Riches of Their Liberality, Part II

2018-02-04

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. (8) I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. (9) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (10) And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. (11) Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. (12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (2 Corinthians 8:7-12)

After encouraging the Corinthians to be as zealous as the Macedonians, Paul reminded them of their zeal a year before, and to be as generous in giving as they were in their other strengths.

  1. Giving is as much a spiritual discipline as other things are. The Corinthians were known for faith, utterance (1 Corinthians 1:5), knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:5), diligence, and love for the apostles. Their “utterance” is seen in all the preaching in foreign languages in 1 Corinthians 14, and how it often was not helpful because no one was there to translate what they were saying. Their diligence may refer to their response to Paul’s exhortation to throw the sexually immoral out of the church (1 Corinthians 5:1-2), which they did, and helped the man fix the issue in his life (2 Corinthians 2:5-7). They were to make giving as important as these other spiritual gifts. 2 Corinthians 8:7
  2. Giving was not a commandment per se, but rather an act of love toward others. Others were eager to see the results of their love for others. 2 Corinthians 8:8
  3. Giving is evidence of love. People cannot see love in any way other than through action. This is summarized in James 2:17: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” 2 Corinthians 8:8
  4. Giving pictures Christ in our lives. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, left heaven, became a man born into a poor family, and humbled Himself to the point of death for our sakes (Philippians 2:5-11). We demonstrate Christ in us when we empty ourselves and give to others. 2 Corinthians 8:9
  5. Giving should be an ongoing process. The Corinthians were very eager to give money toward the offering a year ago, but we see Paul hinting that they may have forgotten or had lost the heart to give. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11
  6. Giving must result in action, not just empty promises. You can desire to give all day long; you actually have to give something for the gift to actually matter to someone! 2 Corinthians 8:12

Continue to Part III.