Paul continues on his them on the theme of giving in the life of a believer. Jesus gave up His life for us, our response to giving and our finances should follow.
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 (which they did 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 tithe 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, you are probably quite 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 Wednesdays. Ric Benson will be looking at the life of Christ in the church.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group after Sunday mornings café time. Open discussion around difficult topics and defending our faith is the focus.
Prayer Points
1. Those who are considering baptism.
2. Church finances to cover all expenses.
3. Pray for of Kids@Church, Life groups and church community days.
4. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. Praise for the peace of Jesus to reign.
5. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More visitors on Sunday, pray that they are encouraged.
2. Very encouraging members meeting yesterday. The Lord continues to bless these with joy as we seek Him and His administration over the church.
3. Continue to pray for Tad to gain strength at home. Continue to pray for Glenys as she now has a splint to gain full use in her left arm. This is very frustrating for Glenys as you can imagine. It has been many weeks and she is desiring relief. Any encouragement you can give will be greatly appreciated.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Life Groups Wednesday night at Church – 6:30pm. New Christians and Young Adults – Sunday after church.
2. Young Adults apologetics Life group after the service – 25th Feb 2024.
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 February...
Q. 17. Of what were our first parents made? A. God made the body of Adam out of the ground. He formed Eve from the body of Adam.
