Monday Devo
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:16-21
16 But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. 17 Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you. 18 We are also sending another brother with Titus. All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News. 19 He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help.
20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
16 But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. 17 Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you. 18 We are also sending another brother with Titus. All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News. 19 He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help.
20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
Commentary:
8:16 Once again, Paul’s thanks … to God begins a new section (cf. 1:3; 2:14), just as his thanksgiving concludes it (9:15; see 1:11).
8:18 The identity of the famous … brother is unknown.
8:19–22 ministered by us … administered by us. This is the same phrase used in 3:3 to describe Paul’s new covenant ministry of the Spirit (“delivered by us”), showing that the collection of money for the needy in Jerusalem was an essential part of the apostolic ministry of the gospel. so that no one should blame us. As Paul delivers the gift to Jerusalem, he will be accompanied by a team of men well known for their integrity. Their presence will guarantee a public accounting for the gifts and also provide protection from robbers.
8:18 The identity of the famous … brother is unknown.
8:19–22 ministered by us … administered by us. This is the same phrase used in 3:3 to describe Paul’s new covenant ministry of the Spirit (“delivered by us”), showing that the collection of money for the needy in Jerusalem was an essential part of the apostolic ministry of the gospel. so that no one should blame us. As Paul delivers the gift to Jerusalem, he will be accompanied by a team of men well known for their integrity. Their presence will guarantee a public accounting for the gifts and also provide protection from robbers.
Questions:
- This week's message was all about stewardship. From an early age, we are convinced that our stuff belongs to us. Just ask a teenager! What is the difference between an owner and a steward? How does each mindset affect your decision making and attitude toward your stuff?
- In verse 19, Paul is explaining how it's going to work when he gives the gift to the church in Jerusalem. He is guarding against criticism of the way they are handling the gift and trying to put their minds at ease. Clayton talked about the lineage of stewardship. Paul is explaining here ORIGINAL stewardship. Their gifts are in good hands because of the pain staking lengths they are going to to make sure people can have confidence in the process. Why are they going to such lengths? Because it's not his money! It has been given by the churches, entrusted to the managers to be used for ministry. How important is it that people have confidence that the money the give towards ministry is handled with integrity and care?
Pray:
- That you realize you are a steward, not an owner.
- That you would learn to be a good steward of all God has given you.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
7. How can I trust that the Bible is still God’s Word today? I trust the Bible is still God’s Word today because Jesus rose from the dead proving He was God and said His words would never pass away. Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired the writing of the Scripture, determined the canon of Scripture and protected the copying of Scripture so that we might know Him and worship Him to this day.
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
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