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

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