Focal Passage: II Corinthians 9:6-15
The topic of giving always heightens emotions in people, especially, in modern day culture. You will find extremes at both ends. There will be those who emphatically embrace the ideology of giving and those who depose it. The majority will fall somewhere in the middle.
I don’t understand why people have such a problem when it comes to the question of giving. I must confess, in my over 40 years in the ministry, this topic was my least favorite to preach on. It should not have been, because there is great joy in giving. It is an act of worship. But this topic can produce tension if people don’t understand its concept. It is definitely Biblical and in fact required.
I think most people get bogged down in the specifics. Like do I tithe on the gross or the net? Does it have to be 10 percent to be accepted by God? We trip on the details and lose the understanding of why we do it. But giving can be one of the most joyful things in our lives and one of the most worshipful things we can do to show our love toward God. In this study we will examine giving and how it can change our lives forever.
Nimmo
The backdrop for this study is II Corinthians 8-9. The Apostle Paul is addressing a problem that has arisen in the church. After dealing with the problem, he then shifts his attention to a project the Corinthians had started which now had stalled because of this problem.
The church in Jerusalem had fallen on hard times. Famine and persecution had left many in destitute conditions. Paul was collecting an offering to take back to Jerusalem for relief. The Corinthians had eagerly joined in on the effort. But because of the interruption, the offering collection had fallen off. Paul is writing to encourage them once again to continue their efforts and complete the project.
In II Corinthians 9:6-9, Paul deals with some of the questions I mentioned earlier. Apparently, the question came up as to how much should someone give. He paraphrases Jesus’ response to the same question. In Luke 6:38, Jesus said, “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Then he addresses the question about what God would accept. He tells them they should determine that in their heart. Their gifts should not be something given under compulsion but out of freedom of heart. No one wants a gift that someone gives begrudgingly, not even God.
In verses 10-11, Paul says that God will supply the means. And to those who are generous, they will find He provides even more. And the joy we receive in doing so will be multiplied.
In verses 12-15, Paul shares with them the result of their giving. They would be blessed, those they were helping would be blessed and God would be blessed and glorified. He closes out this chapter by reminding them, and us, of the gift He gave to us in His Son. B&R
