2 Corinthians 8:10-11 - And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.



•Why do many start and fail? (Lk 14:28-30, 33)



•Luke 14:28-30 - "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it -- 29 "lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 "saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'



•Luke 14:33 - "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.



•When we are half hearted there is much damage done to us and to others by example. (Heb 6:11-12)



•Hebrews 6:11-12 - And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.



•Let us not be satisfied in just doing something, let us abound in it! Would Paul cite you as an example for others?

Maintaining Proper Motivation (8:8-15)Maintaining Proper Motivation (8:8-15)

•2 Corinthians 8:8-15 - I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;


•11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack -- that there may be equality.


•15 As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.“


•Paul had earlier commanded these Corinthians to give. (1 Cor 16:1-2)


•1 Corinthians 16:1-2 - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.


•The word "order" means: - strictly arrange carefully, make precise arrangement; hence order, direct, command (MT 11.1); middle with the same sense (AC 24.23); passive be ordered or ordained (GA 3.19)


•The word "order" means: - strictly arrange carefully, make precise arrangement; hence order, direct, command (MT 11.1); middle with the same sense (AC 24.23); passive be ordered or ordained (GA 3.19) •We know that the same command applies to us because of the obligation given to churches tat involves money! (2 Cor 11:8)


•2 Corinthians 11:8 - I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.


•When we take everything that God says on this subject we apply this verse concerning how money is raised. This is a matter of authority. (2 Tim 3:16-17)


•2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.


•Paul also makes an appeal on the basis of God's love in them. (8:8)


•8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.


•Paul knew that those who have the love of God in them will respond to the work of God if they are commanded or not!


•Paul knew that those who have the love of God in them will respond to the work of God if they are commanded or not!•This is a good test for us! Do we only do what is required? Do minimums become maximums?


•What did Jesus give for us? (8:9)


•9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.


•Do you think this way? This is the key for motivation! "What would Jesus do?"


•Why did one church send money to another church? (8:12-15)


•12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack -- that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."


•Paul wanted them to know clearly that there was a need!


•Paul wanted them to know clearly that there was a need! •The work of caring for needy members was the God given obligation of the local church.


•Paul wanted them to know clearly that there was a need! •The work of caring for needy members was the God given obligation of the local church.•This assistance was temporary and later the tables could be turned.


•Paul wanted them to know clearly that there was a need! •The work of caring for needy members was the God given obligation of the local church.•This assistance was temporary and later the tables could be turned.•This bears no resemblance to the sponsoring church arrangement developed by brethren in the 50's.


•Paul wanted them to know clearly that there was a need! •The work of caring for needy members was the God given obligation of the local church.•This assistance was temporary and later the tables could be turned.•This bears no resemblance to the sponsoring church arrangement developed by brethren in the 50's.•Do you know how this church spends its money?

Wisdom in Protecting Reputation (8:16-24)Wisdom in Protecting Reputation (8:16-24)

•2 Corinthians 8:16-24 - But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind,


•20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us -- 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you.


•23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.


•When dealing with money it is important to go to extra lengths to do things right.


•When dealing with money it is important to go to extra lengths to do things right.•Paul used men of good reputation. (8:16-18, 22-23)


•23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ


•Each church chose who they would send. This is an example of autonomy! (8:19; 1 Cor 16:3-4)


•“19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind,”


•1 Cor 16:3-4 - And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.


•Paul knew the potential of misrepresentation. (8:20-21)


•“20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us -- 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”


•The Corinthians also had a reputation based upon this test! (8:19, 24)


•“19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind”


•“24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.”


•What if every member did as you?

It is important that we never lose the reason behind our work for the Lord. The Corinthians had demonstrated a willingness to ask questions and seek further.

Documents

needy christians

churches of macedonia

churches of galatia

proper purpose

grace of god

great trial of affliction

deep poverty

power of example