2 Corinthians, Chapter 9
© Copyright 2003 Darroll Evans, all rights reserved
"Superfluous" (Gr. permisson-permisson) speaks of "over-kill." Paul was saying
that it sounds as if he is completely occupied with "ministering to the
saints," and he was!
There are two reasons why he was. First, it
was his job. Second, he had boasted about their Corinthian generosity. Paul did
not others to think that his confidence was misplaced.
We would do well to look at a map of the
various areas in that time. What we know as northern
2 Corinthians 9:3-4
3 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:
4 Lest haply if they of
How many Church plans have gone down the
tubes? Far too many!
Paul sent others ahead to make sure things
were going as planned. What if the Macedonians came with him and found nothing
had been accomplished.
We think that because something worked in one
town at one Church, it will work in all towns at all churches. It may not.
All Churches should pray and get their own
programs and goals. Many think that God only speaks to others. He is speaking,
but we are not listening.
Paul thought it necessary to
"exhort the brethren" to make sure that all had been done. This comes
under "the laid plans of mice and men" listing or as an addendum to
Murphy’s law (if anything can go wrong, it will).
Paul was not suffering from a lack. He was
checking to see that the plans were going---as planned. That is wisdom.
For decades, this verse has been used to beat
Christians about the face and body. Paul was not referring to a tithe in the
letter. He was referring to an offering.
Yet many unlearned and greedy preachers use
this verse to drain all they can out of any congregation. That is abuse.
When a preacher devotes half an hour to the offering
something is wrong with his/her ministry. I have been in several meetings in
which the evangelist spent more time taking the offering than actually
preaching the good news of Christ.
The basis for offering is given here,
"according as he purposeth in his heart." God loves a "cheerful
giver."
Giving may at times be a financial burden. It
should never be a psychological burden. Giving is actually an opportunity.
In you obedience, God is able to make all
grace abound to you. He does it so that that having "all
sufficiency," you may live in abundance.
Abundance is not having a trillion dollars in
the bank or perfect health. It is living in a peaceful manner with what has
been provided.
Paul then quotes the Old Testament. Psalm
112:9---"Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds
will never be forgotten" (NLT)
Do you live in abundance and peace? Or, do you live in turmoil and lack?
Here is something you must understand. The
seed principle touted by so many is a true principle. However, many have abused
it for personal gain.
Again, if a Church or ministry will not make
available to you a certified record of total income and total disbursements,
stop supporting it. It may be a fraud-based effort. Honest
ministries do not fear the light.
In case you are wondering, Bible Study Net
does not accept donations.
There is a theology devoted to a wealth
mentality. It is an interesting concept that borders on old fashioned
gnosticism.
The teaching is this: if you have enough
faith or the right attitude, you can get be a "multi-billionaire."
Let me ask you a bible trivia
question---Which of the Apostles were extremely wealthy?
Answer---none!
If the Bible is only meant to expand our bank
accounts, why didn’t it work when the Apostles were alive?
Was Paul lacking in faith?
Is that why he was sometimes ill?
If God cannot use a less that perfect body,
how did a one-eyed preacher the Charismatic movement?
Something is terribly wrong with the
name-it-and-claim-it, blab-it-and grab- it, my faith is greater than your faith
theology, and yet it is alive and well.
Grace does not stop to ask your bank balance
or the results of you medical check up before being activated.
Thanking God for His loving kindness and His
gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is the duty of every Christian.