GIVING WITH CONFIDENCE (3 OF 3)
by Keith Krell
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:16, 2 Corinthians 9:5
This content is part of a series.
Giving with Confidence (3 of 3)
Series: Generous Giving
Keith Krell
2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5
Perhaps you've heard the statement, ''Give until it hurts.'' The problem with this expression is that when it comes to giving, most people have a very low threshold of pain. While it's easy for many Christian leaders to ''beat the sheep'' over their lack of giving, some shepherds aren't as careful in their financial management. Consequently, plenty of Christians are skeptical about giving to the church or various Christian organizations. These are unfortunate realities. Can we alter these tendencies? If so, how?
In 2 Cor 8:16-9:5 the apostle Paul organizes the collection of funds for the Jerusalem church so that it will be managed honestly and faithfully. He explains the necessary qualifications for people handling funds in a local church or Christian organization. His conclusion is that godly giving requires great teamwork. Two simple directives stem from these verses.
1. Giving requires integrity and accountability (8:16-24). How we manage money is every bit as important as how we give money. This section functions as a letter of recommendation for three of Paul's coworkers as they collect the offering. The implication is that there should be accountability measures in place to honor the Lord's resources. In 8:16-17 Paul affirms one of his faithful coworkers with passionate words: ''But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord.'' Paul begins by thanking God for Titus, who is being sent to Corinth to ensure the collection against any suspicion of pilfering and to confirm its receipt. It was an immense encouragement to Paul for another missionary to share the same burden and to take responsibility for collecting the Corinthian gifts. Two important observations stand out in these verses: (1) Twice Paul affirms ...
Series: Generous Giving
Keith Krell
2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5
Perhaps you've heard the statement, ''Give until it hurts.'' The problem with this expression is that when it comes to giving, most people have a very low threshold of pain. While it's easy for many Christian leaders to ''beat the sheep'' over their lack of giving, some shepherds aren't as careful in their financial management. Consequently, plenty of Christians are skeptical about giving to the church or various Christian organizations. These are unfortunate realities. Can we alter these tendencies? If so, how?
In 2 Cor 8:16-9:5 the apostle Paul organizes the collection of funds for the Jerusalem church so that it will be managed honestly and faithfully. He explains the necessary qualifications for people handling funds in a local church or Christian organization. His conclusion is that godly giving requires great teamwork. Two simple directives stem from these verses.
1. Giving requires integrity and accountability (8:16-24). How we manage money is every bit as important as how we give money. This section functions as a letter of recommendation for three of Paul's coworkers as they collect the offering. The implication is that there should be accountability measures in place to honor the Lord's resources. In 8:16-17 Paul affirms one of his faithful coworkers with passionate words: ''But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord.'' Paul begins by thanking God for Titus, who is being sent to Corinth to ensure the collection against any suspicion of pilfering and to confirm its receipt. It was an immense encouragement to Paul for another missionary to share the same burden and to take responsibility for collecting the Corinthian gifts. Two important observations stand out in these verses: (1) Twice Paul affirms ...
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