Lesson 4847

 (Lesson 4847) (05-08-25) 2nd Corinthians Chapter 9 

   “For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul continued his encouragement for the Corinthians to fulfill their commitment to support the saints in Jerusalem. He acknowledged their initial eagerness and explained that he had boasted about their generosity to others, which had inspired many to also give. To ensure that their gift would be prepared and given willingly, not under pressure, he sent brethren ahead to organize it. Paul emphasized that giving should be voluntary and cheerful, stating that God loves a cheerful giver. He assured them that God would provide abundantly, enabling them to be generous on every occasion. Their generosity would not only meet the needs of the saints but would also cause overflowing thanksgiving to God. Because of their service, others would glorify God because of their generosity, and prayers would abound for them due to the grace of God that was bestowed upon them. Paul concluded by praising God for His indescribable grace. ~