Monday Devo
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:8-10
8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.
8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.
Commentary:
8:8–10 not as a command. Giving to the Lord’s work must be voluntary, not compelled. And when it is voluntary it brings much blessing (cf. 9:5–8). was rich … became poor. A reference to Christ’s preexistent status as the eternal Son of God in heaven (John 1:1–3; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:6) and the humility of his incarnation, including his death (Rom. 15:3; Phil. 2:7–8), so that the believer might become rich (salvation and all the benefits that flow from it). this work. What Christ has done for the Corinthians is to be reflected in what they do for others.
Questions:
- In verse 8, Paul starts with saying he's not COMMANDING them to give, but that he is testing their love by comparing their eagerness with the other churches. You can't command someone when it comes to giving and expect to them to do it right. Why? Because if you're successful, all you will have created is a begrudging giver. Biblical giving MUST be with a joyful and willing heart. This is the HOW of giving: With EAGERNESS. Paul is saying, "I want you to WANT to!" According to Scripture, your ATTITUDE in giving is more important than WHAT you give. When it comes to money and giving, what is your attitude? Do you give eagerly?
- It seems that many Christians, and maybe you're in this boat, get a little weird when it comes to talking about money and giving. But did you know that a good indicator of a person's spirituality is their bank account? You get a good glimpse into their true priorities and what they think is important in life. There is just something in us that is willing to surrender every area of our lives to Jesus except for our money. When it comes to finances we tend to tighten up and clench our fists. What is your posture when it comes to YOUR money? Are you open handed or closed fisted? Are your finances truly submitted to the lordship of Christ?
Pray:
- That you would be an eager giver.
- That your money would be subject to Jesus.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
6. Is the Bible God’s Word? Jesus proved He is God by rising from the dead and said the Old Testament was God’s Word and gave authority to the Apostles to write the words of the New Testament, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so that all the words of the Bible are God’s Word.
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
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