November 17, 2016: SOAP #2541:  2Cor 7-10

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Observation:  In this passage, and its context, Paul is dealing with money.  He is collecting an offering to send to the church in Jerusalem.  God is the one who provides us “seed” to be sown (money to be given) AND “bread for food” (money to be used for living.)  As we are faithful in sowing the seed, He is faithful to “increase the store of seed.”  He enables us to be “generous on every occasion.”

Application:  I must be careful to recognize what money God has provided for food and what for seed.  If I eat my seed, I will not be able to plant the seed and so will not be able to reap the harvest the seed could provide.  Many years ago, the seed started as a small amount, but each harvest season it has increased.  God is faithful!  NOTE:  It concerns me when I hear people and ministries using these verses to convince me to give to their support.  I think they should be sowing their seed and expecting God to “increase their store of seed.” Then they can encourage me with their testimonies of God’s faithfulness.  (Paul was not using these truths to build his own financial support.)

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, find me faithful in using the money you have provided for me and my ministries.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!