20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us—21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (2 Corinthians 8:20–21, NKJV)
During his third preaching journey, the apostle Paul encouraged churches in Gentile regions to send funds to relieve their needy brethren in the Jerusalem church (Rom. 15:25-28; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9). Paul meticulously advised the churches to choose messengers to deliver their generous gifts to their brethren (2 Cor. 8:16-18, 23; 1 Cor. 16:3-4). These scriptures establish a pattern that approves churches sending benevolent relief directly to a needy church. Paul also sets an example of honor when administering church funds. Honesty and transparency in the sight of God and before men are vital when handling the funds of a local church. Those who have that responsibility must be careful and faithful stewards. Respect for God, the church, and the power of godly influence demands nothing less (1 Pet. 2:12).
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: 9 “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:8–9, NKJV)
Christians do not give seeking renown or repayment for their acts of kindness (Lk. 14:12-14). The Lord sees unselfish giving, and He will repay it (Matt. 6:1-4). In today’s passage, Paul exhorted the Corinthians to give bountifully, purposefully, and cheerfully to the relief of needy saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 9:1, 6-7). He did so by assuring them God would abundantly supply their ability to participate in this good work. Reminiscent of Malachi’s admonition to Israel, Paul implies we cannot out give God (Mal. 3:8-10). We are to trust God to provide our own needs as well as our ability to give to others (2 Cor. 9:10-11). And so, like God, the pious person disperses to the poor without thought of return (v. 9; Psa. 112:9). Let us be bountiful, purposeful, and cheerful givers who trust God to provide our needs even as He supplies our ability to give to others.
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:13, NKJV)
Christians are to share in addressing and relieving the needs of fellow Christians. “Distributing” is the verb form of fellowship, and urges us to keep having fellowship with needy brethren to reduce their present need. As he wrote this to the Romans, Paul himself was on a trip to Jerusalem, delivering assistance to the needy saints there (Rom. 15:25-27). He also advises that we pursue hospitality (the love of strangers). As strangers and pilgrims in this world, we must show the kind generosity that hospitality affords. It is our calling to lovingly assist strangers. W are to be “given to” (pursue) hospitality as our vocation. Consciously seek opportunities to entertain strangers, even as you share in relieving needy brethren (Heb. 13:2; Gal. 6:10).
“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17)
Sword Tips 