Sermon Discussion Guide
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 - "The Grace of Giving (Rev. Erik Veerman)
| The Grace of Giving In this text, we see the blessing of sacrificial giving. Part of Paul's travels included taking up a collection to relieve the believers in Jerusalem. The Corinthians had desired to contribute before, but their falling out with Paul put their gift at risk. Paul wrote to make sure their contribution was being made in a way consistent with the gospel of grace. Paul wanted four considerations to inform their giving. First, the Macedonians had given sacrificially and earnestly in their poverty and affliction. Second, the Corinthians had already proven their sincerity in other ways, so they should follow through on their initial desire to give as well. Third, Christ gave sacrificially in His humiliation and exaltation for us. And fourth, God has always provided for the needs of all His people (see Exod. 16:18). According to the gospel of the grace of Christ, giving is not ultimately considered valuable because of the amount but because of the sacrifice. Christ left the riches of heaven to show the riches of His mercy to fallen man. The Macedonians were earnest to follow this example and were commended because they gave out of their poverty! Paul hoped that the Corinthians would recognize this gospel grace and pay it forward with the same earnestness. Christians have no need to worry about their possessions; God makes sure that His people always have just what they need, and that they get to enjoy the blessings of giving as they share earnestly and sacrificially with one another. Application Questions:
Scriptures for Further Study: Psalm 96:7-9; Mark 12:41-44; Ephesians 1:7-9; Exodus 16:1-21 |