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, whom Paul also wrote to, 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 in the individual believer and it spreads 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 asks that their works match their words, 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, youth leader, life 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 thankyou 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 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. Many seemed helped by the message on temptation. May Christ be our example as we have freedom in Him.
2. Encouraging ministry at the combined Baptist churches at Beacon on Sunday night.
3. Tad is recovering well. Continue to pray for Glenys as she gains use in her left arm.
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. Members meeting this Sunday 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.
