Daily Bible Reading (Wednesday, August 9th)

4

2 Corinthians 9(ESV)

 

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending[a] the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift[b] you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.[c]

The Cheerful Giver

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[d] will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[e] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they[f] will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Footnotes:

  1. 2 Corinthians 9:3 Or I have sent
  2. 2 Corinthians 9:5 Greek blessing; twice in this verse
  3. 2 Corinthians 9:5 Or a gift expecting something in return; Greek greed
  4. 2 Corinthians 9:6 Greek with blessings; twice in this verse
  5. 2 Corinthians 9:8 Or all contentment
  6. 2 Corinthians 9:13 Or you

4 Comments

Our sacrificial giving may cause others to give thanks to us, but MORE IMPORTANTLY it may cause them to give thanks to our merciful and generous God.

v. 7 "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." I ♡ this verse because Paul tell us that GOD does not force you to share what you have but loves it when you share willingly!!!!!! : ) FOR GOD LOVES♡ A CHEERFUL GIVER!!! .' )

"As to the point", focused on verses 6-9. I believe it was Chuck Swindoll who I heard say that being a cheerful giver is being a "hilarious" giver. Well I know the feeling when not giving grudgingly, and it has to be all heart, especially knowing it all belongs to Him anyway. Verses 13-15 also puts it into perspective. Praying for the giving of all the Lord's ministries with abounding joy for the ministry of the gospel to flourish with an abundance of His saving faith by grace alone in Christ alone. Soli Deo Glory...

Paul reminds us that our giving is to be bountiful, individually determined, willing and cheerful. I love that verse 8 follows this, reminding us that Christ is all sufficient,

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