Read 2 Corinthians 9
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209&version=NIV
Paul’s purpose for sending the Christian brothers (9:1–5) was that he desired the churches to see his reason for boasting (8:24). Macedonia (9:2) was the Roman province of northern Greece, and Achaia was the province of southern Greece. Paul encouraged giving that was unaffected by covetousness (9:5), that is, given with a view to helping others, not motivated by the thanks or recognition one might receive.
Paul set forth four principles of Christian giving: the principles of harvest (9:6), willingness (9:7), divine grace (9:8–10), and thanksgiving (9:11–15).
9:6 In giving, the harvest is always in view. The farmer does not plant seed and then walk away, saying, “Well, I’ll never see that again.” Although it is out of sight and given away to the ground, he knows he will someday see the harvest.
9:7 Note the similarities of (9:7) to Proverbs 22:9. The first place to look when giving is how much honest willingness is in the heart, not how much money is in the wallet.
9:8–15 Paul used Psalm 112:9 (9:9) and the quotation and broader context of Isaiah 55:10 (9:10) to show that the giver shall be provided a means of giving. Paul also connected the thoughts of Hosea 10:12. The farming images of sowing and harvesting illustrate the fact that if righteousness is sown, a great harvest of righteousness will be given in return. Thus, it conveys the realities of moral living after repentance.
Discussion & reflection question
How does generosity, financial planning and responsibility fit all together?
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I know for myself I have to build tithing and charitable giving into my budget to ensure that it is prioritized in order to happen.
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely important to build a budget that includes a tithe, which should be taken out first ("first fruits"). After all, everything we have belongs to God, and giving an appropriate amount is just giving back that part which is needed to do his work. It takes a lot of money to run a church, and we should all do our part. I am amazed at how far the money we give to our church goes and how much is accomplished around the world.
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