This Grace of Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-9:5

Key Verse 8:7

In this passage Paul exhorts Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving. The point is that Paul does not want the Corinthians to miss the golden opportunity to experience the blessedness of participating in the grace of giving. 

Giving is called “grace” for the word “grace” has the meaning of “beauty” making the giver truly beautiful. Indeed those who are sacrificial, sacrificing what one has for others to experience the beauty of God, so that many of them shed many tears even as they fully sacrifice for others. The opposite is also true, for many who are selfish feel very terrible, as they hoard up things for themselves; categorically the stingy are unable to taste the joy of heaven. 

 

2 Corinthians 8:1 describes the act of giving (offering) as “grace” which God has given us. In what respect can this be called “grace”?

** See note above; in addition it can be called “grace” for it is purely out of God’s benevolent act of putting something at our disposal that we are able to use the word “give”. Who can ever claim that what he or she has is his or hers, for all are from God.  

Read verses 2-5. What welled up in rich generosity? How much did they give? What do the following words teach us about the spirit of giving? 

“entirely on their own”;

“urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints”; and

“they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” 

** Three things: out of the most severe trial; overflowing joy; and extreme poverty. Notice that the trials welled up. This happens to a couple for example who go through difficulties and hardships, ending up loving one another so dearly,  whereas a couple who started up their marriage life in abundance ends up hating each other, trying to take something away from each other. 

It also might be true that trial, joy, and poverty all worked together to generate rich generosity, for the poorer you are the greater the possibility for you to understand and more readily accept the gospel with a greater level of joy. 

** Corinthians spread the slander against Paul saying it was Paul who “manipulated” the innocent/weak to be forced to give. But Paul says this is not the case.

** It is a privilege, not a responsibility, to be able to give. 

** Giving oneself to the Lord means to dedicate oneself to the Lord with the decision to live for the Lord, doing the work of the Lord, carrying out what the Lord might be pleased to do; giving oneself to God’s servants means identifying oneself with God’s servants, agreeing to what they do, and thereby offering partnership to them, being thankful that God’s servants do what they were not able to do. 

Read verse 6-9. Why is it important to excel in giving (as well as in faith, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in love)? 

** It is important in that: a) it helps them not to miss the blessedness of participating in this gift of giving; b) it shows their love is sincere, not fake or casual, so that they would not render themselves as mere talkers; and c) in this way they would practice what love is all about [for through his self-sacrifice Jesus demonstrated what love is all about] and thereby grow mature in love, bearing the fruit of love, to their joy and to the joy of many. 

Read verses 10-15 and think about Paul’s advice to them. In what respect does his advice represent “what is best” for them? 

** See note above; in the first place they themselves recognized that giving is a blessing so they had the desire to do so, but left the matter unfinished (perhaps due to someone casting doubt on Paul's integrity). Now that they repented and opened their hearts, it was to their best interest that they finish what they began. 

Read verses 16-23. How many people were involved in collecting and eventually carrying the offering to Jerusalem? What are their profiles? Why does Paul give explanation for the way in which the offering is administered?  (21,24)

** Three 

** Titus – The Corinthians already know his integrity

** The two others brothers: a) 18-21; b) 22; they are representatives of the 

churches Paul pioneered. 

** Vs. 20-21

Read 2Co 8:24-9:5. Why did Paul send the brothers “in advance” [of his visit with the Macedonians]? What can we learn from the Apostle Paul? 

** To make sure that what they had promised really happened according to what they had previously said.  The relationship was being repaired, so it appears that they needed people to work as a go-between, that the relationship with Paul would be fully restored. 

** He is a good shepherd who is gentle and patient, and yet persistent in leading the flock to the quiet waters. 

The end