2 Corinthians 9 (in two parts)

Part 1 

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Paul brings to a conclusion 2 chapters that are dedicated to teaching on giving. This is more teaching about giving than Paul sent to any other church. It is interesting, but not a coincidence, that the unhealthiest church in the New Testament also had problems about their giving. Their lack of giving is another symptom of their spiritual condition, but it is also part of their cure. Over a year prior to this letter, the church made a financial commitment that, at this moment, remained unfulfilled. Distracted by so many issues growing from the rampant selfishness within the church, attention to the commitment to give had been lost. Paul is sending the trio of co-workers mentioned in chapter 8 to help motivate the church. 

Notice that Paul has been talking about their commitment to giving to other churches. Paul’s proclamation to the churches of Macedonia concerning the planned giving of the Achaia churches worked to motivate generosity. Paul had been so verbose about their commitments that he was now afraid that he and the Corinthians would be embarrassed if that commitment had not been realized and fulfilled. This brings up a couple of points that might feel strange to us. 

Noticed they talked about their commitment, not just that they were making one but also, apparently, the amount of that gift. We tend to be reticent to talk about our giving. We misunderstand what Jesus was saying when he said, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” We must never give or talk about our giving in order to or attempt to gain praise for ourselves. That is the context of what Jesus was saying. But it is fully appropriate for others to “…see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” We need to ask, “Am I talking about my commitment to gain praise for myself or to encourage others by a good example?” Conversely, we also need to ask, “Am I being secretive to remain humble or because I don’t want to be held accountable for not being generous?” Our motives are the keys to understanding the value of our actions. 

Notice that there appears to be an organized system to help those who have made a commitment to fulfill that commitment. It is with pure hearts and the best intentions that most disciples make commitments to give. It is also forgetfulness and distraction that see those commitments unfulfilled. That does not excuse the lapse but helps prepare for its correction. For the church at Corinth, Paul will send a trio to encourage fulfillment. The trio is not going to coerce the Corinthians into giving but help rekindle their excitement for what they are committed to doing. 

“Lord, help me fulfill my commitment to give. AMEN”

Part 2

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Verses 6 through 15 outline the motivations and conditions for heroic giving and serve as a reminder to help the believers keep their promise. Unscrupulous teachers who are motivated only by greed often take these verses out of context. We must never imagine that Paul is offering an investment plan that will guarantee financial success and great wealth. These principles, properly understood, teach us a confidence and a motivation for giving that meets the needs of ministry, glorifies God, and gives us confidence as we commit to heroic and sacrificial giving. This is not the time for expansive exposition, but here are some key principles. 

First, giving commitments need to come from prayerful consideration and inner conviction. In verse 7 we do not see external or artificial standards of giving. Rather, we see the genesis of our giving decision. If we can’t give cheerfully, then there is a problem with our hearts, not with giving. 

Second, we see in verse 8 that we are given an understanding that God is working through us to fulfill our commitments. Oftentimes disciples commit more than they could possibly give. They do this not because the numbers add up or it makes sense but out of a conviction that this is what they are supposed to do. With stunning regularity in these circumstances, God provides for them in unexpected ways. 

Third, while God may bless us financially at the time of, or after, our giving, the ultimate objective is to honor God in our giving (verses 9-12). Our giving is not done so that we will be blessed. In our giving, people will praise God. They in fact will most likely never know who we are, but they will know God. His glory is our motivation. What a beautiful reality that our giving will both fulfill a great ministry and will also result in “overflowing through many thanksgiving to God.” We give, and somewhere someone thanks God and draws closer to Him. That is much better than a strong financial “return on investment.” 

It is sad that our giving is too often motivated by what is the least we can do and still get by. This sad condition is true of both individuals and congregations. You will never find a non-gracious giver and a growing Christian in the same person. However, you will find that in generous giving we also have grand worship.

“Dear Lord, glorify yourself in my giving. AMEN”