Day By Day - 2 Corinthians 8
By Anne Horsburgh
Opening Thoughts:
This chapter speaks to me about money matters and stewardship, as well as our attitude regarding it.
The matter of the relief fund for the poor in Jerusalem is raised again. Titus had helped the Corinthians make a start, following Paul’s instructions in an earlier letter (1 Cor 16), and now he will return and supervise the completion of the collection. Some members of the Macedonian churches will accompany him as a safeguard. This way Paul is safe from any hint of embezzling the finances.
Also, Paul is hoping that the Corinthians would complete what they had started and thus learning the blessing and duty of systematic giving and showing appreciation to the parent church in Jerusalem.
As I think back over my past in different churches, it was one of those subjects not enjoyed by many of the congregation and became hard work for the leaders of the church. I remember the “cringe-worthy” aspect of “Stewardship Sunday” every year in one church. In reality, stewardship or financial giving or tithing – whatever you like to call it – is just part of the Christian walk and lifestyle. No different than confession and repentance...or prayer and reading the Word.
Finances can cause much stress in our lives. It is easy when we have enough, but what about when we don’t? I can remember times of drought when giving to the church was a hardship, rather than a pleasure; and sometimes, it just did not happen. They were times of difficulty when the bills piled up and the money just did not go far enough. Sometimes the blessings came through that made you joyous and, other times, you just had to keep plodding through trusting that God has everything in His hands.
Point 1: Our finance is not separate from our relationship with God.
In 1 Timothy 6:10, we read, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Also beyond God’s house, there are responsibilities; and that is the area of ministering to the personal needs of others. For example, Luke 1:29-37, the Good Samaritan.
Point 2: God looks for a willing heart amongst His people.
When it comes to the provision of finance (for other needs) in relation to His House, God is looking for a willing heart. There are many mission fields – local, national and international.
2 Corinthians 8: 12 states, “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”
And 1 Timothy 6:18, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Point 3: It is a sacrifice.
If you realise that God requires sacrifices today as much as He did in the Old Testament dispensation, then it will be easy to honour Him with your financial contribution. Your giving should be a willing sacrifice unto God.
Romans 12:13a - “Share with God’s people who are in need.”
Acts 11:29 - “Then the disciples each according to his ability decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.”
Please note that in giving your sacrifice, God does not want you to create unbearable hardship for yourself (and your family). We see this in 2 Corinthians 8:13, “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.”
Final Thoughts:
There is a result from obeying God in the handling of our finances. If we obey just to get the result, then we are not acting with the right motives.
Nonetheless, there is fruit / blessing from obedience in all areas of our walk with God, not just finances.
Opening Thoughts:
This chapter speaks to me about money matters and stewardship, as well as our attitude regarding it.
The matter of the relief fund for the poor in Jerusalem is raised again. Titus had helped the Corinthians make a start, following Paul’s instructions in an earlier letter (1 Cor 16), and now he will return and supervise the completion of the collection. Some members of the Macedonian churches will accompany him as a safeguard. This way Paul is safe from any hint of embezzling the finances.
Also, Paul is hoping that the Corinthians would complete what they had started and thus learning the blessing and duty of systematic giving and showing appreciation to the parent church in Jerusalem.
As I think back over my past in different churches, it was one of those subjects not enjoyed by many of the congregation and became hard work for the leaders of the church. I remember the “cringe-worthy” aspect of “Stewardship Sunday” every year in one church. In reality, stewardship or financial giving or tithing – whatever you like to call it – is just part of the Christian walk and lifestyle. No different than confession and repentance...or prayer and reading the Word.
Finances can cause much stress in our lives. It is easy when we have enough, but what about when we don’t? I can remember times of drought when giving to the church was a hardship, rather than a pleasure; and sometimes, it just did not happen. They were times of difficulty when the bills piled up and the money just did not go far enough. Sometimes the blessings came through that made you joyous and, other times, you just had to keep plodding through trusting that God has everything in His hands.
Point 1: Our finance is not separate from our relationship with God.
In 1 Timothy 6:10, we read, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Also beyond God’s house, there are responsibilities; and that is the area of ministering to the personal needs of others. For example, Luke 1:29-37, the Good Samaritan.
Point 2: God looks for a willing heart amongst His people.
When it comes to the provision of finance (for other needs) in relation to His House, God is looking for a willing heart. There are many mission fields – local, national and international.
2 Corinthians 8: 12 states, “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”
And 1 Timothy 6:18, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Point 3: It is a sacrifice.
If you realise that God requires sacrifices today as much as He did in the Old Testament dispensation, then it will be easy to honour Him with your financial contribution. Your giving should be a willing sacrifice unto God.
Romans 12:13a - “Share with God’s people who are in need.”
Acts 11:29 - “Then the disciples each according to his ability decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.”
Please note that in giving your sacrifice, God does not want you to create unbearable hardship for yourself (and your family). We see this in 2 Corinthians 8:13, “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.”
Final Thoughts:
There is a result from obeying God in the handling of our finances. If we obey just to get the result, then we are not acting with the right motives.
Nonetheless, there is fruit / blessing from obedience in all areas of our walk with God, not just finances.
Posted in 2 Corinthians