2 Corinthians 9:1-5

                                                                 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.  But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.  Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident.  So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

 

As believers, we sort of just expect other believers to do what is right.  However, Paul demonstrates the need to follow that expectation with exhortation and motivation.  This is part of the ministry of the body of Christ.  We need to always remember that we are weak and vulnerable to temptation that could lead to a life of disobedience.  The ministry of encouraging one another to do the right thing is important.

 

A MINISTRY OF EXHORTATION: Things that are important need to be cultivated.  Things that are harmful just seem to sprout up naturally.  Paul recognizes this reality about human nature, so he is sure to exhort the church in Corinth concerning their giving.  Just as the author of Hebrews states that we need to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, Paul is practicing in this passage.  He lets them know that he is certain that they have already prepared for giving, so much so that he has been boasting to the church in Macedonia about this eagerness to give.  However, this is a matter of such importance that Paul is sending a group of ministers to be sure that they will follow through.  Love demands that we be ready to exhort one another.

 

A MINISTRY OF MOTIVATION: Besides giving clear instructions about the importance of the gift, Paul seeks to motivate them to give by showing them the consequences of not giving.  He points to the discouragement that this attitude would cause to the churches in Macedonia.  Paul wants to do all he can to prevent this kind of embarrassment for the church in Corinth and to avoid that kind of challenged for the church in Macedonia.  Paul wants to make sure that they all know how much is at stake in the obedience of the church.  All our attitudes and actions have a more far reaching impact than we would normally imagine.

 

APPLICATION: Guard our hearts from the dangerous things that naturally grow there.  Faithfully invest in the lives of others so they will experience the joy of obedience.  Encourage giving by recognizing and expecting generosity and by pointing out the dangers of being stingy.  Remember that if Paul spent so much time on the importance of giving, it is important.

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