GRACE, GRACE, GRACE

As we open 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul is going to address a touchy subject: a financial gift that the Corinthians had agreed to take up, but hadn't gotten around to. And yet, as in much of Scripture, these difficult moments become teaching tools from Paul for the Corinthians and (thru that) from the Spirit of God for us. And since generosity should be a characteristic in those who've known God's generous nature, let's read 2 Cor 8:1-11 together ...

2 COR 8:1-7

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

• "THE GRACE OF GOD" - Paul is about to go on a "grace" rant ...  a word Paul's used 5 times so far will be mentioned 7 times in these 11 verses! What comes to mind for you when you hear the word "grace"?

• "MACEDONIA" - Paul tells us about a group of churches north of Corinth. Read about them in verses 2-4; would you consider them a wealthy or impoverished church?

• "RELIEF OF THE SAINTS" - Paul has been gathering an offering for the church in Jerusalem. The needs started with a famine (see Acts 11:27-30), and Paul desired to collect funds for these afflicted saints from the wealthier churches (like Corinth) that were (1) largely Gentile and (2) largely unaffected by the famine. Apparently, Paul had mentioned this previously (see 1 Cor 16:4) and the Corinthians had agreed. How does this background help you to understand the emphasis Paul gives this relief gift for the next 2 chapters?

• "THE FAVOR" - In verse 4, Paul says the Macedonian believers asked for the "favor" of taking part in this giving opportunity (note that "favor" is the same word as "grace"). Why do you think Paul uses the word "grace"  (favor) to describe their desire to give a "grace" (gift) to the Jerusalem saints?

• "COMPLETE AMONG YOU" - In verses 6-7, Paul reminds them that they've already heard this invitation from Titus and begun to respond. How does Paul both encourage them and prod them onward? How should this be instructive for us?

2 COR 8:8-11

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well ...

• "NOT AS COMMAND" - Paul reminds them that their motivation isn't "obedience" per se, but more of example. How does Paul phrase that in verse 8 and then conclude in verses 10-11a?

• "FOR YOU KNOW" - And because it's tempting to dismiss the needs of the poor and emphasize the opinion of the wealthy (especially the wealthy false teachers in Corinth), Paul turns to a different example in verse 9. Whose poverty does Paul dare the Corinthian church to dismiss?

• "THOUGH HE WAS RICH" - 2 Cor 8:9 is one of the clearest portrayals of the good news that Jesus came to take our place. While it functioned for Paul in making his argument about generosity (which he calls "grace"), how can you relate to Jesus reaching out to you in your "poverty" that He might share the riches of His grace (Eph 2:7) with you?

• "RICH / POOR" - Paul's presentation of the gospel in financial terms effectively states that it is possible to have money (as the Corinthians did before Christ) and be "poor". Think about that for a minute: you can have money and be "poor" and you can have no money and be rich. How should this affect the way we think about what we want to "invest" ourselves into?

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Looking forward to Sunday with you,

Pastor Darren