FEB 14th
2 Corinthians 8 (ESV) 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that
has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe
test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have
overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave
according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their
own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the
relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first
to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we
urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of
grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in
knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in
this act of grace also. 8 I say this not as a command, but to
prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich,
yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who
a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may
be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a
person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean
that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that
their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and
whoever gathered little had no lack.” 16 But thanks be to
God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is
going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending the brother
who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel
with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for
the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous
gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what
is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and
found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of
his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and
fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of
the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of
your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
- Bro. Benji's HEAR Journal Highlight: 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, Explain: Paul is amazed at the work of generosity the Macedonian saints performed. Out of their poverty they were able to collect a very generous offering for the suffering saints in Jerusalem. They gave sacrificially out of their lack of earthly treasure to demonstrate the grace of God working within them. Apply: Like the widow who gave only two mites these Macedonian believers must have given their all to the cause. True faith calls us to at times give sacrificially for the ministry and when we are faithful God is glorified. Respond: Lord help me to give sacrificially out of what you have given me. Help this world to observe my life and see that my treasure is in heaven. Help Christ and the gospel to be my passion and desire in this life. Help the pursuit of His fame among the nations to be my goal. Grant our church unity in this cause and help us to give sacrificially to that end. amen