NEW TESTAMENT GIVING - Part 16

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 16

Paul begins chapter 8 of his second epistle to the Corinthians by calling their attention to the source of all of the blessings and obedience which is demonstrated in the lives of the sons of GOD by pointing out to them the actions of the Macedonians. He says, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit (i.e.; we want you to take notice) of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;” (2 Co 8:1) Here Paul plainly attributes the generosity of those Macedonian churches to the abundance of GOD’s grace which was poured out on them. He does not say GOD blessed them because they gave but that their giving was the result of HIS blessing. This is a clear illustration that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. When GOD’s grace is poured out on any people HE will give them a generous spirit towards their fellow believers and this is exactly the motivation that stirred in these Macedonians. A stingy and selfish spirit is not an evidence of GOD’s blessing. On the contrary, when men must be cajoled and persuaded to give out of the abundance with which the LORD has blessed them, or they have a desire to take advantage of one another in financial dealings (see I Cor.6:7) there is great evidence that such men are outside of the outpouring of HIS mercy. GOD’s grace is the first cause of all obedience in the sons of GOD and it is the moving cause of their esteem for the wellbeing of their brethren above themselves.
The abundance of GOD’s grace was so evident on the Macedonians that Paul says they went above and beyond what men would normally consider proper. “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality., For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; (2 Co 8:2,3) They did not limit themselves to percentages or a consideration of their ability to give, but were even willing to impoverish themselves for the benefit of those brethren who they deemed in need of their help. They gave with the same spirit that the widow of Zarephath did when she fed the prophet Elijah with the last handful of meal which she possessed, and the woman which cast in her last pennies into the treasury at the temple. GOD is able to bless HIS people to be generous even when they themselves are impoverished demonstrating that they are the most blessed of all. A generous spirit has nothing to do with the size of a mans bank account.
True giving is described by Paul in verse 5 when he said they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (2 Co 8:5) The LORD demonstrated HIS abundant grace in them by stirring them up to do as Paul had exhorted the Corinthians in an earlier letter saying, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. “ (1 Co 10:31) If a man has given his own self to the LORD then his possessions are seen as belonging to the LORD. This is a most blessed state for a man to be brought to for it is even the same state of mind which was in CHRIST when HE gave HIMSELF for us. Oh may our prayer be, “Dear LORD evermore stir our souls that we may cast ourselves at thy feet and say Here am I, send me. O FATHER revive thy work in the midst of the years and cause thy people to be conformed to the image of JESUS CHRIST.” May we each one be givers of the Macedonian type.

(to be continued, DV) mam