The early Church was constantly being
persecuted; they were in poor straits (desperate need of basic comforts);
the Believers depended upon each other to survive – housing, food, clothing,
jobs., ect.
In Paul’s 2 Corinthian messages to the Believers,
he gives praiseworthy encouragement while explaining the benefits and opportunities
tied to generous giving. In last week’s message, Paul made it clear that givers
were not to give beyond their means (ex: do not impoverish themselves for
the sake of giving comfort to others) – but, he also encourages the givers
to give what they comfortably can in regards to helping their fellow members.
Today’s study, highlights a connection between
giving … and receiving … Elohim’s abundant blessings. The message today, also
highlights that giving is to be done as a Christlike act of grace: Elohim does
not intend our giving to be done as a legalistic obligation; rather it should
be an instinctive giving, motivated by a willing and cheerful heart.
In this letter to the Corinthian Believers,
Paul quotes from Psalm 112 to make the point that Elohim is always meeting the
needs of the downtrodden.
**********
2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 9
Christian Giving, a Joy to the Giver
"It may seem a waste of time for me to write to
you about the offering for the Christian Brethren. I know about your readiness,
and I proudly told about you to the Macedonians, saying that Greece (Achaia)
has been prepared since last year, and most of them were stirred by your zeal.
I have, nevertheless, sent the brethren, so that our confidences in you may not
prove to be misplaced, and so that you may be ready, even as I said you were.
Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we shall
be put to shame – and you, too, of course – for having been so confident. That is
why I thought it necessary to ask these brethren to go to you ahead of me, and
to take up beforehand this offering that you had promised, and thus it would be
a willing gift and not a begrudged obligation. (vv. 1-5)
Let me add this: he who sows sparingly will
also reap sparingly, but he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Let each one give as he has purposed in his heart; not with reluctance nor
under compulsion (pressure, coercion, duress, force), for *Elohim loves a cheerful (optimistic, positive, happy, smiling)
giver. In return, God is able to give you every blessing in rich measure, so
that you may always have all you need in every week, and so that you may have
abundantly for every good work. So Scripture says, “Elohim scatters abroad and
gives to the poor; His righteousness lasts forever.” (vv.6-9)
God Honors a Faithful **Stewardship
And Elohim, Who supplies the sower with seed
and with bread to eat, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and He will
increase the fruits of your righteous acts! You will be enriched in every way,
toward greater generosity, too, and so through us men will thank Elohim for it.
This service (help, assistance, benefit, advantage, good turn), then, is
not limited to supplying the wants of fellow-saints, but it also overflows in a
tide of thanksgiving to Elohim. In the way that you stand the test of this
service – by your obedience, by your acceptance of the Gospel of Christ, and
by the liberality of your contribution in behalf of them and of all others –
just so are you giving honor to Elohim. Then they in turn will long for you and
pray for you, on account of the ***surpassing (outshining,
transcending) ****grace (kindness, favor, mercy, compassion)
that Elohim has given you. Now, thanks be to Elohim for this free gift, more
precious than words can tell!" (vv. 10-15)
*Elohim (from the Hebrew word, el-o-heem) = the Supreme
God. Exceedingly great and mighty
**Stewardship = is
the act of making wise use of resources; recognizing that everything we have,
and everything we are is a gift from Elohim – and being grateful and generous
with those gifts.
**2 CORINTHIANS 8:
https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/04/2-corinthians-chapter-8thursday-bible.html
