Faithfulness Delegated Series

November 11, 2014

Tom Lowe

The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

Lesson III.C: Faithfulness Delegated. (8:16-9:5)

Part-1: When We Give By Faith. (8:16-24)

Faithfulness Delegated.

Part-1: When We Give By Faith. (8:16-24)

Part-2: Your giving will provoke others. (9:1-5)

2nd Corinthians 8:16-24 (NKJV)

Part-1

16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.

18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,

19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind,

20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us—

21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you.

23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

Commentary

A GOD-GIVEN DESIRE TO SERVE (VS. 16, 17)

This section of chapter 8, is, in essence, a letter of recommendation for Titus and two anonymous “brothers.” Titus was an official representative of Paul, while the “brothers” were representatives of the churches who had contributed to the Jerusalem Fund.

16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

Beginning in verse 16 Paul suddenly turns from a profound spiritual principle to some practical counsel on how the special collection for the needy in Judea would be handled. Paul knew he had his enemies and his critics. He knew well that there would be those who would not hesitate to charge him with turning part of the collection to his own use, so he takes steps to ensure that it would be impossible to level that charge against him, by ensuring that others would share with him the task of taking it to Jerusalem.

“Thanks” is the same Greek word “charis” which has been translated “grace.” Although “thanks” is a good translation, it would be equally correct to translate it “grace be to God.” Paul is saying that he sent Titus to get their offering, but it was already a grace in his heart (He really wanted to do it.). Paul had found a kindred spirit in his fellow worker. The same burden which the apostle had for the Corinthians, he found to be shared by Titus. Paul says that “God” has put “the same earnest” love for you into the heart of Titus that he has for the Jerusalem Christians.

While it is true that grace giving means giving by faith, it is also true that grace giving does not mean giving by chance. The Christian who shares with others must be sure that what he gives is managed honestly and faithfully. Grace giving is not foolish giving. Even in a local church, the people who handle the funds must possess certain qualifications. Paul was very careful about how he handled money entrusted to him because he did not want to get the reputation of being a “religious thief.” The churches that contributed to the collection chose certain representatives to travel with Paul, so that everything would be done honestly, decently, and in order.

The men and women in every Christian ministry—a local church, a missionary organization, an evangelistic meeting—should possess the following qualifications if they are going to handle God’s money.

(1) A God-given desire to serve (vs. 16, 17)

(2) A burden for lost souls (v. 18)

(3) A desire to honor God (v. 19)

(4) A reputation for honesty (vs. 20-22)

(5) A Cooperative spirit (vs. 23, 24)

Paul did not draft Titus; the young man had a desire in his heart to assist in the gathering of the special offering. He commended Titus to the Corinthians. He had already emphasized how encouraged Titus was after his initial visit with them (see 2 Corinthians 7:13-15). The Corinthians had welcomed Titus, had respected his message to them, and had even provided for his needs (see 2 Corinthians 7:7, 15).

Above all, a person who handles the Lord’s money must have a heart that is right with God.