Studies in 2 Corinthians Series Integrity of Giving Studies in 2 Corinthians Series 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 © October 21, 2018 Pastor Paul K. Kim 2

RECAP: WHAT IS NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN GIVING? [2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-15] It is grace giving—as opposed to giving under the Law (8:1-5). It is willing, voluntary giving—as opposed to giving with compulsion or reluctance (8:6-8). It is imitating Christ’s generosity—as opposed to giving with self-focused motives (8:9-11). It is proportional, stewardship giving—as opposed to giving with unbalanced obligation (8:12-15).

WHAT DOES INTEGRITY IN CHRISTIAN GIVING REQUIRE? 1) It requires accountability with spiritually mature people who handle the collection & distribution. 16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. (vs. 16-19) It was crucial for Paul to send Titus for this task (i.e., Titus’ earnest care). Furthermore, Titus was accompanied by another famous leader who was spiritually mature and was appointed by the churches for accountability. The identity of this famous brother is unknown but his maturity & integrity was well-known—i.e., the collection required integrity & maturity!

WHAT DOES INTEGRITY IN CHRISTIAN GIVING REQUIRE? 2) It requires precaution for the entire giving administrative process to be honorable horizontally as well as vertically. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. (vs. 20-22) Notice Paul’s reason for transparent precaution: to aim for a honorable process that prevents any possible blames and criticisms—this is WISDOM! Paul’s desire for precaution prompted him to send another leader who was marked by his earnest heart and growing confidence for the Corinthians. It wasn’t that Paul doubted himself (or Titus’ integrity) but for the wisdom of preventing all unnecessary potential criticisms—we need to learn THIS!

 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.  4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. 1 Corinthians 16:3-4

WHAT DOES INTEGRITY IN CHRISTIAN GIVING REQUIRE? 3) It requires godly leadership to urge follow-through in giving as a discipleship (spiritual growth) issue. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers  of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. (vs. 23-24)

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine . . . 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who  a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 2 Corinthians 8:8, 10-11

WHAT DOES INTEGRITY IN CHRISTIAN GIVING REQUIRE? 3) It requires godly leadership to urge follow-through in giving as a discipleship (spiritual growth) issue. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers  of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. (vs. 23-24) In Paul’s mind, the Corinthians’ giving and his sending the delegates were for their own benefit. Why? For them to grow in their discipleship of Christ! True godly leaders must not ignore every Christ-follower’s need for grace giving—it is essential part of the Christian life and spiritual growth. Hence, the integrity in giving requires intentionality of leadership’s part as well as members’ part. In all this, God is glorified and the Body is edified!

It's not enough for a leader to say, "My conscience is clear before the Lord." Our actions must be above reproach, "not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." Whatever system of collecting and distributing funds we choose, it must involve awareness and accountability, with a plurality of character-approved men or women (preferably not chosen by each other but by a church or constituency). Although two character-qualified family members might appropriately sit together on a board, there’s no place for the sort of nepotism that makes some organizations top-heavy with underqualified relatives and childhood friends who look the other way instead of fostering accountability. Randy Alcorn

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE In what ways are you more convinced of your need for Scripture guidance for integrity in giving individually and corporately? What would it mean for you to seek accountability in your giving not only for the glory of God but also for the edification of the church? What is your first step toward to supporting our church leadership to take precaution in the entire giving administrative process to be honorable horizontally as well as vertically?