July 19, 2012
GIVE AND LIVE OR REAP AND KEEP? READ ON . . .
2 Corinthians 9
Alex Wagner
Central Truth
Paul makes it very clear to the Corinthians that God loves generosity.
Key Verse | 2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
2 Corinthians 9
The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem
1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 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. 3 But I am sending 1 9:3 Or I have sent 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. 4 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. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift 2 9:5 Greek blessing; twice in this verse you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. 3 9:5 Or a gift expecting something in return; Greek greed
The Cheerful Giver
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully 4 9:6 Greek with blessings; twice in this verse will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency 5 9:8 Or all contentment in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 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 6 9:13 Or you 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!
Dive Deeper | 2 Corinthians 9
This seems like such an easy passage to write a devotional on -- God loves a cheerful giver (verse 7). We can all get our arms around that. Well, it hasn't exactly gone as planned. I believe it's because this is an area in which I defer to the leadership of my husband (which isn't a bad thing because he has proved trustworthy). BUT, I don't naturally give with the same abandon or freedom as my husband does. I grew up saving and storing -- for things I need or want, for the future, or for an emergency. That's all about me. Where is the trust in God's promise? He is the giver of all things, He is the provider of all things. That's all about Him.
God loves a cheerful giver. Joyful willingness. I came into the world with nothing, gained everything, and take nothing with me -- nothing. The Perfect Gift was given to me, and all I have IS HIS. I have been given a clincher. Why not give? Have I squandered 2 Corinthians 9?
Giving is a right response, an act of obedience, exposure of the heart. To be honest, my heart has experienced conviction through trying to encourage you this hot July day in the field. Will I allow God to sow in my life to reap a right response of what I know is true?
The farmer, that's me. The seed, that's God's. The planting, that's my responsibility. The harvest, that's my reward. The reward, that's an opportunity to plant again. It's all very clear. Now, will I trust Him, and sow with abandon -- not with hopes of monetary return -- but because He promises that the harvest will be rich and I can keep reinvesting? One of my young future farmers said recently, "Mom, it feels so good to give." He's experiencing what it means to be a cheerful giver.
Thankfully, the Wagner Farm is part of a farming co-op. We call it community. Together, we are better farmers. I can get lazy, so I shouldn't farm alone. I'm capable of the reap and keep. My community calls me to joyful replanting.
Thank you for visiting our farm today. I pray you leave considering how you will give generously, because He did.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you read 2 Corinthians 9? What was Paul's stated motivation for our being generous and joyful in our giving?
2. When is the last time you sowed generously to advance God's work? Have you experienced "cheerful" like one of my little farmers recently did?
3. Are you part of a farming co-op that will help you sow generously? If not, email ahankins@watermark.org to join a co-op today.
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
2 Corinthians 6-10 (July 16-20)
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
• Talk about verse 6: what happens when you plant a few seeds versus planting lots of seeds?
• How does the Scripture compare this to our giving?
• What are different ways of giving? (Think broader than just money or things.)
• What do you think it means to give cheerfully?
• If you give generously and cheerfully, what will God do for you (see verse 8)?
• What does it mean to have all that you need? Is there a difference between your needs and your wants?
• If God gives you more than you need, what does He desire for you to do with the extra?
• When people see you giving generously, whom do you want them to praise?
Activity: As a family, think of different ways that you can give. Think about time, talents, and treasures. From your list, pick one way in which you can serve together . . . give generously and cheerfully.