November 17, 2017: SOAP #2906:  2Cor 7-10

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 9:12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

Observation:  Paul was writing to the church at Corinth about receiving an offering for the people in Jerusalem who were experiencing a time of famine.  There would be three results of their giving.  First, the people in need would be helped.  Second, God will be praised for the generosity of His people.  And third, the people receiving the help would pray for the givers.

Application:  God is a giver, so it stands to reason that those in whom He dwells will be givers also.  Money provides a great avenue to express the Christian characteristics of giving and compassion.  Money also provides an avenue to express faith.  God does not need money to accomplish His purposes, but uses money to grow my faith.  God is not looking at the amount of money in my hand, but the degree of faithfulness in using what I have.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, so much of my life has to do with money.  May you be blest in how I apply what you provide.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!