Giving and commitment to what you said you would do are Paul’s focus today.
2 Corinthians 8: Encouragement to Give Generously
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
4 begging us earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints---
5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
7 But as you excel in everything---in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you---see that you excel in this act of grace also.
8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness
14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
15 As it is written, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."
Commendation of Titus
16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.
17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.
18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.
19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.
20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us,
21 for we aim at what is honourable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.
22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you.
23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
Things to think about…
1. The Macedonians – among whom were the Philippians, were generous givers. Paul says they gave even beyond their means, 2 Cor 9:3. Titus was sent to the Corinthians to do the same, vs 6 – the collect money, most likely for those suffering in the church at Jerusalem. Faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love are acts of grace. Paul also says giving is an act of grace. And he wants them to excel in it, vs7. While Paul does not want to legislate the requirement to give, he does desire to see the fruit of the Spirit through the Corinthians following the example of the Macedonians. A giving church honours Christ and is a reflection of grace, not because we legislate it, but because it honours the Lord and it spreads a knowledge His word and works in the community.
2. Paul holds the Corinthians accountable here with their words. He says a year ago they promised they would give, vs10. He says match what you started, 2 Cor 9:11. It’s easy to say ‘yes’ to something only to later fail in fulfilling the commitment. I think Aussies do this a fair bit. When we say ‘yes’ to a ministry only to say ‘no’ dishonurs the Lord and burdens others who have to take on an extra load. This is an important consideration when you sign on to operate the computer, go on crèche roster, Kids church teacher, be in the worship team, Recharge leader, Cell group leader or team member. Our ‘yes’ should be ‘yes’’. Both Jesus and James say it’s of the devil and worthy of condemnation to do otherwise. We are thankful to all those that have served faithfully in ministries this year. You have honoured Christ as a result.
3. Paul sends Titus and another famous preacher among the churches, 2Cor 9:18 back to Corinth. We don’t know who this other preacher is, possibly Apollos. Paul says they are sent so that any gift given by the Corinthians is without blame and administered appropriately, 2 Cor 9:19, 20. Churches are called to be accountable with the way they administer their finances. This is always a tough road to walk, because it must also involve faith. Please pray that CBC continues to administer all finances and resources wisely in the various areas where they will be most effectively utilised.
4. I boast about CBC to others outside the church. Not without reason. Even though the Corinthians had their issues Paul did the same for them, 2 Cor 9:24. Like a parent speaking about their child, we always see the good and desire to encourage and nurture that part.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Cell groups on break.
Prayer Points
1. Planning for this year’s preaching topics and roster.
2. Those returning from holidays.
3. Victorian parliament discussing gay conversion therapy, antichristian bill next month.
3. America. Pray for truth, grace and peace. Especially the next 2 weeks.
4.Sunday’s message. This week –Andrew Otte.
6. Church finances to meet our expenses and to put a roof over our café.
7. Our City and Country – Pray for revival over our city and the leadership of our country even through these challenging times.
Praise Points.
1. Faithful message on Sunday by Graham Willey
2. The worship team and streaming on Sunday. Great job Josh and Ben.
3. All those who served in 2020 – Especially Dan Anderson, Helen and Steve Hawkins , Angelo, Rod and muso’s, Murray Aitchison, Yuki and many, many others. Thankyou. The elders have been a great support to me this last year.
