Note: This is a Sunday school lesson I prepared for the church on Stewardship.The biblical history content is derived from the resources at Bible.org:
Scripture in Focus
8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 10And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. (2 Corinthians 8:8-12, NIV)In church life, “giving” is not relegated to financial offerings, although this aspect tends to be the one most under scrutiny. Most churches, though, would agree that there are four expressions of giving to and through the church. Those expressions are:
These four expressions are biblical, essential outpourings of your giving. However, God also offers in 2 Corinthians 8:8-12 a three-dimension rationale to encourage these expressions.
Biblical Background
The apostle Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth could be described as “rocky.” His initial year-and-a-half stay from Spring AD 50 to fall 51 is detailed in Acts 18, as is his departure and subsequent replacement by Apollos. As Paul ministered in Ephesus for the three years beginning in AD 52, he wrote instructive letters to the Corinthian church. 1 Corinthians 5:9 suggests his first letter was lost which would make 1 Corinthians his second letter, written in response to reports by Chloe (1 Cor. 1:11) and the ministry team of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (1 Cor. 16:17) of additional problems.
Paul visited for a second time in 54, a “painful visit” that was impinged by an immoral man who was likely spreading doubts through the fellowship of Paul’s authority as a church leader (2 Cor. 2:1,5-11; 7:12). Paul returned to Ephesus, where he apparently wrote a scathing letter (2:7:8), carried by Titus.
After a reunion with Titus in Macedonia in 55, Paul learned that the Corinthian church was improving. From Macedonia, Paul wrote the letter now regarded as 2 Corinthians, most likely in fall 55. Paul made a third visit to Corinth that winter (see Acts 20:3, in relation to 2 Corinthians 12:14)
2 Corinthians devotes a large portion to the defense of Paul’s apostolic authority, since it was apparently in question. However, in chapter 8, the tone and attention shifts, having settled the matter of Paul’s authority to provide leadership and direction to this struggling church. In chapter 8, Paul resumes
instruction based on the authority he has re-established, and encourages the church in Corinth to give to the poor in Jerusalem. In the first seven verses, he illustrates the example of the Macedonians (particularly the Philippians).
Paul exhorts the Corinthian church to give, regardless of the tension that may have existed between them, because the need was great. He encouraged the church with a three-dimensional appeal. That encouragement still speaks to the church today, for the need is great and the opportunities are present.
Note: Some scholars argue that “the painful letter” mentioned in 2 Corinthians is either 1 Corinthians or is text mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10-13. These are compelling arguments, although internal evidence for both theories
are problematic and suggest otherwise.
Dimension 1: Giving is a Test of Your Love For Others
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. (2 Cor. 8:8)
Paul has moved beyond the arguments of his own authority, firmly establishing it biblically and experientially. In fact, Paul makes the extraordinary step to remove himself “from the equation” by declaring in verse 8 that he does not command them to give to the poor in Jerusalem, as though he were an overlord or governor. Rather, he appeals to the Corinthian church to give, challenging them to measure their love for others by their giving to those in need, as
compared to the earnest example demonstrated by the Philippian hurch.
Note that Paul is not challenging the Corinthian church to compare their giving to the quantity of the Philippians’ offering. Rather, he is exhorting them to compare their giving to the quality of it. In basing the comparison in
this context, Paul rightly argues that the Corinthians’ offering is a measure of their selfless love for others, rather than a measure of self-focused pride or accomplishment.
Application: People can give their gifts for any number of reasons. They can feel obligated to give, that if they don’t they are not “doing their job.” They can feel guilty, that if they don’t they may fall out of favor with God. They can feel manipulated, that their giving is an emotional response to a message or song. They can feel that their giving affords them more sway or influence in the decisions of the church.
However, Paul determines and declares that an essential dimension of your giving is not motivated by any of these factors, but rather is a test – or measure – of your love for others. This means that when you give to and through the church, it is with the awareness that your gift impacts others and meets needs for Christ’s purposes. Just as the Corinthians are encouraged to set aside any past issues they have had with Paul, the church today is encouraged to set aside any personnel challenges, any differences in opinion over policy or procedures. The congregation is exhorted to give because it tests the sincerity of its love for others.
Illustration: Southern Baptists have given over $17 million in response to the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean. They have given over $13 million to 2005 hurricane relief. Additonally, in response to the hurricanes, Southern
Baptists report (by NAMB statistics, current as of 1/10/06):
Additionally, First Southern Baptist Church Grapevine gave over $70,000 to hurricane relief, funds that provided ministry to victims and evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and helped fund the disaster relief efforts of Texas Baptist Men. The church housed over 100 evacuees, provided living assistance
to over a dozen families relocating to the DFW metroplex, and mobilized in an impressive, God-honoring manner.
Dimension 2 Giving is a Testimony of God’s Love for You
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Paul reminds us that any expression of love for others through giving is held in the context of God’s love for us shown through the sacrificial giving of Jesus. At the throne of eternity amidst the wealth of heaven, the King of Kings and Lord
of Lords determined to die for you. The Son of God willfully became the Son of Man. The Lion of Judah became the sacrificial lamb.
You were the beneficiary of this selfless love. You, who rightfully stood to inherit nothing – except judgment, condemnation and eternal separation from God – now instead are promised to receive grace, commendation, and eternal fellowship with your Creator. You were worse than a pauper and lower than a peasant. Yet, because of God’s great love, you are now more than a conqueror
and are eternally secure in being named a child of the living God.
Application: Whenever you give – whatever the expression – you testify to the motive behind doing so. And while the Bible encourages that your be giving done secretly, so that no person could boast, you openly testify before the Holy Spirit. God has no need for a gift that is given reluctantly, and is under no obligation to honor a gift that is given with the wrong attitude.
In this regard, giving becomes an expression of worship that edifies, strengthens, and blesses the giver. You have the opportunity to declare your love for God by your giving through the church. You have the chance to demonstrate your worship by sacrificially giving to Kingdom purposes. Just as a mirror reflects your appearance, your giving has the potential to declare to God your appreciation of His sacrifice, and your adoration of Him as your Lord.
Illustration: The Bible speaks in various places of gifts given in worship to a king or lord. Abraham gives an offering to Melchizedek. Solomon received offerings from people around the world. Most famously (and appropriately), Magi
from the East brought the infant Jesus offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts reflected an acknowledgement of the recipient’s Llordship and authority, but were also understood to be an appeal for that Lord’s favor.
We give today understanding that we have already received the fullest expression of the Lord’s favor. We gladly sacrifice our “first and best” fruits for Kingdom purposes, so that others will know and receive the Love of God. Your
offering is an expression of gratitude to God for what He has done for you and what He gives to you in the atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection of Jesus.
Dimension 3: Giving is the Action Fulfilling Your Intent
And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have (2 Corinthians 8:10-12)
Paul reminds the Corinthians that they have a history of excelling in giving, and also a history of desiring to excel in giving. From there, he simply encourages them to continue their history, just as the needs continue to be revealed. He exhorts them to match their “want to” with “will do.” The apostle also mentions an important principle with the phrase “according to your means.” In this, he illustrates the awareness that God expects believers to give sacrificially, not “suicidally.” Paul understood that the church in Corinth had its own needs, expenses, and ministries. Its giving to the Jerusalem poor should not bankrupt its own ministries.
Application: God does not expect you to overextend yourself in your giving, even though he does expect you to give your “first fruits.” The church does not desire for you to bankrupt your family to meet its budget. However,
every church needs to match their “will do” with their “want to.” Few congregations acknowledge the overwhelming, unending need that surrounds
them. Too few churches, though, put their funds where their feelings are, in terms of expending their resources to address those needs.
There is a subtle, but deeply profound theological truth in this verse. If every believer gave “according to their means,” to fulfill all the God-given desires to meet the needs and demands of ministry, there would be no gap between good intentions and actual ministry. To fail in giving according to our means results
in accepting the disparity and approving of the incompletion of ministry.
The Bible expresses this sacrificial offering as “the tithe,” or the first ten percent of what you receive. However, this is intended to be the beginning of your giving, rather than the full extent of it. For many people, income and resources are ample enough to exceed that basic expectation. In these situations, believers are encouraged to give additional offerings reflective of the abundance of what they have received. These additional offerings will always be directed to an expression of love and ministry through the church.
Illustration: The budget for FBCG increased by approximately $500,000 from last year to this. To the church’s commendation and the Lord’s glory, the
church has met this budget so far. This increased budget has gone to provide funds for additional staff needed to lead new, developed, or expanded ministries. It is used to provide for new resources to meet emerging needs and suddenly-appearing opportunities. It is used here in our immediate community, across Texas, over North America, and around the globe. It funds missions, missionaries, ministries, ministers, and benevolence. As you excel in your giving, God will entrust even more opportunities to our church. He will always reward our increasing “will do” with more “want to.”
The 3-D Reality: Giving is the Redistribution of Your blessings
Everything that you have is a gift from the Lord. Everything.