2 Corinthians 8: Will You Give?
Verse of the Day: (V5) “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.”
1. Gave (V1-5)
V1 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;”
Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, cited the example of the generous giving of the churches of Macedonia in helping their fellow churches who were in poverty as a result of famine and persecution. Though these Macedonian churches were also experiencing poverty yet they could give generously because they had fully committed their lives to God. They truly believed that God’s grace was sufficient to sustain them now and forever.
V5 “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.”
2. Grace (V6-15)
V8 “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”
Paul praised the Macedonian churches because they gave willingly from their hearts. Indeed, we have nothing to offer to God because everything we have is of God’s and from God. God’s greatest gift is His grace and love for us when He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. Whosoever believes in Jesus shall never perish into fiery hell but shall inherit the everlasting life with Him in the riches in heaven.
V9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
3. Glory (V16-24)
V19 “And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:”
The glory of Christ is upon all His preachers and servants, the likes of Paul and Titus, when they willingly gave their lives for the Lord’s work and Word in ministering to and providing for both the material as well as the spiritual needs of God’s churches and saints.
V23 “Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to give my life to You as You have given Yours to me.
