The Ultimate Example

Philadelphia Baptist Church

8/15/2007 Wednesday

The Ultimate Example

2 Corinthians 8:7–9

Introduction:

A TV evangelist believes that Jesus was rich when He was on earth. He holds further that the fact that He was rich proves that He wants us to be rich. This sounds exciting, but is this what the Bible says? What does Jesus want for us relative to finance?

I.  The Status of Christian Generosity (v. 7)

A. Let’s compare some very important concepts:

1. Faith—fairly general term here—belief in God.

2. Utterance—ability to instruct others.

3. Knowledge—Holy Spirit given knowledge of God and truth.

4. Diligence—readiness to discharge every duty.

5. Love—meet needs on deepest level possible.

B. The meaning of the comparison is significant.

1. The subject—Christian generosity—ranks right up there.

2. Christian generosity is a part of our Christianity.

3. When it is missing, character is incomplete.

II.  The Motivation of Christian Generosity (v. 8)

A. “I speak not by commandment.”

1. Paul did not command to give; he used other motives.

2. “I’m not going to force you to do what I can’t persuade you to do.”

3. He appeals to heart, conscience, and judgment.

B. “By occasion of the forwardness of others.”

1. This is another reference to Macedonia.

2. He reminds them of the example already stated.

C. “To prove the sincerity of your love.”

1. Love to whom? God, Christ, Paul, church, other individuals?

2. Christian generosity is a mark of love to all five.

3. If love is meeting needs at the deepest level, then generosity is necessarily involved.

III.  The Ultimate Example of Christian Generosity (v. 9)

A. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. “He was rich”—speaks of His pre-incarnate state.

2. “He became poor”—speaks of His incarnation.

3.  “That ye through His poverty might be made rich”—speaks of salvation.

B. Does Jesus want us rich?

1. Matthew 6:24—Riches tend to become a master and to pull us away from Christ.

2. Matthew 6:19–21—The simple commandment is, do not lay up treasures.

3. Matthew 13:22—Riches tend to be “deceitful”—tell us things which are not accurate or correct.

4. Matthew 19:21–23—The story of rich young ruler shows:

a. Riches tend to intrude before Christ.

b. Riches tend to make it hard to settle kingdom issues.

5. Mark 8:36–37—Riches can’t be compared to spiritual things.

6. Mark 12:41–44—Christ commends her for giving all she had (tendency today would be to mock her for that).

7. Luke 6:24—Woe to the rich!

8. Luke 12:15—Beware of greed!

9. Luke 6:29–30—Praise Christian generosity!

Conclusion:

The difference between the plans of Jesus and those of many of His followers is remarkable. He had no plan for becoming rich and always spoke with deep earnestness about the dangers attending such attempts. Jesus may or may not want you to be rich, but He surely wants you to be generous.