2 Corinthians 8

Intro

A Pattern for Giving (time, talent, treasure)

Context: a gift for the believers in Jerusalem

Romans 15:26–27 ESV

For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.

Historical background: Macedonia

Roman province north of Corinth that covered the northern part of Greece and beyond

Paul planted at least two churches in this area, at Philippi and Thessalonica.

Persecution of Christian believers was rampant and common in the Roman Empire, and this area was no exception.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 ESV

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

1 Thes

2 The

2 Thessalonians 1:4–5 ESV

Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—

Philippians 1:27–30 ESV

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

“If the Tiber floods the city, or if the Nile refuses to rise, or if the sky withholds its rain, if there is an earthquake, a famine, a pestilence, at once the cry is raised: ‘Christians to the lion.’”

-Tertullian, Apology

A Christian’s Daily Prayer

-That’s the context. What do we find the Macedonians doing?

The Macedonians are giving out of their poverty, suffering and joy.

-That’s the context. What do we find the Macedonians doing?

We live in a world that firmly believes that those things do not mix.

Wealth—a necessary component for joy?

Verizon Christmas ad “now is the season of getting”

Our whole marketing universe revolves around materialism—that your happiness is connected to having that Talbot’s coat, or getting the iPhone 11 Pro Max, or the newest Ford F-150.

You and are are taught to believe that we have “succeeded” in life if we can retire at age 62 with a stuffed 401k and balanced market portfolio, so that we can travel the world, eat at 5-star restaurants and play endless rounds of golf.

Our social media is filled with people who are less deserving then us who are getting promotions at work, buying fancy houses, and relaxing on week-long vacations at the Sandals resort in Jamaica.

Are these things wrong in and of themselves? No. But when we buy into the lie “you deserve this” and attach our joy to these things…Houston we have a problem.

Health and Comfort (not just physical health, but wholistic in terms of a vibrant life)

Our culture is obsessed with convenience—everything is designed to be as “pain free” as possible

What happens when the comfort is taken away, when the stress or hardship comes, when the illness or trying circumstance threatens? Where does joy go then?

Paul presents the Macedonians as living through a severe test of affliction, yet despite this they give generously. And this attitude and activity of generosity is formed with two ingredients:

an abundance of joy

Question: These believers are living through a severe test of affliction—how can they possibly be joyful?

extreme poverty

Question: How can extreme poverty result in a wealth of generosity?

Luke 21:1–4 ESV

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Luke 21:

When you get tweaked, or life isn’t going just right, how does that impact your service to others?

You might not struggle to give financially, but when life is busy, do you still generously give of your time and talents?

What are gifts and talents that you have that you could be more effectively using for the glory of God?

—>It is convicting that Paul notes they gave “beyond their means.”

2. What is the source of this kind of selfless and joyful giving?

Paul notes repeatedly that this giving was not just sacrificial, but also joyful

It was a consequence of their abundant joy v. 2

the desired to give and looked on it as a favor v. 4

Paul commends the cheerful giver 9:7

The source is the grace of God to us mediated through Jesus Christ

the word grace occurs 7 times in chapters 8&9

“grace” is used in two ways here:

The believers have received from God (8:1, 8:9, 9:8, 9:14)

The grace believers minister to others (8:6, 8:7, 8:19)

—>In other words, as the believer has received, so he/she ministers.

Who is the pattern for this kind of giving and this kind of grace?

Jesus Christ, who because the humble, suffering servant for your sake and mine!

The prince of heaven for the sake of mankind

Where can you more effectively give to God of your time, talents, and treasure?

What is the manner of your giving? Earnest desire or reluctant obligation?

How should your receiving the grace of God impact you ministering the grace of God to others? How can you do this?

A Christian’s Daily Prayer

Is He Worthy?