Untitled Sermon (14)

Thanks Be to God

Psalm 107:1–2 ESV

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

over 100 times the Bible tells us to give thanks

in letters to Corinth....1 Cor 15:57

1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

2 Corinthians 8:16 ESV

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.

2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Paul Thanks God for what He has done in the heart of Titus=earnest care

going on his own accord- Paul highlights these men and their commitment to transparency and integrity in regard to the gift being given by the Corinthians

2 Corinthians 3. Commendation of Those Who Will Receive the Collection (8:16–24)

“Since Christ is the one who creates in them their eager desire to serve the Corinthians, these ‘apostles,’ like the apostle Paul (cf. 1:1), are manifestations of Christ’s life-changing glory. This means to reject their work among the Corinthians is to reject the reality of Christ in his church and within her apostles.”

Plans and Purpose

We are sending these guys whom have been appointed

1 Corinthians 16:3 ESV

And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

These men have been chosen and appointed by the church and agreed upon by Paul—-he sends them..

They represent the churches who are giving they will oversee and represent...the church took a vote lol formed a committee...”If Moses had operated through a committee the Israelites never would have got across the Red Sea.” William Booth

The churches commissioned Titus and another brother because of their often tested and proven integrity.

Application: Character matters. Those who handle God’s resources must be above reproach in both reputation and practice.

Prove It

Tested Integrity for the Sake of the Gospel (v. 24)

“What is he doing there? Simply putting you to the test… to have us clear in this matter.”

Godly leaders sometimes “test” us: not to accuse, but to confirm our faithfulness and protect the gospel’s reputation.

Some have not passed the testing to be in this kind of position..gossip etc.

Application: Welcome transparency and accountability; see tests as opportunities to demonstrate Christ‑like integrity.

Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf: This is a strong encouragement from Paul to give. He says that when Titus and the unnamed brother come, the Corinthians should show them a good offering.

· Show a good offering because the churches will also know about it and thank God for His work among the Corinthians.

· Show a good offering because the offering given will be proof of your love.

· Show a good offering because Paul has been boasting to others about what givers the Corinthian Christians had been.

i. The concluding idea is clear. Paul asks them to now come through and give like the good givers he has claimed they are.

Sermon Outlines on the Epistles: Romans–II Corinthians The Giving Christian (2 Corinthians 8:1–24)

3. The key importance of diligence in Christian service (v. 21)

4. Be Prepared and Avoid Humiliation (9:1–5)

5. Proof—v. 24. Show the love that Paul boasted about.