The following is from the
Explorer’s Bible Study by N.E. Constance.
The Gift of Grace in Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-24 )A. Examples and Principles (2 Corinthians 8:1-8 )
Paul, in making his appeal to the Corinthian Church, mentions to them the liberality of the Christians in Macedonia at a time when they themselves were under a yoke of poverty and persecution. They gave voluntarily, they gave largely and they gave from principle, the principle being that “they first gave themselves to the Lord.” The grace of Christian giving can only be done with proper motive when we have first given ourselves to the Lord. The grace of giving is not, as generally treated, something you do if you feel like it, or don’t if you don’t feel like giving. It is really an important ministry of the Christian life. It is part of being a good steward of the gifts of God. Paul, in teaching on the grace of giving, does not do it on the basis of making a better society or relieving humanity from suffering, but teaches it as a grace of God. It is the believer who, through a willing mind and proper motive, is benefited by the exercise of this grace. The reason God loves a cheerful giver is because such giving can only flow from grace and such giving is always a means of grace.
“And not only as we had hoped.” We would perhaps feel that Paul expressed a sense of disappointment, but really his expectations were not realized on this occasion but rather exceeded. He had only hoped that they would give a little, for they were not rich people, but their liberality went “beyond their ability”. Our gifts should not be measured by the amount given, but by the surplus kept in our own hands. The measure with too many is what they can give without self-denial or without in any way affecting their comforts or luxuries. Love delights to give, and if we love God we will love to give out of gratitude to God for all His blessings to us. Our joy in Christ should cause us to abound in our giving for the work of Christ, and this should be part of our exercise, in a systematic manner, in our worship of God. We should give intelligently, cheerfully, frequently and systematically.
B. The Great Example of Giving is Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9 )
What is the fact regarding Jesus Christ and the example we know when it comes to Christian giving? Paul said, “For you know.” Jesus Christ was rich in the Father’s love, and yet for your sake He became poor. He became flesh and dwelt among us, being born in a manger. On earth he chose to live and minister among the poor and for the purpose, that we might “become rich” through his life, death and resurrection. He gave us the glories of heaven, descended from His throne that we might ascend to it. This demonstrates infinite love which found its highest joy in giving itself to enrich others. In this grace of giving we have an expression of the infinite love of God and the value He placed upon mankind by giving of His Son that the world would know a Redeemer from sin and its misery. Knowing this, our response should be one of loyalty, joy and earnestness in sharing this message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Our giving should be gifts of love that the message might go forth both at home and abroad. Richness after all is not in material gains, in storing up, but in the treasures which we store up in heaven because we have prayed, we have given of our means, or we have gone forth to minister. We are made rich in heavenly treasures. Thus, the Christ-like example is used here to motivate the Christians at Corinth to not only “will” to do in words, but that they might perform.
C. The Principle of Performance (2 Corinthians 8:10-15 )
“Now you also must complete the doing of it.” How easy it is to pave our way with good intentions. Men stop as pilgrims at the inn of “Good Intent,” and their position is that of “almost Christians.” Men do not want to lose sight of the city of God, so we constantly make promises. “I’ll think about it,” “I would give if I were rich,” and a dozen other excuses or promises. God wants us to master difficulties and to perform. Actions speak louder than words, and this involves a readiness to will to do what you know God wants of you. God expects a man to give “according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” God never expects us to give what we don’t have, so it is foolish to even waste time thinking about this. A willing mind is the sacrifice required on our part, and this involves a sincere disposition to submit to God in all things and to be led by Him. The absence of a willing mind results in a person who procrastinates and says he intends at some future time to follow through on commitment.
Paul did not coerce the people into giving, but counseled them as Christians who knew the principles of the grace of giving, and in the free Spirit of Christ, that these principles should be applied in this offering they intended to give but were slow in acting upon. Paul wanted them to perform. Paul wanted them to know the blessing that comes from generously giving, both to the one who gives and the one who in his need receives. One thing is certain about giving to God and that is we can never out-give Him. In the abundant blessing we never feel the loss, regardless of what manner of giving it is, whether of time or money. How many concentrate so much on what they give, but little concern is given to what we waste in both time and money. God is not the loser for our lack of giving, but we certainly are.
D. Careful Administration of the Gifts to God (2 Corinthians 8:16-24 )
Titus was an assistant to Paul in the planting of churches as well as in watering the churches which had been planted. Titus had given the most earnest care in fulfilling these responsibilities. The matter of collections for the saints at Jerusalem was entrusted to three messengers: to Titus, to a Christian brother whom the churches had selected, and to another whom Paul had approved. Paul made no impassioned speeches for a large offering from the Corinthians, but solicited it on the highest of motives on the part of those who would give, on the part of those who were sent to administer the collections, and on his part. Paul admonished them to give first of all liberally: “As a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.” He wanted them to give cheerfully: “God loves a cheerful giver.” He wanted them to give deliberately: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart.” Giving is a vital principle, and out of giving from a heart of love for Christ and His work is the growth that turns to fruit.
