The Devotional – 1094 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

The Devotional – 1094 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

Giving of funds is one of those topics that is volatile for many people. Sometimes when sharing the gospel we run into the two major obstacles that people use to excuse their way out the door. The two topics are (1) there are too many hypocrites in churches and there is no room for one more, so I will stay out. (2) The only thing preachers do is ask for money and I for one do not have any money to “just give away!” Now of course there are many other excuses but these do top the list. The children of God run a course of unwillingness to give as well and this does drive some pastors to over emphasize the topic, even pastors who lack confidence in giving struggle with the subject and the way to grace giving is like trudging through quicksand. Some never make it and suffocate spiritually.

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 2 Corinthians 8:1-3

One of the key elements of grace giving and maybe the only key needed is found in our text this morning. In fact, there are within this one element several prerequisites that need to be obeyed before giving under the blessing of grace can be just that – a blessing instead of a cursing. Let’s take a good look at this section which will carry us through to the end of chapter 9.

To look at giving in any other way than “bestowed grace” on the church is point blank, wrong! Just let me say right up front – tithing is an Old Testament Command. Giving is a New Testament response to the grace of God. Notice: (verse 1) “Moreover brothers, we (leadership) are required to make known to the church family of the “grace of God” that He bestows on churches that understand the principles to obey in grace giving”. (Paraphrased). But remember too that “Grace” includes the whole counsel of God and like the apostle Paul we will not shun speaking or writing of it – Acts 20:27.

There is no doubt that church families are daily affected by much trial and suffering. One look at the prayer bulletin of any local church will reveal the struggles within the body of believers. Injuries, illnesses, joblessness, spiritual battles and even the various ministry struggles within the local assembly are very evident. Yet, we must see that the church of Macedonian, under this trail of suffering and poverty experienced “great joy”. Bestowed grace always produces “JOY” which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:22.

Now much affliction will do one of two things, it will either drive a person or a group of people to bitterness of heart and mind, or two it will broaden the heart and mind of the individual in the knowledge that it is necessary to go beyond, or to reach out to others. This is impossible to do when one is already stricken with poverty and suffering and is focused on “self” and not relying of the Holy Spirit to produce the other attributes of Christ in us.

Now this does not mean that everyone in a local church is poverty stricken and sick or injured, but it does mean that the condition is real and can be a mindset of poverty and illness to control the church as a whole, a bondage that needs to be overcome. Individually and corporately we as children of God need to see that there are riches beyond the pocket book. Notice again that the believers in Macedonia – first gave of themselves.

I truly feel this is major; people are so wrapped up in self that there is little time for one to give any moment to the church family. This is to say the least – stingy! And if we are going to be stingy with our time in the church family activity, this will also be true of our ability in other areas of church activity. In other words we will not be “freely willing to do anything”.

So there is much to say about the bottom line which is the giving of funds and resources to a local church. We are just beginning to crack open the shell of opposition. But by the grace of God, He will provide the wisdom and instruction to move through these subjects and provide us with a good blessing too.