Macedonian Giving
2 Corinthians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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The church in Macedonia was an example of grace giving. Paul used their example to spur on the church in Corinth to give according to the grace of God.
7 Ways The Macedonians gave in grace:
1. With Joy
1. With Joy
1 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,
Macedonia — Included Thessalonica, Berea, Philippi
The setting for this offering comes from the book of Acts.
27 Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius.
29 And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.
30 And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.
The gentile churches felt indebted to the Jewish churches.
25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.
28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
2. Despite Hardship
2. Despite Hardship
2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.
Paul faced opposition in planting the churches in Macedonia. It would be no surprise that they continued to face persecution after Paul left.
3. Generously
3. Generously
2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.
Liberality sincerity or generosity
4. Sacrificially
4. Sacrificially
3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord,
5. Freely
5. Freely
3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord,
The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Seven: The Grace of Giving—Part 1 (2 Corinthians 8))
“The preacher says I should give until it hurts,” said a miserly church member, “but for me, it hurts just to think about giving!”
Own accord — Self incurred, voluntary. by there own choice.
They even begged to give.
4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,
Paul may have tried to tell them not to give because of their circumstances so much, but they turned around and pleaded to be part of the offering.
6. Worshipfully
6. Worshipfully
5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
Believer’s Bible Commentary A. Good Examples of Generous Giving (8:1–9)
“Contributions to the work of the Lord,” says G. Campbell Morgan, “are only valuable as they are the gifts of those who are themselves yielded to God.”
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Chapter 8)
The pathway to fellowship is often through the pocketbook because our money is representative of our time and energy. Therefore, when you give a check to a brother, a sister, or a ministry, you’re actually giving a part of your life. Thus, the most practical way of laying down your life is to give financially.
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 8
As the offering was being taken during a revival in Africa, a brand-new Christian told the deacon holding the collection plate to put it lower. “Lower, lower, lower,” he said—until the offering plate was on the ground. Then he stood up and stepped in. This man understood. This brand-new believer got the picture. He gave himself.
7. Perfectly
7. Perfectly
6 So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well.
7 But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.
The Corinthian church was undoubtedly blessed in many ways. They had faith.
They had speaking gifts.
They had spiritual knowledge.
They were were sincere in their love for Jesus.
What was missing from this impressive list?
Generosity.
The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Seven: The Grace of Giving—Part 1 (2 Corinthians 8))
When a church is not spiritual, it is not generous.
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 8
“Lord,” prayed a young man, “I’m going to start a business and of whatever money it makes, I will keep 10 percent and give You 90 percent.” Founder of the Quaker Oats Company, he kept his word and died a wealthy man, even though he gave nine cents of every dime to the Lord.
May we be gracious givers to the Lord following the good example of the Macedonians.
Give with Joy, Despite your hardship, Generously, Sacrificially, Freely, Worshipfully, and Perfectly.
