A Call to Generous Giving
2 Corinthians 8:1-24
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying, we must ask the following questions:
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations, and notice the words that stand out)
Biblegateway (NIV, CSB, NLT) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a smartphone) Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer, especially if you have a Logos account)
OUTLINE AND LINKS TO PERICOPES (considering ebible & Serendipity)
Summarize the main story: Describe the events and context of the chapter in your own words.
2 Corinthians 8 provides a powerful exposition on the grace of giving. Paul uses the exemplary generosity of the Macedonian churches, despite their poverty and affliction, to encourage the Corinthians to excel in the same grace. The chapter also stresses the importance of integrity in handling church resources and introduces Titus and other brothers as trusted servants.
Historical Setting and Purpose
Around AD 55–56, Paul writes from Macedonia during his third missionary journey. A famine (Acts 11:28) and ongoing persecution have left believers in Judea in financial distress. Paul coordinates a multi-church collection (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Romans 15:25-27) to display unity between Gentile and Jewish Christians and to fulfill the call to remember the poor (Galatians 2:10).
2 Corinthians 8 discusses the generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their severe trials and poverty, gave abundantly to support the Lord's people. They demonstrated a strong desire to contribute, giving beyond their means. The author encourages the Corinthians to also excel in the grace of giving, highlighting that their willingness to give should match their ability. He emphasizes equality in sharing resources, stating that the goal is mutual support among believers. Titus is sent to facilitate the collection, accompanied by a brother praised for his service. The author stresses the importance of transparency and integrity in administering the funds, aiming to do what is right in both God's and people's eyes. Ultimately, he urges the Corinthians to show their love and commitment through their actions.
2 CORINTHIANS 8
Paul writes concerning the financial offering the Corinthian church is taking for the destitute believers in Jerusalem.
I. Godly Giving—Illustrations (8:1–5, 9): Paul offers two examples of sacrificial giving.
A. The Macedonian believers (8:1–5)
1. First they surrendered their will to the Savior (8:5).
2. Then they sacrificially shared their wealth with the saints (8:1–4).
B. The Lord Jesus Christ (8:9)
1. What he was (8:9a): Very rich.
2. What he became (8:9b): Very poor.
3. Why he did it (8:9c): So he could make spiritually poor people rich.
II. Godly Giving—Instructions (8:6–8, 10–15)
A. Give knowingly (8:6–8): Paul says financial giving is related to the other spiritual gifts.
B. Give willingly (8:10–11).
C. Give realistically (8:12).
D. Give confidently (8:13–15).
III. Godly Giving—Individuals (8:16–24): Paul promises to send three men who will receive the offering at Corinth.
A. The names of these three men (8:16–19): One is Titus; the other two are not named.
B. The need for these three men (8:20–24): This will guard against any suspicion.
Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Intro Questions to get us thinking:
OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
Pericopes and links to deeper study
Outline for Chapter from Bible Hub
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought) Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture) Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions
STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work, and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
Going Deeper: Go to the "Pericope" for a more specific study.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources. Biblegateway (CSB, NLT, The Message, ERV, CEV) has some application resources. Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What transformative move needs to be made?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
PRAYER: In the Name of Jesus.
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Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for helping to make this useful. -- Kevin Rayner
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