Study in2 Corinthians

Presentation 13

Christian Giving [2]

Chap 8v16-9v15

Presentation 13

Presentation 13

IntroductionMany years ago the famous Methodist preacher, Samuel Chadwick wrote,“I am persuaded that there is nothing upon which the Christian conscience is so ill-informed as the subject of Christian giving.”

I am not convinced that a great deal has changed since Chadwick's time and it is this lack of both instruction and comprehension that makes a study of chapters 8-9 one so important and convince us to give to it the attention that it deserves.

Presentation 13

Avoiding CriticismWe have already noted that Paul, out of concern for the material needs of the church, had organised a collection designed to alleviate the hardship of the church in Jerusalem. However, such appeals can be misunderstood and used to discredit evangelical Christianity. Books like, 'Praise the Lord and pass the bucket'- are critical of many financial appeals. Many of these criticisms Paul sought to safeguard himself against. He was concerned with appearances and with any suggestion that he was out to feather his own nest. Unwise behaviour, especially with regard to church finances, can place us on the firing line and be the means of bringing the gospel into disrepute.

Presentation 13

Avoiding CriticismPaul had sent ahead to Corinth, Titus and another brother, who was highly regarded by all the churches, to organise the collection. Paul is clear about his reasons for doing so. cf v20ff “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men”.

Paul instructed the Romans to 'avoid all appearance of evil'. We need to follow Paul's example and learn to look ahead. It is no use saying, 'I do not care what people think, all that matters is that I have a clear conscience with regard to my behaviour'. Paul is saying, ‘appearances do matter, for the enemies of the gospel will seize upon anything which can be used to their advantage in order to discredit the gospel’.

Presentation 13

A Wise ApproachPaul's wisdom is seen not only by the way he sought to safeguard the integrity of his character and ministry by handing over the administration of the fund to others but also in the delicate matter of collecting the Corinthians promised gift.

Paul sent messengers ahead to Corinth to give the church advance warning of the offering about to be collected. Paul didn't want to arrive and discover to his shame and theirs that they'd neglected to do anything about the contribution they had previously promised.

Presentation 13

A Wise ApproachThis gentle reminder prior to his arrival robbed them of any excuse which they otherwise might have been tempted to employ. "We didn't expect you for another few months. We have not been able to give our banks sufficient notice for the withdrawal we want to make. We've forgotten how much we promised".

Paul's action in sending an advance party has really hemmed in the Corinthians to keeping their promise. Unless they decided to be downright hostile and churlish and renage on their earlier decision.

Presentation 13

A Wise ApproachPaul makes their refusal to help more difficult by telling them how widely he had broadcast their promised contribution. Indeed, the promise of Corinthian generosity had stirred the northern churches into action and they had already made their gifts. How would the Corinthians feel if any of the Macedonians accompanying Paul to Corinth discovered that their promise of funds had been all talk? Paul says, ‘I don't want you to suffer that kind of embarrassment and so my companions have been sent ahead to give you time to prepare. Do you see the wisdom of Paul? And with the three messengers Paul sends further principles on giving which are outlined in v6ff.

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingFirst, we are to give generously. Paul presses this home with a telling illustration in v6. The farmer, who sows only a few seeds will reap a poor crop but the farmer who sows many will reap an abundant crop. In other words those who give generously will reap an abundant reward. Carnal human nature does not think that by giving sacrificially one is sowing for a harvest. But that is the truth of the matter. Paul is not using this illustration in order to appeal to Corinthian self-interest. ‘Invest is the heavenly stock market- invest in the poor and it will pay rich dividends. Your bank balance will soar.’ This is the approach of those who preach a prosperity gospel!

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingWhat Paul is saying is that sacrificial giving on behalf of others is bound to reap its harvest because it has been done for Christ's sake. This harvest is not necessarily a material one. Note Jesus’ enigmatic conclusion to the parable of the shrewd manager in Lk. 16v9 “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” If our giving is patterned upon the principle of Christ's death and resurrection then it is bound to be fruitful. Jesus taught, ‘unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.'.Jn. 12v24 Jesus was talking about the sacrificial sowing of his life upon the cross and the harvest of redeemed men and women which that would draw in.

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingJesus’ sacrifice was unique in securing our redemption but whenever we follow his sacrificial pattern, the principle of death and resurrection, we too enter into a rich harvest. This sacrificial principle cuts across the grain of fallen human nature. Our hearts deceptively argue that if we had more then we would give more generously. 'Lord let me earn a few thousand more a year and then I will be a more generous giver.' Generous giving is not produced by increased wealth but results from entering into the pattern of Christ's death and resurrection as we deny self for Christ's sake. John Bunyan has captured both world views in his rhyme: A man there was they called him mad; The more he gave the more he had

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingSecondly we are to give with ‘cheerfulness’ v7. The decision on how much we should give is not legislated for. It is no accident that tithing is not mentioned in the N.T. God's O.T. church were called upon to give a tenth of their earnings to God.

This principle does not appear in the N.T. Some argue that the reason for this was that the N.T. church simply followed their former Jewish tradition of worship. This is not a very compelling argument for many of the N.T. churches were predominantly Gentile in make up. Therefore we might expect something to be said to them about this practice. Why is the N.T. silent on this matter?

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingPaul answers, 'each man should give what he has decided in his own heart'v7 . You see one of the weaknesses of the tithing principle is for someone to think that having given a tenth of their earnings to God they can do what they like with the rest. God need not be consulted on how it is used. Tithing could be abused to restrict generosity of spirit. We can even feel self-satisfied that God has his percentage! Many Christians lay apart a tenth of their income for God's use, and that is good. But whenever tithing causes us to stop thinking about other needs that we could be meeting, whenever it closes our minds and hearts to pressing needs it can restrict generosity of spirit.

10%

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingPaul wants our giving not to be the result of some external pressure or compulsion but to flow from a heart, indwelt and renewed as it is by the Spirit of God. This indwelling and renewal which distinguishes the Christian from his O.T. counterpart. Let me illustrate what may happen. News of someone's need presents itself to you. And an inner voice asks, “What are you going to do about that?” A number of arguments may marshal themselves against your personal involvement but the idea persists. You see the need and your ability to meet it. But is this the voice of God's Spirit or, is Satan seeking to push you into what would be an unwise action to the detriment of yourself and your family?

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingSatan often tends to operate like an express train thundering into our consciousness seeking to bully us to immediate action. However, there is a sweet reasonableness associated to the voice of God's Spirit who quietly and persistently addresses himself to our heart moving it towards a generous act of charity. And when we give we do so cheerfully and without any external compulsion. Our motivation is an internal compulsion, the love of Jesus operating upon our hearts. We act not because we are whipped into submission but because Jesus has captivated our hearts. God does not need our money but we need the experience of giving it.

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingThirdly we can give with confidence cf v8-11. It is always absolutely safe to give in response to the working of God upon our hearts. Why? For it is impossible for God to be our debtor. God will ensure that when we have been called upon to give sacrificially that his purposes of reimbursement or, reward are brought into operation. ‘Whatever we part with for God's sake shall be made up to us in kind or kindness’. MATTHEW HENRY

What a statement Paul makes, 'God is able to make all grace abound towards you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. In every circumstance of life God's grace will abound in order that you may abound’.

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingI look forward to meeting in heaven, the widow who gave all that she had to God in her temple offering under the watchful gaze of Jesus. I want to ask her how God went about providing for her evening meal. Her gift was imprudent, it was irrational, as far as the world was concerned but as far as she was concerned, it was her expression of her love for God.

A God who is able to ‘make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times having all that you need, you will abound.'

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingPaul would later to be on the receiving end of the generosity of one of the Northern churches and he wrote to Philippi:“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4v15-19

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingWhen God's grace is at work in a persons life the genuineness of his godly character is seen in his liberality. This is the point of quoting Ps 112 v9. The word ‘righteousness’ is used in a similar manner to that of Matt.6v1 where alms are described as ‘gifts of righteousness’, giving does not earn righteousness but expresses righteousness of life

Finally, generous giving is always God-glorifying v12-13.“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else”.

Presentation 13

Principles For GivingJesus taught, 'Men will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven‘ Matt.6v16.

Christian liberality is nothing less than a revelation of God's character. It is the mirror in which others begin to understand something of the generosity of God's grace. And when receive the benefits of our giving it causes them to magnify God's grace. And is not the opposite also true? Surely, a lack of generosity of spirit on our part reflects badly upon God and obscures the generosity of his grace. It is possible to give without loving but it is impossible to love without giving.

Presentation 13

ConclusionIt is therefore clear why Paul ties the whole matter up by returning to the matter of incentive in v15...

Paul is saying since God is a Giver, and what a Giver he is. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us as believers to mirror our heavenly Father's character by cultivating a sacrificial, generous, cheerful, confident, God glorifying Christian liberality.

Jesus approached his sacrificial work affirming, “Father I have glorified your name” Jn 17. Will an echo of those words resonate in our giving?