Friday Devo
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:14-15
14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say,
“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”
14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say,
“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”
Commentary:
At the present time in redemptive history (see 6:2; Rom. 3:26; 8:18; 11:5; Gal. 1:4) the Gentile believers can contribute financially, while the Jewish believers can contribute spiritually with leadership and the ministry of the gospel (cf. Rom. 11:11–12, 25–26, 30–32).
8:15 Like God’s provision of manna at the first exodus (Ex. 16:18), the provision at the “second exodus” in Christ has also been equally sufficient between Jews and Gentiles so that each may be able to provide for the other.
8:15 Like God’s provision of manna at the first exodus (Ex. 16:18), the provision at the “second exodus” in Christ has also been equally sufficient between Jews and Gentiles so that each may be able to provide for the other.
Questions:
- Paul quoted from Exodus 16 reminding everyone of how God provided manna from heaven to the wandering Israelites. God provided for them what they needed each day, but if they tried to hoard it, it would spoil. The point is for them to gather what they need and share the rest with others. This concept of generosity only works if someone has bought into the truth about all that we have... it all comes from God! It's all His and we are merely stewards. When we realize we are stewards we will much more open-handed with our finances and willing to be generous. How do you view YOUR resources? Do you behave and spend as if you are a steward of what God has given you?
- We should LIVE and GIVE in light of the GOSPEL. The Gospel should reorient everything in our lives. It should change our desires. Realizing what Jesus did for you should make you long to do all sorts of things that don't make sense... like loving people that don't deserve it, giving grace to people that don't don't deserve it, being patient and kind. And yes, giving in order to spread that Gospel message. Is this challenge to live and give in light of the Gospel apparent in your own life? Is there anything in this area of giving you are struggling with?
Pray:
- That you would live and give in light of the Gospel.
- That you would learn to behave as a steward, not an owner.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Since “all have sinned” and the “wages of sin is death,” Jesus had to die on the cross to pay the fine for my sin so I could be right with God.
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
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