Introduction:
A. Good morning – Praise the Lord for another opportunity to worship the Lord and to love one another!
1. I hope that last week’s message about resurrection blessings was encouraging to you!
2. How wonderful to believe in Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, and as a result to be filled with joy, hope and power!
B. Today, we want to return to our sermon series on Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.
1. We find ourselves at chapter 8, which is one of the best chapters in all the Bible about Christian giving.
2. As a matter of fact, chapters 8 and 9 are an extensive discussion of the principles of Christian giving as related to a special collection that Paul was engaged in.
3. We’ll have more to say about that special collection in just a minute.
C. Before we go any further, let’s point out that the subject of Christian giving is an important one.
1. Despite the fact that many want to shy away from talking about money and giving, it is a supremely important subject that must be addressed.
a. Jesus talked about money more than any other subject.
b. Of the 29 parables that Jesus told, 16 of them are related to money and its use.
c. 1 out of every 6 verses in the four gospels is devoted to money.
d. So it’s a subject that needs to be addressed as often as it comes up in the text.
2. And despite the fact that some churches do talk about it too much, or talk about it in ways that are detrimental and destructive, we must address the subject in a spiritual and faithful fashion.
D. Let’s look at a few cartoons that speak to some of our fears about giving and some of the stereotypes we have to battle against.
1. In this first cartoon, we have the ushers getting a pep-talk before taking the offering. The leader says, “If anyone leaves this church with any money still in their pockets, we failed.”
2. In this second cartoon the ushers are acting like bandits, “This is a stick up! No body moves until we get enough money to cover this week’s budget.”
3. With technological progress occurring, it won’t be long until we see some churches seating people according to their offering preferences. There will be rows for those giving by cash, check, credit card, or on-line donation. How about direct withdrawal?
4. Here’s one more: Two guys are stranded on a desert island. One guy says, “I’m afraid no one will ever find us.” The other guys says, “Don’t worry. I give 100 thousand dollars a year to my church. My pastor will find us.”
a. The way we handle the collection here at Wetzel Road, I don’t know how much people give, nor does anyone but a couple of people who are responsible for depositing the money and keeping records for the IRS.
b. So if you get stranded on a desert island, don’t hold your breath waiting for me to rescue you because of how much you give.
c. How much you give is between you and God.
E. Let me also mention, at this point, that I’m very proud of this congregation.
a. I’m not preaching this sermon this morning because we are in financial need, or because the church needs to be admonished for not giving as we should.
b. As long as I’ve known this congregation, we’ve been a people who support the work of the Lord with great consistency and generosity and joy.
c. Over the years, we have always risen to the occasion and supported the work of the Lord in a beautiful way.
d. Now that isn’t to say that none of us need to grow in this area.
e. Since none of us know how much money each other makes, nor how much we are giving, then the only ones who can evaluate how we are doing individually is God and me and God and you.
E. So, as always, let’s take these matters to heart and let’s dive into chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians and learn some things about excelling in the grace of giving.
1. As we study this chapter and chapter 9 next week, I hope we walk away with an understanding that giving is a blessed privilege, and that learning to excel in the grace of giving is the very best thing that can happen to us.
I. Understanding the Word
A. One of the major ministries of Paul’s third missionary journey was the taking up of a special “relief offering” for the poor Christians in Judea.
1. Paul had assisted in a similar offering back in Acts 11, but he was happy to do so again.
2. Earlier in his ministry, Paul had promised to remember the poor (Gal. 2:6-10), and he labored to keep that promise.
3. But more than that, I believe that Paul hoped that this offering would strengthen the unity between the Gentile churches with their Jewish counterparts across the sea.
B. Unfortunately, the Corinthians were not doing their part in this special offering.
1. Like many people, they had made promises, but they failed to keep them.
2. In fact, an entire year had been lost.
3. Why the delay? Probably the invasion of Paul’s opponents, who either siphoned off some of the money for themselves, or simply discouraged any cooperating with Paul.
4. Paul knew that because of what had transpired between himself and the Corinthians, that he needed to be very careful how he approached this fundraising appeal.
5. So, let’s see how Paul approached them tactfully and spiritually.
C. First of all, Paul began with an example, not a plea.
1. Look again at verses 1-5: And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. (2 Cor. 8:1-5)
2. The Macedonian churches included those at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.
3. Here Paul held them up as a great example.
4. Even though the Macedonian churches were facing a severe trial, they still were overflowing with joy and contributed generously.
5. They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
6. Paul also pointed out that the Macedonians gave as they did without being prompted.
7. They acted on their own initiative and pleaded with Paul to be allowed to share in this relief effort.
8. What impressed Paul the most was the way the Macedonians gave themselves first to the Lord and then to Paul in keeping with God’s will.
9. They are indeed a great example!
D. After using the Macedonians as an example, Paul then discussed the plan to include the Corinthians in this relief effort.
1. Look at verses 6-8: So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. (2 Cor. 8:6-8)
2. Since Titus had done such a good job taking the “tearful letter” to them, Paul now was sending Titus to bring to completion their part of the special contribution.
3. Knowing how motivated the Corinthians had been to excel in other forms of spirituality in the past, knowing their competitive spirit, Paul now challenged them to also excel in the grace of giving.
4. And although he was vested with full apostolic authority, Paul declined to issue directives and order their participation.
5. Giving should never be coerced by spiritual leaders – examples can be given, requests can be made and suggested, but no outright, specific orders should be issued.
6. God, himself, can issue such orders, but no one else has that right.
E. So having appealed to the example of the Macedonians, and to the Corinthian’s desire for spiritual excellence, Paul now turned their attention to the supreme example of Christ.
1. Look at verse 9: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)
2. In Christ we see the finest example of one who showed eagerness and generosity in giving as demonstrated by the extent of His love and sacrifice.
3. If the sacrificial giving of the Macedonians wasn’t enough to prompt the Corinthians to give, surely the example of Christ would.
4. The Macedonians gave out of their poverty.
5. Christ Jesus gave up all His riches and became poor so that we might become spiritually rich.
F. Next we see that Paul returned to the idea that he was not giving orders, but was offering advice.
1. Look at verses 10-12: And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. (2 Cor. 8:10-12)
2. Paul hinted at several reasons why it was “best” for the Corinthians to bring their contribution to a completion.
a. First, a considerable time had elapsed since they had expressed an “eager willingness” to help.
b. Good intensions must be matched by good actions.
c. God judges us according to what we have to give, not what we don’t have to give.
d. The implication there is the Macedonians gave beyond what they had to give, whereas the Corinthians have a lot available to give, and so they had better give generously.
e. You remember the widows offering that Jesus observed during his ministry – she gave a lot more than others, not in total amount, but by percentage of what she had to give – she gave it all – forget 10%, she gave 100%!
G. Take at look at verses 13-15: Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15as it is written: “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.” (2 Cor. 8:13-15)
1. One wonders why Paul included these verses.
2. Perhaps he was aware of some criticisms that were looming there in Corinth.
3. Or perhaps he was just anticipating common objections that people have in general.
4. Paul wanted them to understand the principle of equality.
5. The rich are not called upon to give so lavishly that they become poor and the poor become rich – that is not the goal or system of Christian giving.
6. Rather, the idea is that those who on occasion are enjoying a greater share of material benefits are called upon to make certain that those who have a smaller share are not in want.
7. And there might be a reciprocity that takes place. One time you will be on the giving end of things, but next time, you might be on the receiving end.
8. Paul illustrated this principle of equality of supply from the account of God’s provision of manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.
a. No matter how much manna the Jews gathered each day, they always had what they needed.
b. Those who tried to hoard the manna discovered that it was impossible, because the manna would decay and smell.
c. The lesson was clear: gather what you need, share what you can, and don’t try to hoard God’s blessings.
H. The final section of the chapter addresses some practical, but very important aspects of the special collection.
1. Let’s look at the rest of the chapter beginning at verse 16: I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 17For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 18And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. 19What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. 23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. 24Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it. (2 Cor. 8:16-24)
2. Paul knew that he had enemies and critics.
3. He knew that there would be those who would not hesitate to charge him with selfishly misusing the funds.
4. The plan he laid out here ensured that it would be impossible to level such charges.
5. The plan included the following provisions.
a. Titus, someone whom both they and he trusted, would lead the effort.
b. Along with Titus, would be two other trusted brothers who remain unnamed.
c. Why were they unnamed? Either because Titus would introduce them when they arrived, or they were already well-known to the Corinthians.
d. One of the two unnamed brothers was likely one who had been appointed by the Macedonian congregations to be their trusted delegate with their generous contribution.
6. Paul’s short letter of commendation concluded with a warm appeal – the Corinthians were to give evidence of their love for Christ and for the people of Christ by accepting and cooperating with these representatives of Paul.
7. Paul challenged them not to disappoint him, because he boasted about them and how they would do the right thing by participating in the special collection.
8. Ultimately, it was Paul’s aim to make clear not only to God, but also to everyone, the he was above suspicion, and that they had nothing to fear from contributing.
II. Applying the Word
A. What lessons should be apply to our lives from these verses?
B. First of all, we learn that Our Financial Giving Should be Prompted by Grace.
1. There are many good motives for giving.
a. We might be motivated by human need, or our desire to show kindness and feel good about ourselves (in the positive sense).
2. But the best motive for our Christian giving is the acknowledgment of the grace that God has given to each one of us.
3. We are recipients of God’s amazing grace, and that grace is transforming our lives.
4. Because we have received so much, we should want to share grace with others.
5. “Freely we have received, therefore freely we should give.”
6. Certainly that motive moves us from the “have to” to the “want to.”
C. A second lesson we learn is that Our Financial Giving Should be Based on What we Have.
1. Sometimes we deceive ourselves saying, “If I had more, I would give more.”
2. Or “if I won millions in the lottery, then I would really give.”
3. Truth is, God is not concerned about what we would give if we had more, rather He is concerned about what we give right now from what we have.
4. You might be surprised to know that U.S. News and World Report reported in 2004 that the poorest households in America gave 5.5% of their income to charity while the wealthiest households gave only 2.9%.
5. The magazine, Confident Living, reported that nearly half of all contributions to charity come from households with less than $30,000 annual income.
6. Just having more doesn’t guarantee that we will give more.
7. That’s why we need to start with being a good steward from the start.
8. From my very first paycheck with my very first church, Diana and I decided what percentage of our income we would give to the Lord, and that dictated what we had left to live on.
9. I can tell you that it was hard to live on the rest, but I believe that God has blessed our commitment to generous, grace giving over the years.
10. I like the stewardship question that Oswald Saunders used to ask: “The basic question is not how much of our money should we give to God, but how much of God’s money should we keep for ourselves?”
D. The final lesson we learn is that Our Financial Giving Should naturally follow the Giving of Ourselves to God.
1. Martin Luther said: “There are three conversions that are necessary – the conversion of the heart, the mind and the purse. Of these three, it may well be that we moderns find the conversion of the purse the most difficult.”
2. Look at this cartoon: “Offerings at first church have really increased since the pastor required everyone to be baptized holding their wallet.”
3. The Macedonians gave themselves first to the Lord…have we given ourselves first to the Lord?
4. Have we said, in effect, “Lord, all that I am is Yours. I am Yours. My life is Yours. My talents are Yours. My Money is Yours. Everything I am and have is Yours. You may use me as You please”?
5. If we haven’t done that, then no wonder we have a problem giving our time, and our money!
6. But when we really have given ourselves to the Lord, then it very naturally follows that we give gracefully and generously.
Conclusion:
A. I want to end with two contrasting stories.
B. The first is the story of a nameless, rich, young man found in Luke 18.
1. He came to Jesus asking the right questions, and it appeared that he had a lived a life of obedience to God’s commands.
2. The young man had a desire to be saved.
3. Jesus challenged the young man to do the one thing that he had not done – he challenged him to give his money to the poor and to follow Christ.
4. The young man became very said, because he was a man of great wealth.
5. He walked away from Jesus and eternal life in order to hold on to his money.
C. The second story is of a man named Zacchaeus, his story is found in Luke 19.
1. Every child in Sunday school knows the story of Zacchaeus.
2. One day Jesus came to Jericho, the town where Zacchaeus the rich tax collector lived.
3. People lined the streets to get a look at Jesus, but because Zacchaeus was a “wee little man,” he couldn’t see Jesus.
4. So he ran ahead of the parade and climbed a tree.
5. When Jesus arrived at that spot, He invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house.
6. Because of the power of Jesus’ presence and the love and attention He showed Zacchaeus that day, something wonderful happened in Zacchaeus’ life.
7. During the meal, suddenly Zacchaeus stood up and said, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Lk. 19:8)
8. Jesus said, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” (Lk. 19:9)
D. So one man was ready and willing to put his faith in Jesus and was ready let go of his riches, the other was not.
1. Which if the two stories is more like your own?
2. I hope that all of us are responding to Jesus like Zacchaeus.
E. There is great joy in giving ourselves to the Lord!
1. And there is great joy in excelling in the grace of giving.
F. What response is God asking of you today?
1. If you need to respond to the Lord’s invitation, then come…
Resources:
Paul for Everyone, 2 Corinthians, Tom Wright, Westminster John Knox Press, 2003
2 Corinthians, The NIV Application Commentary, Scott J. Hafemann, Zondervan, 2000
2 Corinthians, John MacArthur, Nelson Impact, 2007
The Letters to the Corinthians, William Barclay, The Westminster Press, 1975
Be Encouraged, The Bible Exposition Commentary, Warren Wiersbe, Victor Books, 1989
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Murray J. Harris, Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, Zondervan, 1976
“An Example of Grace-Oriented Giving” Sermon by Freddy Fritz, SermonCentral.com
“Guidelines for Giving” Sermon by Lynn Malone, SermonCentral.com
