November 17, 2021: SOAP #4367:  2Corinthians 7-10

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. à
2Corinthians (NIV) 9:13 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: Chapters 8 and 9 of 2Corinthians are about a special ministry for every member of the church—the ministry of giving.  Paul gives reasons for giving, responsibilities for giving, and rewards for giving. 

It is interesting to note that Paul was not directing his arguments for giving to motivate an offering for himself.  He was encouraging giving to the church in Jerusalem going through a drought. 

Paul thanked people for their giving to him and his ministry, but Paul did not use the truths about giving to raise money for himself or for his ministry.  (Philippians 4:10-19)   He did not make people feel guilty for not giving or that God’s work would be hindered if people did not give to him. 

APPLICATION:  When I have a need, I should follow Paul’s example and put my emphasis on thanking people for their support rather than on convincing them to give to me.  I should make my requests known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

When I have extra finances, I should follow Paul’s teachings to invest in the Kingdom of God and expect God to be faithful to me. (2Corinthians 9:7-11)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I have had a need, I know that you have used other people to minister to my needs, but they were responding to your guidance and not to my persuasion. You received their praise when they discovered that they were meeting a need at your direction, and you received my praise for you were the only one aware of my need.  Our faith was increased.  Amen.

Pastor Leon    
Making friends for time and eternity!