Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:6-7
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
Commentary:
8:7 you excel in everything. Though beset by several problems (see 1 Corinthians), the Corinthian church also had strengths (see 2 Cor. 7:4, 16). faith … speech … knowledge. A reference especially to the Corinthians’ spiritual gifts (see 1 Cor. 1:5, 7–8; 8:1–7; 12:8–10, 28; 14:6, 9, 19, 39). They showed earnestness for Paul and the work of the gospel (cf. 2 Cor. 7:7, 11–12). you excel (Gk. perisseuete). A reference to following the example of the Macedonians in 8:2, whose “abundance” (Gk. perisseia) of joy “overflowed” (Gk. eperisseusen) in a wealth of giving.
Questions:
- The overflow of GRACE is MINISTRY. Grace isn't just a one-time event that happens at the time of salvation. It's also God's ongoing work in His people. His grace heals what is broken, breaks the power of the past, changes our hearts and makes us free. In verse 7 the word used for "giving" is the greek word for "grace." So a ministry of giving is a ministry of grace! Paul makes a specific point about excelling in this grace of giving just as we excel in other areas of our faith. Why do you think he felt the need to single out giving like this? Why do you think giving can be such a difficult, and even polarizing, part of faith for some? Is it for you?
- Think about your own life and relationship with God. Think about your talents and spiritual gifts. What are the things you excel at? Can you truly say you are excelling at giving? What would that even look like in your life? Spend some time letting God reveal things to you that might be buried in your heart.
Pray:
- That you would allow God to change your heart about giving.
- That you would learn what it means to excel at giving.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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