2
Corinthians 9:1-15
Now it is superfluous for me to write
to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for
I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia,
saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up
most of them. 3 But
I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in
this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some
Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be
humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to
go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so
that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
6 The
point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his
heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to
make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at
all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has
given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
10 He
who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your
seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched
in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce
thanksgiving to God. 12 For
the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but
is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will
glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the
gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all
others, 14 while
they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon
you. 15 Thanks be to
God for his inexpressible gift!
How do you give thanks to God? Do you
list off all the things that you are thankful for? By recounting all the
different doctrines of faith and Latin terms you know? The cheerful giver is
one who gives bountifully, because he knows God has given him plenty. St Paul
boasts of the giving of the Christians in Corinth, and does not want to find
them disappointing the collectors.
I first thought this text should remind
us about proving to be concerned or knowledgeable. Then I thought it should
tell us that we should give more to our church or the ministry of the saints.
Finally, it sounds like it is really about being thankful.
Whether I am confessing my faith,
placing my money in the offering plate, or eating dinner, I need to remember to
do it for the glory of God. They are supporting the ministry of the Gospel.
They are helping people in need, while also helping support their evangelism.
In all these spots it is important for
us to remember Christ has died for us. Christ died for your sins. He claimed
you to be his very own. God created you, and continues to provide for you.
Amazingly, Jesus even boasts about you, just as God boasted about his servant
Job. There is no greater giver than God giving his only Son for you. Likewise,
it is a good idea to be a cheerful giver yourself.
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