The Book of
2 Corinthians 9
15 verses≈ 3 minBSB
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Where we are
- 1–2:13ComfortWhy Paul changed his plans
- 2:14–5:10Treasure in clayThe glory of the new covenant
- 5:11–7Be reconciledOpen your hearts; joy restored
- 8–9Generous givingThe gift for the saintsChapter 9
- 10–13Strong in weaknessPaul's defence of his ministry
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.
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But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said. Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.
Question
Quick question
In chapter 8 Paul held up the Macedonians as an example to Corinth. Here he tells the other side of the story.
Whose eagerness first stirred the Macedonians to give?
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
As it is written:
“He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:9
The harvest of generosity
Whiteboard
Follow the harvest and see where it ends. God gives the grace, the seed and the bread. He makes His people rich, but rich “to be generous,” not to keep. The gift meets the needs of the poor, and the last fruit of it all is thanksgiving: the saints “will glorify God.” The harvest is His.
Reflect
Cheerful, not compelled
Paul sets no amount. Each one gives “what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion.” That is freedom, not pressure. Think about what you have and what you share. Where do you give gladly, and where only out of duty? Ask God to make you a cheerful giver, because He has given so much to you.
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.
You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God. For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.
0:28
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15
Pray
His indescribable gift
Paul’s appeal about the gift ends with a greater Gift: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Thank God for Jesus, given for you. Thank Him for the seed and bread He supplies each day. Then ask Him to make your life overflow in thanks, and to use what you share to bring Him praise.
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2 Corinthians 9
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A verse to carry with you
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
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