BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL - 27 JUNE 2021
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:9 – 15

PASTORAL ADVICE

1. Paul advised the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:10)

a. As an Apostle of Christ

b. As their Pastor who loves them deeply

c. This advice was given to their advantage

i. If heeded it would profit their faith

ii. It would do them good resulting in the Lord’s blessings

2. What this advice was all about (2 Corinthians 8:10 – 11)

a. It was about a project of giving that they began a year ago

b. But they have not completed it

i. The project was stalled perhaps due to the many problems they had

ii. The Church was weakened by the division and the strife

c. Repentance and restoration

i. They responded well to Paul’s first letter and repented

ii. They were restored to the Lord through Titus’ ministry among them

d. The advice now was to resume and complete what they had begun!

i. There was readiness to give

ii. There was desire to give

iii. There must now be completion of giving out of what they have

ACCEPTANCE FROM GOD

1. God’s acceptance was borne in mind (2 Corinthians 8:12)

2. Clearing out some misunderstandings

a. It is not giving what we do not have (2 Corinthians 8:12)

b. It is not meant to burden us to ease others (2 Corinthians 8:13)

3. Context of the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:14)

a. They had “abundance” compared with the Macedonians

b. The people in Corinth were not financially poor at that time

4. God’s acceptance

a. When it is first given out of a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12)

b. When there is thought put into it

c. When there is planning of giving from what we do have

d. When there is a heart to help those who are suffering lack (2 Corinthians 8:14)

e. When there is faith in the word of God (2 Corinthians 8:15)

i. The LORD provided for Israel in the wilderness

ii. They gathered what they needed with no lack

iii. There must not be fear that our giving towards the Lord’s work will result in our suffering lack

APPLICATION

1. Let’s clear any misunderstandings about giving

2. Let’s cultivate a heart of giving

3. Let’s remember this wonderful encouragement from Jesus recalled by Paul

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35