Day 336, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Corinthians 7:4–9:15
Give Generously
Christmas is a season for generosity. We exchange gifts with each other and with friends, and many send packages to soldiers or baskets to the poor. We may visit nursing homes and bring gifts to the elderly. It pleases God when Christians give with cheerful hearts at Christmas, but is this the only time he wants us to do it? In this Bible study, we learn to give generously and our motivation for helping others.
In today’s Bible reading, the Apostle Paul praises the Christians in the city of Corinth. Although they had been tolerant and even proud of an immoral brother in Christ, they changed their minds. They rebuked him after reading Paul’s first letter. Now, Paul says to exercise grace toward him since he has repented. Then Paul expresses his pride for them, especially for their love and hospitality.
While he is on his third missionary journey, he hears encouraging reports of their kindness towards Titus, one of Paul’s fellow laborers in the ministry. Titus tells Paul the Corinthian believers miss him, and they share his sorrows and concerns about his gospel ministry. This encourages the persecuted apostle. What do we do to encourage ministers of the gospel or other servants of God?
Paul seeks to bring some material encouragement to the poor persecuted believers in Jerusalem by collecting contributions from the churches. The Corinthian believers have excelled in their hospitality and love, so Paul encourages them to excel in grace-giving.
What is grace-giving, and how is it shown?
Grace-giving means generosity and is based on the grace each believer receives. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NIV). Because Jesus sacrificed himself for our salvation, we willingly sacrifice to meet the material needs of others.
Some people have learned to be more gracious than most, and God blesses them for it. Paul says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2Corinthians 9:6, NIV).
The Corinthians believers were the first church in Asia to extend material help to their brothers in Christ, and Paul was proud of them. The continuance of their support will prove their love of which Paul boasts. Are we onetime or continual grace-givers? Let’s be persistent in our giving as proof of our love.
How do we practice grace-giving?
There are random times when God moves our hearts to do something, but planned giving leads to consistent expressions of love. The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians to prepare for his coming. He wants the Corinthians to provide a lump sum of money or regularly set aside amounts to be given when he comes. He wants them to be generous. Paul even wants them to be sacrificial. Knowing the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf, should we do less?
We don’t give out of guilt or force; that’s not grace-giving. “Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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,” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NIV).
If we take part in grace-giving, Paul promises God will see our righteousness and give us more so we may further our kindness (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).
What are the benefits of grace-giving?
Givers shouldn’t give to get—the motivation for giving is love, not greed. There are, however, benefits to grace-giving.
- We enhance our spirituality, if we are generous, like Christ (9:11).
- God promises to meet our needs and enable us to bless others on every occasion (9:11).
- We are blessing people by meeting their material needs. This causes them to rejoice because of our obedience to Christ and enhances our friendship (9:13).
- Because of our joyful generosity, those we help will probably pray for special blessings upon us (9:14).
If we participate in grace-giving, Paul promises that God will see our righteousness and give us even more so we may further our kindness (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).
What are the benefits of grace-giving?
Givers shouldn’t give to get; the motivation for giving is love, not greed. There are, however, benefits to grace-giving.
- Our spirituality is enhanced if we are generous like Christ (9:11).
- God promises to meet our needs and enable us to bless others on every occasion (9:11).
- We are blessing people by meeting their material needs. This causes them to rejoice because of our obedience to Christ and enhances our friendship (9:13).
- Because of our joyful generosity, those who are helped will likely pray for special blessings upon us (9:14).
Discussion
What is Grace-giving and how is it shown?
What are some benefits to grace-giving?
Focus Verse
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: In today's Bible study we learned about grace-giving. In our Next Lesson we will learn about godly jealousy and grace-living.
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
re-edited 1-28-23
COPYRIGHT @ 2019 MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES