November 18, 2021 – 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

“So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you, and arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised, so that it may be ready as a voluntary gift and not as an extortion. The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Cor. 9:5-15

Paul states a principle that would be obvious to any farmer or gardener among us — the person who measures seed too sparingly will likely go hungry when winter comes. Stingy people, in the end, will pay a penalty for their miserly behavior — such is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Amen? That principle holds in other realms of our lives as well. The employee who watches the clock or spends most of their time on their “Facebook” account and gives only minimum effort is not likely to be selected for promotion. Parents who have no time for their children when they are young because they are always on their phone are likely to find that their children have no time for them once they have grown up and left home — such is the song from the 1970s, “Cats in the Cradle,” which captures that wonderfully well.

The word “sparingly” is a good translation of the Greek word “pheidomenos” — it speaks of holding back—using restraint—being careful—measuring by the teaspoon instead of by the liter or gallon—calculating by inches instead of miles. Restraint can be good or bad, depending on how it is applied. There are certain areas where we should give sparingly — our responses on social media, perhaps, especially in giving criticism, or blasting out angry words—and or course violence. It often helps to exercise restraint with money — remember the prodigal son who spent wastefully, and soon found himself eating pig slop and humble pie.

But there are times when, as the parable teaches, we should go all out in ministry and in providing for the needs of others. There are times when we should throw caution to the winds—and times when we should really extend ourselves. In the end, it’s a judgment call—a “best guess” decision that could prove right or wrong—but we need to keep in mind that we are not likely to reap bountifully if we sow sparingly.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to be generous in our lives, especially when it comes to love — and mercy — and Grace. When we feel stingy, help us to remember the One who did not spare anything for us….Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Dave

November 17, 2021 – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

“But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same eagerness for you that I myself have. For he not only accepted our appeal, but since he is more eager than ever, he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his proclaiming the good news; and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this generous undertaking for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our goodwill. We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering, for we intend to do what is right not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of others. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found eager in many matters, but who is now more eager than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker in your service; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.” 2 Cor. 8:16-24

In these verses Paul is commending the “brethren” who were sent to them to collect their charity; and as it were, he is giving them letters of credential. So who were these men who were sent to collect the donation?

Well, first he commends Titus by name, for his care and great heart – for his willingness to embark on this mission on his “own accord”.  Of course, you know the old joke that this is where the first and possibly only mention of a car happens in the bible – “Titus went on his own (Honda) accord”. I did not say it was a good joke. Then he commends another brother, who was sent with Titus — and scholars believe this was Luke. He is mentioned as a man of the gospel who is known through all the churches. It appears that Luke was chosen by the churches and joined with Paul in this ministry.

And finally, he commends another brother who joined the others on this journey. This brother is thought to be Apollos. So what do we learn from these men joining on this mission to make a collection for the “poor saints” back in Jerusalem?

We learn that there are any number of us who are called to do the ministry of Jesus — the collection of offerings — the giving of gifts — and the sharing of the gospel. Paul and his compatriots were ready and willing to be employed in this service, and so should we, when called upon by the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray:

Lord Christ, you call many to embark on the mission of sharing your word, doing your ministry, and offering gifts to the poor. Help me first to be open and secondly, attentive to that calling. Amen.

Pastor Dave