EmmDev 2016-11-11 [Treasure in Clay Pots (2Cor)] Generosity (1): Giving to God

Generosity (1): Giving to God

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.      (2Corinthians8:1-5)

This whole chapter has to do with a specific situation which serves to illustrate the principle of generosity. The specific situation was that there had been a severe famine and the church in Jerusalem was in great need. Paul had appealed to all the churches he was involved in collect funds to assist the church in Jerusalem.

From the clues we have, scholars have deduced that Paul had previously asked the Corinthians to collect funds to help with this need, and that they had made a good start. Unfortunately when the tensions began and the relationship came under strain, the generosity faded.

Paul now renews his request to them, and this chapter becomes a very helpful guideline to generosity and giving.

The Macedonian Churches were the churches in the northern part of Greece. These were the congregations at Philippi and Thessalonica. Paul had experienced major opposition in these cities, but the gospel had taken firm root and the believers, although persecuted, were devoted, faithful and generous.

We note three things about their giving:

1. They gave generously in spite of their persecution and poverty. Paul attributes this to the grace and joy that they had received from the gospel. They were so grateful for God's abundant goodness and grace that they were super generous.
2. They did not need to be nagged or pressurised - they gave spontaneously ("Entirely on their own they urgently pleaded with us...") They saw giving as a privilege and a form of service.
3. They weren't giving to impress Paul but God.

Paul argues that the Macedonian generosity flowed from God's grace. If we want to learn how to be generous, the best place to start is God's generosity and grace. God's amazing grace grabbed the hearts of the Macedonians and transformed them - they became generous because they experienced God as generous.

The lessons of the Macedonians become three important questions for us:

1. Have I let God's super generosity to me impact my wallet and my diary?
2. Do I regard service as a duty or a privilege?
3. Am I doing this for God or for others

These are important questions...

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