Paul continues on his them on the theme of giving in the life of a believer. Jesus gave up His life for us, we respond through our giving to His kigdom.
2 Corinthians 9: The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem
1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,
2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated---to say nothing of you---for being so confident.
5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
The Cheerful Giver
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
9 As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Things to think about…
1. What a cunning man the Apostle Paul was. He told the Macedonians that those in Archaia (Corinth) had promised a gift (a promise they made a year ago). Paul now applies, not guilt, but a sense of duty that they honour the word that they gave at that time. Titus and the other preacher mentioned in chap 8 would be there to collect what Paul says would be “a willing gift, not as an exaction”, 2 Cor 9:5. Is this manipulation or godly accountability? Paul challenges their conscience in any event. Again, we should let our ‘yes’, be ‘yes’.
2. Giving needs to be planned. Paul gives the Corinthians plenty of time to organise their gift, 2Cor 9:3, 5. Planning our budget by honouring the Lord with our tithes sets a life of discipline and allows the Spirit to bless in other areas of need.
3. You reap what you sow. Paul reminds them of the obvious farming principle with regard to their giving, 2 Cor 9:6. The giving however should be with a cheerful disposition, 2 Cor 9:7. Sometimes this takes practise before the fruit in the heart is evident. It is one area where the Lord asks us to test Him as to whether He is faithful in opening the floodgates of blessing al Mal 3:10.
4. Paul reminds the Corinthians that the reap sow principle affects every aspect of our lives. Some people are stingy with their time, money and spiritual gifts and as such, they are shallow stingy Christians. Paul says that Christ’s grace abounds to us, therefore we should abound in good works, 2Cor 9:8. Part of this good work is a giving heart – in all its forms. If you struggle with giving, after being taught about giving, you are probably spiritually weak as well. Don’t be offended, this is the reap/sow law. Many years as a pastor has confirmed this to be true in the lives of believers. Paul says such a miserly person misses out on seeing the Lord’s miraculous provision, vss 9&10.
5. Paul confirms the outward and inward blessing as a result of faithful giving in 2 Cor 9:11, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” Every need will be more than met. More than this you will be a person of praise. Thanksgiving will well up in you. My encouragement is to try it and see if this is not the case.
6. Others will praise God because of our faithful giving, 2Cor 9:13, 14. We bless to be a blessing. Paul says this will be the case with the Macedonians who are looking at the Corinthians and seeing how they respond to the challenge to give what they pledged.
7. Look at 2 Cor 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” How should we respond to this? God gave all through Christ, surely a heart of thanks and praise would suggest we must give all to Christ as a response to cost of our salvation.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesday – 6:30pm at church. 5:30om for prayer. We will be discussing how Jesus is the King in your life. New Life group starting in Karana Downs.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Israel/Gaza, Ukraine wars. May Yeshua, the Prince of Peace still the storms
2. New people as they settle in
3. New Life group in Karana Downs
4. Those that haven’t come to church for a while to return.
5. Revival over our city.
6. Pray for Kids church and Kids Hope at Karalee State school.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise God for response to Hs word on Sunday.
2. PlayPatch keeps seeing new people every week.
3. Finances continue to be maintained.
4. The Lord’s grace over our lives and country
5. Café, music, kids church, admin, sound and technical team every week
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Ministries this week. Life group, Kids@Church, Kids Hope - Karalee.
2. PlayPatch 1-5yos, Fridays 9:30am at church.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for March...
Q. 30. What does every sin deserve? A. The anger and judgement of God.
