FINISH DOING IT

In chapter 8:1-11, Paul appealed to the Corinthians based on 2 stories of grace (Macedonian and Divine). Now as we finish out the chapter, describes the care that he plans to take in administrating their giving. It's an important element of giving, so let's read 2 Cor 8:11-24 together ...

2 COR 8:11-15

11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

• "YOUR READINESS" - As Paul just finished his appeal that the Corinthians would re-up their giving, Paul commends their "readiness". Still, in verses 11, he begins and ends with a different appeal ... what is it?

• "EASED ... BURDENED" - In verses 12-14, Paul makes an interesting point relative to capacity to give. Read these 3 verses; how would you summarize them in your own words?

• "MUCH ... LITTLE" - Finally, in verse 15, Paul quotes from Exodus 16 about the manna God provided. What general point does Paul seem to be making from this OT story as it relates to the principle of giving.

2 COR 8:16-19

16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.

• "THE HEART OF TITUS" - Paul moves from his own perspective to that of Titus. Think back a bit. How has Paul referred to Titus so far in this book?

• "THE FAMOUS BROTHER" - If verses 16-17 are about Titus, Paul brings up a "celebrity pastor" in verse 18, which is an interesting topic, these days, isn't it? (Check out these thoughts for more.) Given everything Paul's dealt with up to this point, why is it interesting that Paul utilizes a "famous" preacher?

2 COR 8:20-24

20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.

• "WE TAKE THIS COURSE" - By the time we get to verse 20-21, Paul makes it clear why he is entrusting the funds to a group of people. What is Paul's reason and why is this approach commendable in every age?

• "WHOM WE TESTED" - And a third? It seems that even Titus, whom they love, and the "famous preacher", who they respect, Paul sends another brother in v 22. How does Paul describe this many whom they've tested?

• SUMMING IT UP - Circling back in verses 23-24, Paul reminds us of the character of Titus and the company he's assembled. What does Paul then do in verse 24 that should motivate the Corinthians' generosity?

• WE, THE RICH - No matter what we see around us (others who have more or less than we do), it's pretty obvious that we're not in need the way the Macedonian churches were. We're doing well. So, what would it look like for us to adopt that Macedonian viewpoint - that giving opportunities that come our way are actually "gifts" to us, given for our benefit?

Looking forward to Sunday with you,

Pastor Darren