August 10, 2010, II Corinthians 9

Key Verse:

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.

(II Corinthians 9:8)

Central Truth:

Give generously and cheerfully and you will be blessed.
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
The Corinthians had promised to collect a financial offering for the church in Jerusalem. Paul was writing to let them know that he was sending men ahead of him to be sure that the gift would be ready when he arrived. He wanted to be sure that the people were giving freely and cheerfully. In Verse 7, Paul explains that “each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Paul also wanted to be sure that he would not be embarrassed if he caught them unprepared because he had been using them as an example and bragging about them to the Macedonians. As a result, the Macedonians had been inspired to give as well. He didn’t want to risk bringing the Macedonians to pick up a gift that was not ready.
To encourage the Corinthians as they continued to collect and prepare the gift that they had promised, Paul tells them that we reap what we sow. If we give generously we will reap generously. That doesn’t mean that if we give a financial gift that we will be blessed financially. But, we will be blessed. Paul says that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” "Abound" means to exist in great quantities. Grace is the freely given favor and love of God. So I take that to mean that if I give generously to those around me, I will be filled with God’s favor. Sounds like a good deal to me.
You have probably heard this all before. I know I have. My prayer for you today is that you would take time out and meditate on this verse. Really let it sink in. Look at it with fresh eyes and an open heart. Spend some time with God and decide in your heart what you should give. Give generously and cheerfully, and you will be blessed.