2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9 … We’re continuing the treatise here on giving in the church which began in 2 Corinthians 8 where we saw that Titus was sent to Corinth to teach God’s purposes for giving. It’s been my observation for many years that you can tell a great deal about a church from just one visit (although many visits would be good when that’s feasible). You begin learning from the preaching, from the music, from the fellowship as all these things tell a great deal about a church. But two of the best indicators for me are the prayers and the giving and what they say about the heart of a church.

Since the Apostle Paul is dealing with a new and immature church, he felt additional encouragement was needed so their giving would reflect a depth of commitment to Christ. If the church had been lacking in this area, that would have been an indicator of need for instruction and correction (2 Timothy 3:16) so they could become fully equipped for God’s service. It’s in this context (the context that God loves a cheerful giver … 2 Corinthians 9:7) that we find a fabulous memory verse. 2 Corinthians 9:8 is filled with superlatives: “And God 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 in every good work.” It’s a great verse and is frequently applied broadly, but its primary context is in the worshipful act of giving back to God some of the blessings we’ve received. There, in 2 Corinthians 9:8-10 you find some of the great teaching on giving within the church.