November 16, 2021 – 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

“We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints— and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.” 2 Cor. 8:1-7

Here we read of the work of charity that was near and dear to Paul–to collect for the needs of the poor saints at Jerusalem and in Judea, according to the good example of the churches in Macedonia (Rom. 15:26). The Christians at Jerusalem, through war, famine, and persecution, had become poor, many of them had fallen into decay, and perhaps most of them were but poor when they first embraced Christianity — as such they were but in a low condition, and themselves in distress — and yet they contributed to the relief of others.

These saints were not wealthy themselves, and yet, as they had the ability and the joy to give, they strove to give out of the little they had, trusting in G-d to provide for them. And as we learn, they gave large amounts — making anyone believe they were actually wealthy — for it was a large contribution they made, all things considered; it was according to and beyond what could be expected of them.

We might look at their example and wonder “How did they do it?” We often look at our own “lack” and think “I cannot give any more.” Paul tells us that they were ready and actually looked forward to this collection — even to the point that Paul asked them if they were actually able to do it.

Every year our church passes a budget, and many people on council and in the congregation wonder if we are able to meet our goals – especially receiving in abundance and being thrifty and responsible with our spending. Too many people approach their giving to the church from a stance of “lack”, rather than approaching their giving from a position of “abundance”. And with the recession we are currently in, there will be more and more increases in costs and more and more worry that we will be struggling every month in meeting our budget.

I think what is most important to notice in our text today is the progression of the people in Corinth in approaching this gift: first they gave themselves generously to the Lord, in their faith, their speech and in their love; and then they gave generously to the collection for the saints.

Let Us Pray,

Lord Jesus, help me today to give thanks for the abundance of blessings I have received from you, and to live into those blessings and to share generously where I am able. Amen.

Pastor Dave

November 15, 2021 — 2 Corinthians 7:8-16

“Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that you were not harmed in any way by us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves guiltless in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the one who was wronged, but in order that your zeal for us might be made known to you before God. In this we find comfort.” 2 Cor. 7:9-13

Notice what Paul says here: that their sorrow in itself was not the cause of his rejoicing; but the nature of it, and the effect of it made him rejoice. Why? As we intuitively know, it is our sorrow for doing wrong that drives us to seek forgiveness in the first place. And the fact that we feel our wrongs can last a lifetime — but that can only lead to beating ourselves up over again and again. Feeling our sinfulness should last for a season; and seeking forgiveness and receiving absolution turns our sorrow into joy.

Two things to notice here: first, true repentance often is preceded by feeling really, truly awful about what we have done that deserves our repentance. The awful feeling is not repentance itself, but it is a good first step toward genuine repentance, and in some sense the cause that produces repentance. We, the offender, felt really awful, and we were swallowed up for a time in that sorrow; and the presence of the Holy Spirit is calling us to repentance. But this sorrow, this feeling really awful should move beyond just feeling really bad — for if it does not, then that is not repentance. The part of our feeling really, truly bad is akin to a broken and contrite heart the Psalmist speaks of: The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)

Second, when we repent, this immediately leads (or is supposed to) to a change of life and our actions. The Corinthians made it evident that their sorrow was true and Godly, which led them to repentance, because it caused them to put away the behavior/feeling/action, and so freed them to live in a closer relationship with G-d.

Most importantly, at least to this pastor, is that their repentance wrought zeal, a mixture of love and anger, a zeal for change and a new direction. They were truly penitent, and therefore clear of guilt before G-d, who would pardon and not punish them.

Let us Pray,

Lord Christ, every day we come to you with broken and contrite hearts. Help us to recognize your love, your forgiveness, and your mercy. Turn our true repentance into eternal love. Amen.

Pastor Dave