Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-7)
In 2011, Tammy, the boys, and I lived on only $625 a week, and, let’s face it: raising two boys ain’t cheap. As Christmas approached, the boys made their lists, but Tammy and I didn’t know how we would buy either of them anything.
Some folks at church also knew we were struggling, and Bill came to me one morning and asked if Tammy or I would be offended if he gave us money from an anonymous donor for the kids’ Christmas. Nope, not at all. A few days later, Bill pulled out a big wad of cash and told me to go shopping.
Have you ever found yourself in a financial crunch? Who came to your rescue? Did someone in your family help you? Did a neighbor bring your groceries? Did a friend put gas in your car? Did the church help you pay medical bills?
Christians in Jerusalem were struggling, and Paul collected money for those disciples. The Corinthian church agreed to help the Judeans, but then the Corinthians seem to have had some second thoughts.
The churches in Macedonia, though, never had second thoughts after pledging support. Paul used the Macedonians to urge the Corinthians to act, and he taught the Corinthians: “You give generously when you have given yourself to Jesus.”
Scripture (2 Corinthians 8:1-7)
verses 1-2:
“The grace of God . . . [had] been given” to the Macedonians. Why did the apostle call a Christian’s generosity “the grace of God?” Simple: What the Macedonians contributed to the Jerusalem Christians came from God in the first place; everything the Macedonians had—including what they shared with the needy—derived from God’s grace.
The Macedonians gave “in a severe test of affliction.” These Christians seem to have suffered financially because of persecution, but they continued to give.
verses 3-5:
The Macedonians gave not only what they could afford—they gave well beyond their ability. And no one forced them to do so; instead, they gave generously “of their own accord.”
The Macedonians desired to give, and they begged Paul for the privilege of giving to the needy saints.
Why did the Macedonians wish to be so generous? Because “they gave themselves first to the Lord.” Jesus had said that where one’s heart is there his treasure will be also (Matt 6:21); these disciples put their treasure in Jesus, so their material possessions just weren’t all that important.
verse 6-7:
The Corinthians excelled in many miraculous spiritual gifts—they needed to excel in the spiritual gift of giving, too.
Application
“You give generously when you have given yourself to Jesus.” The Macedonians had given themselves to Jesus and then generously to their poor brethren.
The earliest Christians took care of each other: Acts 4:34-35. When Agabus foretold a famine, “the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea” (Acts 11:29).
Why did the early Christians give generously to one another? Because generosity demonstrates Christian love: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 Jn 3:16-17).
The Macedonians loved their brethren and were generous givers. If you love your brethren, you will be a generous giver. What does this passage teach about giving generously because you have given your life to Jesus?
One: Example
The Macedonians were an Example for the Corinthians: “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia” (2 Cor 8:1).
Just like the Macedonians and like Titus, you should “show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works” (Tit 2:7). How much do other people see you give? Do they see you helping someone in a difficult situation? Do people see you loving your brethren? Do they see you bringing supplies for the pantry? What type of Example are you?
Two: Examine
The Macedonians Examined how God had blessed them and they gave far beyond that: “They gave according to their means [they knew what they could give], as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord” (2 Cor 8:3).
Shouldn’t you Examine how richly God has blessed you? God richly blesses: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Js 1:17). When you Examine God’s blessings, what do you see? What has God given you spiritually? What has he done for you materially? What can you share with others?
Three: Essentials
The Macedonians knew that their brethren lacked Essentials they could supply: The Macedonians begged Paul “earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” (2 Cor 8:4).
Some brethren live without Essentials right now. That’s what Jesus said: “You always have the poor with you” (Matt 26:11). Paul worked hard that he might provide Essentials to others: “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).
What Essentials can you provide for the needy? Can you provide a meal? Can you provide clothing? Can you provide a ride to work? Can you provide money for a prescription? What can you give because, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?”
Four: Excel
The Corinthians needed to Excel in their giving: “See that you excel in this act of grace” (2 Cor 8:7).
Just like the Corinthians, you need to Excel in the grace of giving: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Heb 13:16). What do you have that you can share? How will you Excel in the grace of giving?
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.