2 Corinthians Week 14

Day 1 

READ 

2 Corinthians 9:1-2 

1 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. 

Paul encouraged the Corinthians in the southern area of Greece to remember it was their enthusiasm about giving that motivated believers in the northern region (Macedonia) to begin giving. This reveals how one group of believers can stimulate other groups to honor the Lord by their giving. 

REFLECT 

Have you been encouraged to do something in ministry by hearing of what others were doing? 

RESPOND 

Talk with another believer about the balance that needs to be achieved in the matter of giving. You should not always be comparing yourselves with others, but you should be encouraged when you hear of spiritual successes others are having. Not sure of the source, but there was a sign posted recently that said, “If you are a giver, set limits because takers have no limits.” 

Day 2 

READ 

2 Corinthians 9:3-5 

3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. 

Notice some of the different items in these verses. Christian brothers are being sent to make sure the Corinthian believers are ready to give; the gift had been promised; it was to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. Paul was not timid in talking about giving and urging others to do so. Today some don’t like pastors preaching about giving; Paul was not embarrassed to do so.  

REFLECT 

What is your thinking when you hear the pastor will bring a series of messages about giving? What is the attitude of some around you? 

RESPOND 

Have you heard the expression, “If your heart is right with God, He also has your pocket book”? Meet with a friend and talk about this, using Matthew 6:20-21 as a basis for your thinking. 

Day 3 

READ 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 

Notice again that Paul does not mention a “tithe,” which means 10 percent. That is not the New Testament principle. Believers in Jesus are to give as generously as possible. The amount is a decision of the heart and it is not to be “in response to pressure.” Also, it is to be given cheerfully. Paul even wished offerings to be received before he arrived. He wanted no one to give just because he could tell a sad story to put pressure on them. 

REFLECT 

Think of these principles for your giving. Have you followed them? 

RESPOND 

Talk with someone about the importance of not giving just because of pressure. It is good to pray about the need and what you are able to give before leaving your living quarters. Then at a meeting you can listen to the presentation of needs and later decide to give something more if the Lord nudges you to do so. 

Day 4 

READ 

2 Corinthians 9:8-10 

8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 

The principle is that if God has provided generously for you, it will enable you to give generously to others. As you live within your income and are careful with your money, you will have something to give to others. Just as a good farmer must care for his crops as he hopes for an increase, so also must you do with your resources. You will discover it to be a blessing to you and a help to others. 

REFLECT 

Think of some ways you can help others in addition to money you may give them. They may need physical help more than money. 

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend about how others have helped you with both giving and help other than giving. Then discuss how you can do this for others.  

Day 5 

READ 

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 

Paul told how giving to help others in need can result in not only meeting their needs but also in causing them to give thanks to God. You should be most pleased when people thank God for what you have done for them. This reveals God used you as a channel of His blessing.  

REFLECT 

Have you had some thank God for what you had done for them? Have you thanked God for what others have done for you? 

RESPOND 

Read Proverbs 11:24-25 to see that those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Talk with a friend about when this has occurred to both of you.