2 Corinthians 8
2 Corinthians 8:4-7
- Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
- And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
- Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
- Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
Are you faithful to God? Do you speak to others about God? Are you growing in knowledge of God? Are you applying that knowledge to your life? Do you love others for the Lord’s sake?
Maybe you are struggling to do these things. The Corinthians were not, but they are still challenges to many of us. Paul takes it one step further. They had been helping him financially so that he could minister to the saints. In today's terms this means giving to the church so that the church can employ a pastor. This they did, and now Paul asks them to take on Titus as well! He had moved on to other towns, and was now working as a missionary. Titus was back in Corinth taking care of the church.
So Paul is encouraging us in our giving. It is easy to grow in knowledge, faith, and so on because in them we gain directly. Financial giving has no direct gain to yourself, but without it there would be no ministers in the church and so knowledge, faith, application and love would not grow, having no-one to encourage it. In the Old Testament they gave a tithe (10%). in the New Testament they gave it all and more (100%+)! What are you giving to God?
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