Tag: Devotion

2 Corinthians 9:5 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.

The Apostle Paul taught the church in Corinth how they are to do good. He took time to organise the collection and sent responsible men to ensure that the process is safe and robust to transport the gifts to the church in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 9:4 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.

2 Corinthians 9:3-4 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.

The Apostle Paul’s urging of the church in Corinth concerning complete the task of their intended giving is like a parent preparing the children for life. The parent teaches the children godly principles and follow-up by showing them how to apply well to life situations. This is the heart of a godly parent toward training children for the life ahead of them.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

2 Corinthians 9:1-2 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.

Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24). This was the Apostle Paul’s intention when he recalled the readiness of the Corinthian church to give support to the saints in Jerusalem. As a result of their zeal to give, it has encouraged the churches in Macedonia to do likewise. And these churches have flourished in their giving. A year later, it seemed the good intention of the Corinthian church to give has not been realized. The Apostle Paul felt that he need not even mention this in his letter, knowing that the Corinthian church will be forward to complete the collection.

2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

The collection that will be sent to Jerusalem will go a long way to help the brethren there. It was a blessed opportunity to exercise the stewardship entrusted of the Lord to them in Corinth. The Apostle Paul, their spiritual mentor, was at hand to guide them towards this grace of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Titus was the Apostle Paul’s co-labourer in the gospel work and the two unnamed men were men of integrity and reliable, selected messengers of the churches, for the glory of Christ. This was a commendable team assembled whom the Corinthian church may have the confidence to entrust the care of their stewardship in their hands.

As such, the task of ensuring the collection is safely delivered to the church in Jerusalem is duly considered and planned for to ensure success for the glory of Christ. Thank God for such care taken. Such detailed organising proves the heart of the Apostle Paul towards fulfilling God’s calling in the gospel work. This provides for us an example!

2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Thank God for raising honest and diligent men for the work of the gospel. Although the Apostle Paul did not name this man, he was able to recommend him as a man of integrity and dependability. Moreover, he was one whom we notice served without having to be noticed. His contribution was invaluable. God rewards such faithful labour of His servants who for the honour and glory of God hazard their lives.

The journey, no doubt, is fraught with danger, knowing that a substantial sum is being entrusted to the care of these men. As mentioned, the two unknown men mentioned thus far have been men of repute in the sight of God and men and have volunteered their services for the gospel’s sake.

2 Corinthians 8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

The Apostle Paul ensured that there was a group of two or three and even more men assigned to oversee the collection and to the safe delivery of it to the church in Jerusalem. He was careful and cautious to prevent any potential mishandling. He understood the gravity of the matter for God’s glory.

The early church father, Ignatius, upon hearing a clock strike, used to say “Now I have one hour more to answer for.” He was acutely aware that he was accountable to God for every thought and action. It causes him to have this heightened sensitivity that his life brings honour and glory to God’s Name.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.