A Question of Trust

INTRODUCTION:

We’ve been in a series on 2nd Corinthians 8-9: two famous chapters about giving in the New Testament.

People get uncomfortable when preachers talk about money so I’m really delighted yall came back after last week.

The reason we’re addressing this issue right now is because it correlates with a resource initiative we’re doing for our student ministry.

Christians have always done this kind of thing. The Bible also gives us some principles for how to do it. That’s why we’re in these two chapters.

The reason most people get squeamish on this question is because money is super private, personal and emotional.

You wouldn’t want a preacher talking about any other area of your private life so it feels uncomfortable when this part comes out.

Money and Trust

The other reason people get uncomfortable is because they’re not sure they trust the person talking about it.

The matter of money is a question of trust. That has been true from the very beginning.

Money and trust are directly related.

That relationship has always existed, most people just never think about it.

You put your money in a bank because you trust them to give it back when you need it.

When you spend money at a store there’s an exchanging of trust.

We even have financial accounts, like trust funds, that play on the idea.

The idea of money and trust is on the front face of every dollar: In God We Trust.

That’s a great saying but it’s not what the dollar represents.

This bill is called “Fiat” currency. Fiat comes from the Latin “fieri” which means “let it be done.”

Essentially, the US government printed this paper and said “this note represents $100 of value because I say so.”

We exchange these bills with implicit faith that “we can trust the USA.” (I bet you didn’t know that’s what you were saying but it’s true)

Before 1971 the US dollar was backed by physical gold. Even then, you had to trust that gold was of a certain value and that the gold was stored where they said it was kept.

Diminished Integrity

Different cultures use different systems, each unique from the other.

But every expression of money centers on the issue of trust.

Once that trust has eroded, the financial system falls apart.

Trust is diminished through a loss of integrity.

There are complicated and nuanced ways this can happen but the root of every failure is an erosion of integrity.

The word means to be whole or consistent. Integrity is being what you present yourself to be.

Hyperinflation happens through a loss of integrity. People become less prone to trust that more money won’t be printed.

Bank runs happen through the loss of integrity. People no longer believe the bank will pay them back.

That loss of integrity spreads through the system and creates an erosion of trust across the board. This is true regardless of the system.

The loss of trust in one area has a cascading effect. The financial contagion can take the whole system down.

This is what happened in the Great Depression and many other times in our economy since then.

People get angry when the system falls apart because they know the system broke through a breach of integrity. (Occupy Wall Street) Somebody wasn’t doing whey they promised they would do.

The person they relied on to be worthy of trust violated their trust through a loss of integrity. There was a gap between what they presented to the world and what happened behind the scenes.

The anger might well be misdirected but every crisis is rooted in a loss of integrity. Trust is diminished through the loss of integrity.

This is true at ANY level but especially on the question of money.

Set The Table

One reason Paul wrote this letter of 2nd Corinthians was to rebuild trust between him and that church.

They had cast doubt on Paul’s morality and ministry. This even extended to the question of money.

What’s crazy is Paul never charged for his ministry! This set him apart from many others at that time. (2 Cor 2:17)

They would manipulate people to profit off the Gospel. Paul ministered for free to avoid the accusation. (2 Cor 4:2; 7:2; 11:7-12)

Even so, they accused Paul of financial exploitation. Maybe HE didn’t take the money but he would launder it through his “team.” (2 Cor 12:14-18)

You really can’t win with some people! Often, a person’s “trust issue” is staring back at them in the mirror.

Our text is Paul’s attempt to rebuilt trust. He doesn’t just say “trust me.” He shows them a “system” worthy of their trust.

Paul understands that integrity and generosity always go together.

A lack of integrity will discourage generosity.

When a bank loses trust people divest from the bank.

When missionaries lose trust people divest from the mission.

When pastors lose trust people divest from the church.

There is nothing more central to advancing the Great Commission then inspiring greater confidence on the question of money.

With that in mind, let’s pick up our passage and apply it’s truth to our context.

2 Corinthians 8:16–24 CSB

16 Thanks be to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he welcomed our appeal and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice. 18 We have sent with him the brother who is praised among all the churches for his gospel ministry. 19 And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift that we are administering for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering. 21 Indeed, we are giving careful thought to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people. 22 We have also sent with them our brother. We have often tested him in many circumstances and found him to be diligent—and now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker for you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you.

Stewardship Determines

If you’ve been around a while you’ve seen me nerd out before on this device called a “Chiasm.”

Greek/Hebrew doesn’t use punctuation marks. Because of that, emphasis can be established through other literary means.

One of those means is a thing called a “chiasm.” It’s essentially a literary pyramid where the same point is made on either end of triangle until you get to the top with one central key idea.

I’ve seen all different versions even on this text. It’s not an exact science but it’s obvious at some level.

The reason I point it out is so we don’t get lost in the weeds. Paul’s description of these messengers is in service of a larger point.

Main Point: Stewardship determines whether trust is deserved.

That’s what Paul says in verses 20-21

2 Corinthians 8:20–21 CSB

20 We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering. 21 Indeed, we are giving careful thought to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people.

Paul’s team was “careful” to do RIGHT before God and others to prove themselves worthy of trust.

Paul commands to the Corinthians to “do right” in generosity so that they could accomplish the same for themselves.

2 Corinthians 8:24 CSB

24 Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you.

Their stewardship would prove to God and other people their public reputation was deserving of trust.

This morning we will lay out the marks of good stewardship and why they determine a person’s worthiness of trust.

What applied to stewardship of Christians in the first century also applies to God’s people today.

A GOOD STEWARD

Let’s begin with Paul’s defense of Titus and his integrity.

In verse 23 Paul describes Titus as his “partner and coworker for you…” Notice the word “for.” Paul doesn’t see this as a ministry to take but to give.

In verse 16 Paul equates Titus’s concern for Corinth with his own concern and love for that church.

In verse 17 Paul says Titus went voluntarily. Nobody was pressuring him or twisting his arm.

Not only did Titus agree to the appeal Paul had given, he WELCOMED the opportunity because he loved the people there.

A good steward is driven by genuine concern.

You see a similar kind of personal concern by this second anonymous messenger.

Commentators debate over who this character might be but notice what Paul says in verse 22. He is “…even more diligent because of his great confidence in you.”

Corinth had a reputation in that early network of churches. They certainly had some problems but they also had real potential. People were extremely gifted and the Gospel was transforming lives!

Titus and Paul’s team knew about these graces and had genuine concern for the people in that church.

Diligent to Handle

Notice also Paul’s description of the work these men perform.

He says of Titus in verse 17 “He was VERY diligent…”

He says of the other brother in verse 22 “We have tested him in many circumstances and found him to be diligent - and now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you.”

This gives us the second principle of a trustworthy steward.

A good steward is diligent in every task.

One of my favorite definitions of diligence is “giving your best to the very end.” Titus exemplified this virtue in ministry.

Remember, Paul’s original appeal was to Titus to Corinth to bring things back in order. He was to address the sin problems and relational tension towards Paul. (2 Cor 12:18)

I don’t know if you’ve ever worked with people who are self-righteous, bitter and angry but it’s a challenging job! It’s not for the faint of heart. And yet Titus got the job done. (2 Cor 7:15)

Titus was a man of diligence and strength! He was driven by genuine concern for people and diligence to perform every task assigned.

Designated By Others

The third mark of a trustworthy steward is given in verses 18-19.

Paul mentions another brother who is “praised among the churches” because of their Gospel ministry.

Many speculate the identity of this person based on what we have in the New Testament.

Some suggest Luke, who wrote Luke/Acts. Jerome and Origin took this view. Luke was with Paul during this journey (Acts 20) as was Silas/Silvanus. (2 Cor 1:19)

Others speculate Apollos, the preacher. He was eloquent, well-versed, and and very popular among the churches. (Acts 18:24-28; 1 Cor 1-4) His “gospel ministry” would’ve received praise by all the churches.

Whoever it was, they weren’t just popular. They were democratically elected by the churches. (2 Cor 8:19)

2 Corinthians 8:19 CSB

19 And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift…”

A good steward is designated by other trusted voices.

The word translated “appointed” is an interesting Greek word.

It’s a compound of “hand” (Cheir) and “to stretch out” (teino). It’s literally the picture of raising your hand for a vote.

In ancient greek democracy this was the way that leaders were elected to service. You would “raise your hand.”

The person appointed to the office was called a cheirotonetheis (or one chosen by raised hands).

Similar language is applied to the second brother on the other end of the chiasm.

He was designated to the task by the trusted voice of the apostle Paul and those who his team who administered the tests. (2 Cor 8:22)

2 Corinthians 8:22 CSB

22 We have often tested him in many circumstances and found him to be diligent…

Notice Paul’s not just talking about his personal opinion but also the validation of Titus and the other brother. “We have found him…”

Paul also doesn’t just endorse his personality. This man was “tested in many circumstances.” That means Paul had seen him face challenges of various sorts.

What you want to see in a trustworthy steward is not just that people think he’s a nice guy. But that challenges to his stewardship did not compromise his integrity. This guy passes that test.

Develop Accountability

Which leads us to the last and final attribute of a trustworthy steward.

A good steward is driven by genuine concern. (2 Cor 8:16, 23)

A good steward is diligent in every task. (2 Cor 8:17, 22)

A good steward is designated by trusted voices. (2 Cor 8:18-19, 22)

But a good steward depends on outside accountability.

Notice WHY the unnamed brother was appointed to this mission.

He wasn’t just selected for his pleasant personality. He was appointed to help oversee the collection.

2 Corinthians 8:19 CSB

19… he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift…

Not only did Paul have Titus as an extra set of eyes. Titus was going to have oversight from this brother.

But it’s even deeper than that. Paul appoints one MORE brother in addition to those two. (verse 22)

This brother was tested and well suited for the work. But he was also an additional layer of accountability.

The reason Paul strives for greater accountability is so he might prevent any grounds for accusation. Increased access results in increased transparency.

A good steward depends on systems of accountability.

WHY ACCOUNTABILITY?

Accountability is a fail safe for maintaining trust. It’s a relational backstop to preserve our integrity.

We acknowledge this principle on most moral issues but when it comes to money, there’s a different set of rules.

We don’t like outside eyes on how WE manage our money. But we do like extra eyes when OTHER PEOPLE manage ours.

The reality is, we’ll all money managers of somebody else’s money because our money is a gift given to us by God. It’s God’s money and we are HIS stewards.

Would you even invite another Christian to look at the way your manage your money? It sounds almost crazy! Why? It’s because money is so intimate. It’s so personal.

It’d be like talking to another person about your sex life. In fact, some might be MORE comfortable with that.

I’ve had many people seek out counseling for addictions, anger problems and other vices.

I’ve never had anybody seek financial accountability.

Could you imagine the spiritual benefit if we treated money like everything else?

If you viewed yourself as a money manager of somebody else’s money would it increase your openness to personal accountability?

Because we are all stewarding God’s money whether we know it or not. And a good steward develops a system of accountability.

So what should this accountability look like? I see at least two points from this passage.

Distributed Authority

The first mark of a good accountability system is distributed authority to the ones holding you accountable.

Accountability is marked by distributed authority.

What I mean by that is you give another person an equal amount of “say so” as to whether your management was sound.

This stands out to me in our text a handful of different ways. 2 Cor 8:20-21

2 Corinthians 8:20 CSB

20 We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering.

The word translated precaution means to avoid or intentionally steer clear from. Notice Paul applies this word to his entire team.

The authority of oversight and administration was not centralized to the apostle Paul. He decentralized the authority so that everybody had a say.

Paul had set up the accountability so that the criticisms leveled wouldn’t land on him but on his entire team.

Paul might’ve been the chief among equals but he distributed authority instead of keeping it to himself.

You see this same idea in verse 23 in the language Paul applies to Titus and the other brothers.

2 Corinthians 8:23 CSB

23 As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker for you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

All three of these words convey the idea of shared activity, shared authority, shared access and equal representation.

The word translated “partner” is the Greek koinonos. It means to be a joint-sharer or legal partner in a common venture. It implies common ownership and decision-making authority.

It’s the difference between a business partner and financial secretary. Both can see the books but a business partner has greater authority. He can make decisions that the secretary can’t.

“Coworker” is the Greek synergos (syn=with/ergon=work) In this context it doesn’t just imply shared activity but also shared responsibility. It implies functional authority to act on behalf of the whole.

Finally, the word translated “messengers” is the Greek word “apostoloi.” It’s usually translated “apostle.” The word literally means to be “sent with authority.” It’s the title Jesus Jesus applied to his disciples when he sent them on mission to make disciples of all nations.

Culturally, this word was reserved for legal agents or political envoys empowered to transact business. They had authority to act on behalf of their sovereign. As one author put it, “the one sent is as the man himself.”

Why It Matters

Paul could not have been more explicit. He could’ve chosen many words but he chose these for a reason.

Together they form a kind of triangular authority structure. A three-legged stool of ownership, operation and oversight.

The system Paul constructed had intentional redundancies, failsafes and backups to preserve the integrity.

As a church, this is the kind of financially accountability WE want to have. It’s why we have multiple people receive and count the offering. It’s why multiple teams get a monthly financial report.

Even in this capital campaign the authority was distributed. We constructed multiple teams and received approval from several boards before we ever considered bringing it to the surface.

Not only does this promote integrity. It increases the legitimacy and confidence of our church. You can’t have generosity without a basis for trust. You can’t have trust if there are questions about integrity.

Deliberate Transparency

That leads me to the second attribute of good accountability. It can also be seen at the center of this chiasm.

2 Corinthians 8:21 CSB

21 Indeed, we are giving careful thought to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people.

The phrase “we are giving careful thought to do” is actually only ONE WORD in the Greek New Testament.

It’s the Greek word “pronooumen” which conveys the ideas of “providing something in preparation for.” It’s a combination of preparation and foresight. If this is what’s coming then this is needed now.

In that way, accountability is marked by deliberate transparency.

“Deliberate” because Paul did it on purpose. Anticipating criticism, he removed any grounds for accusation. This is really wise when it comes to the question of money.

You don’t want transparency AFTER an accusation. By then, it’s too late. Public integrity has already taken the blow. (Even baseless accusations diminish trust in the system.)

You keep accusations from landing through deliberate transparency; transparency that all eyes can see.

Notice the three audiences Paul has in mind: the Lord, the World, and the Church

For himself in Verse 21, “We are giving careful thought to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people.”

For the Corinthians in Verse 24, “Show them proof before the churches of your love…”

Because these brothers were appointed by other churches to represent them, the evidence they saw would be conveyed later on.

The idea is that transparency was for everyone not just the special people.

I know this is complicated. Paul’s not leading a public company like a Fortune 500 CEO. While the application is nuanced the principle is timeless and sound.

When transparency is deliberate your integrity is increased. Increased integrity inspires trust in the system.

Trustworthy stewards receive more for their trust.

FOR GLORY AND LOVE

Of these stewardship principles, this is the most important. When accountability is absent, good stewards are unprotected.

This doesn’t just apply organizationally as a church. It applies to each of us at an individual level.

One reason I’m excited for this capital campaign is because of how it challenges our growth in this area.

There are changes we can make to improve our stewardship as a church. Close the Gap will push us to make those changes as we grow.

But there’s also an opportunity for you to grow in grace. Your commitment to Close The Gap is an invitation to apply these truths.

To apply these four principles, I want to share the four steps of Close the Gap.

Pray

During the Vision Nights I challenged every person to do four things. Pray, Ask, Plan & Give.

Each step correlates with these principles of good stewardship.

First, we’re asking every person to PRAY.

Through prayer you’ll develop genuine concern. Remember, prayer isn’t just sharing your heart with God. Prayer is about aligning your heart with HIS. That’s why I’m excited about our Prayer Service tonight.

Close the Gap is a response to God’s blessing on our church God has shown us grace in causing our church to grow. This growth has been atypical given these last three years.

We’re not doing anything different. God is doing something NEW. Though prayer you’ll become more invested in that work.

Emotionally and spiritually your concern for our church will grow. Just like Paul and Titus and these other brothers going to Corinth. Good stewards must be driven by a genuine concern.

Join us tonight at 6:00 for our Prayer Service for Close The Gap. Spiritual growth requires spiritual power unlocked by our prayer.

I’m praying for 100% participation in this capital campaign. I’m also praying we reach our goal of $1.5 million.

But we should also pray for the spiritual good Close the Gap facilitates.

I’m praying God grows our faith in general and our culture of generosity.

I’m praying for our student ministry and younger population as well.

I’m praying for David (our student ministry) and his growth in pastoral ministry.

I’m praying for his volunteers and spiritual protection for the enemy.

I’m praying for the construction and the process of vetting companies.

I’m praying for future guests and members who will have a seat through this expansion.

I’m praying that EVERY single person will find new life in Jesus.

ASK

Step 1 is to pray. Step 2 is to ASK.

Through prayer, ASK GOD for a number you should give. Good stewards are determined by trusted voices.

The most trusted voice is the voice of God when it comes to this key question.

Don’t look for the number you’re comfortable giving. Take time to listen for God. Think through these passages and discern God’s will for your pledge.

The Lord has perspective that’s unique to his position. He can see further and better than we can. Ask God for wisdom for how you should give.

We’re expecting EVERY member to participate at some level. But God’s blessing is always proportional to obedience.

To enjoy and participate in the fullness of God’s blessing you must hear and respond to the fullness of his will.

PLAN

The first step is pray. The second step is ask. The third step correlates to the second stewardship principle.

Sit down and develop a giving plan.

Good stewards are diligent in every task. Diligence is giving your best work to the end.

If we really want to reach the number God has given, it’s going to require some planning to make it happen. I know that’s true for us.

We’ve committed to a number that we’ve never done before. It’s the most generous we’ve ever been and it’s stretching us to be creative.

Take two walks around your life. A physical walk around your property (to see what God might use.) Take a digital walk through your accounts whether checking, savings or stocks.

Be open to God being creative on how he chooses to provide. Is there anything there that you could deploy, decrease, delay or start doing?

GIVE

The final step is the last stewardship principle which is a system of accountability.

Once you’ve received and planned out your number, communicate it by submitting a pledge.

Pray. Ask. Plan and GIVE.

This fourth step isn’t asking for money. It’s asking for a public commitment through a pledge. You’ll see a copy of the envelope in your bulletin.

This pledge card is a system of accountability. It’s a public expression of your spiritual commitment. It’s exactly what Paul was asking from the Corinthians.

Accountability is marked by deliberate transparency. The pledge doesn’t lock you into a contract. But it is transparency before God and our church.

Only authorized people see individual pledges. But everyone will know the total we pledge together. To encourage greater trust our leaders will go first. The deadline for other pledges is anytime before December.

Glory & Love

There’s a direct connection between money and trust. The better the stewardship the greater the trust.

Do you desire to be found as a trustworthy steward? I know I do. But, for what reason?

Paul’s diligence in stewardship wasn’t centered on himself. Neither was his stewardship an effort to receive.

Paul’s motivation for stewardship centered outside of himself. It was the glory of Christ and his love for Christ’s bride.

He states this explicitly again and again. His commitment to good stewardship was “for the glory of the Lord HIMSELF.” (2 Corinthians 8:19)

Good stewardship displays the glory of Christ.

He says something similar for the stewardship of the messengers. “They were appointed by the churches, the glory of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 8:23)

Good stewardship matters because it glorifies Jesus. But the glory of Jesus is tied to His Church.

Which leads to the second motivation for generosity.

Stewardship deepens your love for his Church.

2 Corinthians 8:19 CSB

19 we are administering for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.

2 Corinthians 8:24 CSB

24 Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you.

Jesus said where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I don’t know about you, but I want my heart to be fully invested in the Glory of Christ through the strength of his church.

Just as God the Father is glorified through the radiance of the Son. Christ the Son is glorified through the radiance of his bride.

Any investment you will make to grow as a trustworthy steward should be an investment motivated by the glory of God in Christ and his Church.

CONCLUSION

Fundamentally, Close The Gap isn’t about building a new building. It’s not even about adding seats to a sanctuary.

The vision of Close the Gap is the glory of Jesus Christ. We want to bring Jesus to EVERY generation.

When people discover new life in Jesus then Jesus is glorified in the ministry of our church.

That’s the ONE THING that drives us above all. It’s the reason for our stewardship of every single dollar.

When that vision is clear then our stewardship will follow. When that vision is lost, our stewardship will fail.

Will you be a steward for the glory of Christ. Will you take these steps out of love for Broadview Church?

If we all partner together, imagine what God might do.