©2002 Pastor Tom Miles
2 Corinthians Chapter Nine
As Paul continues his dialogue about the collection for the needy saints, he acknowledges that his writing may be superfluous (redundant or excessive). Paul felt it necessary to send the brothers to make certain that they had their gifts ready for the needy. It was also of importance to know that they were giving out of true wanting to give and not because they felt forced to do so. Paul continues with some information on sowing and reaping and than needs of this collection.
2 Corinthians 9:1-2 Paul begins by saying he is aware that his writing may be redundant or a bit excessive (superfluous) but he so wants to be sure they know how he feels about them and the need for them to follow through on their promises. He also wanted to make known to them the zeal that was kindled in the others because of their zealousness.
2 Corinthians 9:3-5 To write the Corinthians
again Paul feels it senseless but than on the other hand he desires to
know for sure where they stand. Paul does not have to convince them
to take up the collection they agreed to it and wanted to do it.
It is because of Paul's boasting to other churches of the high standards
of the Corinthians and their desire to give that causes Paul to write again
concerning this issue. Since Corinth is a major city in the Achaia
area the other churches would follow what they do and look up to them in
a sense. Since some of the Macedonians will be coming with Paul to
collect the contribution Paul wants to make sure all is well and ready
so no one including the Corinthians are embarrassed.
Paul's writing at this time gives them
ample time to gather the collection if they have not already got it.
And most importantly to be sure they gave willingly and not grudgingly.
Father, keep me always in line with Your Word and give me a heart of giving!
Hold me fast to You and allow me to be a living example of Your graciousness
in my giving. Keep my heart always thankful and joyful no matter
what the situation. Let me always remember to give with a loving
heart and not a heart of bitterness. I want always to give because
I love to not because I have to!
2 Corinthians 9:6 Paul gives encouragement here telling the people that they will reap what they sow. If you give little you will get little, if you give greatly you will receive greatly. I like to think of this as reciprocity (a mutual action and reaction) but not giving in hopes of receiving--but knowing that it happens because of love--God’s love for you and your love for Him.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Paul says that God loves a cheerful giver and each person must give as they have determined in their heart to give. It is more important the attitude we have when we give than the amount we give! If we give grudgingly or hoping for something in return that is not the way to do it, God wants our giving to be because we just want to give whether we receive or not! And God wants us to give cheerfully!
2 Corinthians 9:8-11 God will increase
our ability to do good. The person that generously gives will be
supplied with an ever-increasing means to give. Giving is a blessing
to those receiving and in the eyes of God righteousness and a blessing
also to the giver. God wants us to give so He will make sure we always
have more than enough to give, but we must first begin to give so He can
give the increase. And HE (God) who supplies seed will give occasion and
capability for us to help others. Not only will He supply the need
for us to sow and reap but will supply all our needs. All things
that are needful for our souls and bodies God will supply. As long
as we continue to sow seed (give) God will continue to meet our needs more
and more. Isaiah 55:10 speaks of this increase of righteousness from
our love to God and to man. Paul wants us to see that God will continually
supply us with abundance so we can continue to give. In this verse,
11, which is part of verse eight it explains how the fruits of righteousness
are increased. Since verse eight and verse 11 seem to be connected
it would seem verses nine and 10 could be viewed as parenthetical.
Bountifulness according Strong's is
‘single-minded liberality’ which is translated ‘simplicity’ (singleness,
i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking),
or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal):--bountifulness, liberal(-ity),
simplicity, singleness. See also Romans 12:8) God gives riches so
that we can give to His glory and others can be blessed by our giving.
He increases our means to give so we may become bountiful in our giving
in all things. The more we give the more we bless God. It pleases
God for us to give bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:12 Not only does giving supply the needs of Believers but it glorifies God. Giving causes many thanksgivings to God. People want to give thanks to God when they receive from God. It gives God glory when we are obedient to His Word. And giving is part of His Word. Father, I want to always have a heart of giving joyfully. Keep me always in line with Your Word so all glory goes to You and not to man!
2 Corinthians 9:13-15 Giving to the gospel and liberal sharing of your means to others creates a love within you and the recipients of your love gifts. This love created in others through your giving will help cause them to turn to God and recognize Him as the source of all things. It is important that we give thanks to God for all that He gives us. When you give you bless another and bless God. Those you give to are helped and will give thanks to God for the help. When you give you also bless self because God will bless you for your giving.
Father, I understand that it is not only my responsibility as a Believer to give to meet the needs of others but it is also my joy to give because through giving I receive also! Father, thank You for loving me through others and for allowing me to love You through others. Keep me always close to You in Jesus name, Amen!
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