STILL ON GIVING

2 Corinthians 8:3,5,7

For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

The church has thrived through the years by the power of the Heavenly Father Himself, and He has provided for the ministry work through His own people. For the love of the Father prompts all to be givers. 

2 Corinthians 8:4

They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.

For as we excel in all things pertaining to ministry, we should excel in giving, for it also a gift of the Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 8:7

Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

For Christ Jesus is our perfect example of giving. Glory to God. 

2 Corinthians 8:9

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

Having know this, we look at the giving in scriptures in contrast to some errors today. There is giving to man, and there is giving to the work of the Lord. The giving in 2 Corinthians was for the church (headquarters) in Jerusalem and this was used for missioners, to help poor gatherings, all for the furtherance of the gospel. 

Thus all who receive money for the church MUST be accountable! 

2 Corinthians 8:4,19-21

They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.

He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help.

We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.

We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.

Do not play around with money received for the Lord, it is a terrible thing to do! 

We see again the emphasis:

2 Corinthians 8:12-13

Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.

This is the general rule for giving to the Lord, for the Lord will not ask of you what He has not giving to you. 

Yes there is a sacrificial giving, however it is from what you have you give to the Lord. 

I have seen some spiritual foolishness, where an employer owes his employees and is giving lumps to the church in the name of sacrificial giving. This is not just foolish but evil. For the cry of these oppressed ones who have worked for you reaches the Lord. . . 

Enough of all these gimmicks about giving. There is no tricky, magic or ponzi about it. We must not lead God's people astray for personal gains. 

For all these personal gathering of wealth by the so called men of the Lord, is to what end? The wealth should be of the church! 

Listen:

2 Corinthians 8:14-15

Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.

As the Scriptures say, 

“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

May we not err, either by withdrawing our giving, giving carnally or stealing from the Lord or with His name. 

The Lord will guide us alright, we will get it right, for we have His Spirit. 

We are blessed to bless. 

He calls us blessed. 

Love

@the watcher.