By Robert L. Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Giving Faithfully
2 Corinthians 9:1–15
Confidence Expressed (1–5)
One of the main reasons Paul wrote 2 Corinthians was to encourage the believers to continue in their giving to the Jerusalem Christians who had been experiencing famine.
The Corinthians were glad to be able to give initially but then their zeal waned because of some false teachers who undermined Paul’s teaching and questioned the venture.
In response to the attitude of the Corinthians, Paul mentions the Macedonians, who gave to the Jerusalem Christians out of their poverty. Interestingly, the Macedonians were motivated to give because of the initial giving of the Corinthians.
Paul suggests it would be embarrassing if any of the Macedonians were to see their attitude now. To encourage the Corinthians, Paul was sending Titus and two others.
As Christians we need to be concerned for the needs of others, especially fellow believers. One of the ways we do this is by collecting money for the use of helping others. Our churches gather offerings to use for God’s kingdom.
We need to set aside money so we can participate in giving and in doing so participate in the ministry of the church.
One of the best ways to do this is to establish a set amount to withhold from each paycheck each month and give this money first before spending on anything else.
Benefits Found (6–11)
Paul reminded the believers that giving should not be seen as an act of obligation but rather an act of love. When we give to others we ought to do so willingly and cheerfully. Since God has given salvation to us freely and without compulsion, we reflect God’s grace when we give to others with no regard to what they can give back to us.
We also need to recognize that all believers are united in Christ and therefore need to share each other’s burdens, financially or otherwise.
One way we are able to share in each other’s burdens is by praying for those Christians around the world who are in need financially or physically, as well as those who are persecuted and imprisoned for the sake of the gospel.
Furthermore, when we give to others we are blessed by the Lord. This is not to be taken as a financial blessing.
We need to be mindful of those false teachers who say if we give money to them and their ministries then we will be blessed financially.
God is free to do this if He would like but we do not give with the expectation that we will receive a reward. We give to demonstrate God’s love to us with no regard for our own benefit.
Adoration Gained (12–15)
In giving to others we are participating in their ministry. When the Corinthians gave to the Christians in Judea they were helping to alleviate the suffering of those believers. This is a reflection of the gospel. Then when those disciples are able to minister to others because they have food, the Corinthians also are a part of that ministry.
In the same way for believers today when we help others we are involved in ministering to those in need, gaining a share in their ministry. For example, when we give to help missionaries we take on part of the ministry to the culture in which they are ministering.
This should encourage us to give freely to our brothers and sisters in ministry because in doing so God is allowing us to play a part in an eternal ministry.
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