II Corinthians, Chapter 8

The child of God and Christian charity is found in chapter 8.

The life that shows liberality is in verses 1-8. The example of the Christians of Macedonia brought before the Corinthian believers is discussed in verses 1-5. Liberality is the result of the grace of God bestowed (verse 1). As Paul opens this section, which includes chapters 8 and 9, he seeks to arouse in them a desire to give alms with a proper motive. In referring to the Churches of Macedonia, he includes Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. These could be called the leading churches of the area, and most certainly there were others. This, of course, refers to the Northern province of Greece. The Christians in these churches had been the recipients of the grace of God, and their conduct bore out their confession of faith. Their liberality flowed despite severe tribulation (verse 2). These people did not wait until things were better for them before they gave but did so in the midst of trial. Their joy and poverty abounded to their liberality. You see their joy abounded unto their liberality because it produced it. From these Christians came a lavish outpouring of generosity despite their own condition. Above and beyond is the earmark of Christian liberality (verse 3). Paul bore record of what he was going to say was true and not some gimmick to stir up the believers at Corinth. They gave according to and above their ability, not as little as they could, but as much as they could. Wouldn't God be pleased if we had more young people willing to do as much for God as they could and not as little as they could get by with? Churches and mission fields would reflect this type of service as it is given. Thank God for those who thus serve, and there are many. However, there needs to be many more. They did this voluntarily. The secret of successful service is the willingness on the part of those involved. They asked for the opportunity to help fellow Christians in need (verse 4). They begged insistently for the opportunity to do this favor. Begging to give to help others when you yourself are in need is something born in the heart by God. They sought to relieve and help the suffering saints in Jerusalem. This condition had arisen because of persecution and also the possibility of severe drought. Here is placed before us the practical working of Gal. 6:2. Remember that James declares, "Faith without works is dead," and these indicated their faith was living and active. True liberality comes as one first gives himself/herself to God, and from this flows the Christian grace of charity (verse 5). When one gives himself/herself to God, there comes from this a willingness to serve in practical manners. Thus disregarding their personal interests, they gave themselves to us as the agents of God and put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God. Here is confidence born by a mutual esteem and love. In all this, they gave as much as they could to relieve the saints at Jerusalem. The Corinthian believers now exhorted to do the same (verse 6-8). Titus began to collect for the poor, and now the Christians are exhorted to continue what they started (verse 6). Apparently, collection had been started but had not continued at the church in Corinth for the oppressed in Jerusalem. Paul now desires that they continue and bring to completion the project started. Good intentions are not enough when there is a real need before the people of God. Stopping short of the goal, fainting or growing weary in well doing, are continually warned against in the Bible. The reason so much is said is because of the great possibility of this taking place. "We shall reap in due season if we faint not." Titus on his return is urged to take this up where he left off. These Christians abounded in many things but are reminded not to come behind in this Christian grace (verse 7). There was a lot to be said for the Corinthian Christians, but Paul reminds them to keep pressing on. They were to see to it that they came to the front in this very desirable Christian grace as well. There is something about giving that brings out the true character of an individual. (The most nervous part of the Christian is between his/her heart and the pocketbook.) The proof of Christian love is in verse 8. It is not obedience Paul wants as much as spontaneous liberality. God wants us to love him not because we have to but because we want to from a willing heart. The sincerity of love is indicated by the course of action taken by the individual. Paul encourages them to take the course of action which would be an indication to all around them of their love and devotion to Christ and His people.

The example of Christ placed before the child of God is found in verses 9-15. Through Christ we are made rich (verse 9). These Christians knew of the incarnation of Christ in which our wonderful Lord who was rich became poor for our sakes. Had He not become poor for us, then we could never have been rich through Him. Because of the loving liberality of the Lord Jesus, all those who place their faith in Him are enriched with an abundant supply. Being supplied with the riches of Christ is far better. On the basis of their wealth in Christ and God's material blessing upon them, they are encouraged to complete their good intentions (verse 10). It seems that the believers at Corinth had begun the task of raising money for their pressed brethren first. However, their good intentions had gone awry. Paul says it is profitable and fitting for them to continue what they had started. How vital in the area of Christian service that we bring to a conclusion what we commence. Giving according to what you have is discussed in verses 11 and 12. We need to be just as enthusiastic to complete a task as to start one. Their giving was to be based on what they had and not on what they did not have. God looks not so much at the size of the gift as what is left after the gift. You cannot give what you do not possess. May God remind us that in proportion to what we have, we are to give back unto Him. Giving is to be sane and sensible on the basis of equality (verse 13-15). In verse 13 Paul declares that the rich are not obligated to give to the poor to make themselves poor in order that the poor might be rich. They were not to go beyond their ability to give and end up impoverished themselves. Share and share alike is the theme of verse 14, and how sensible is this mode of giving! What is being said here is simply that you are to give when others have a need, and they in turn are to help you out when you are faced with a need. This is simply concern and interest exhibited toward fellow believers. He then illustrates his point by continuing in verse 15. God supplies our need and takes care of the surplus, too (verse 15). From Exodus 16 Paul draws their attention to the account of the Manna. To the person who gathered too much, there was nothing left over because it rotted and was worthless and useless. To the person who gathered little, there was no lack, for God sent the supply daily except on the Sabbath.

The importance of efficient administration in the running of God's work is in verses 1624. The care of Paul in the handling of the money to be gathered at Corinth is found in verses 16-19. Titus was to more or less head up the project and was placed in charge. Verse 17 indicates that Titus was willing to do this though it probably involved more work. When you want to get something done, you go to the busy people; and they will help willingly and get the job done dependably. Also another brother, probably Luke, was to help in the handling the sum of money. He was duly appointed by the church to help in such manners and be a traveling companion. They are handling this and doing this for the glory of God and as such should keep themselves above suspicion. Notice one person did not handle all the money. A Pastor should never handle the money of the Church; and if it is so small that he must, then let him be wise and have others assist him. The reason of such care is in verses 20 and 21. No man can blame us for anything (verse 20). Paul says we are on our guard. If you do not stay on your guard, then you will have trouble. He wanted no one to be able to blame him for anything. He wanted to be absolutely above suspicion (verse 21). He wanted this to be before God and before men. How quick are people to make unjustified claims and how careful we must be that those claims can be met and proven false by others. Paul personally commends and recommends those men he is sending for this task (verse 22-24). Who the second brother Paul is sending, we are not sure, but Paul sets him forth as an earnest and diligent brother (verse 22). Titus is given Paul's highest recommendation, for Paul says of him that he is my colleague and shares my work in your service. Paul calls upon the church to show these three men Christian hospitality (verse 24). Paul wants to be further proud of them on the basis of their treatment of these servants of God.