1 Second Corinthians “Paul – A Minister of Christ” Lesson 9 Second Corinthians 8:1-24 Page 11

2 Major Divisions in Second Corinthians Paul’s Ministry: Defined (Second Corinthians 1:1 - 7:16) Paul’s Ministry: Demonstrated (Second Corinthians 8:1 - 9:15) Paul’s Ministry: Defended (Second Corinthians 10:1 - 13:10) Paul’s Concluding Remarks

3 In Today’s Lesson... A ministry of sacrifice: the Macedonians. 8:1-5 A ministry of fairness: the Corinthians. 8:6-15 A ministry of honor: Titus. 8:16-24 Next Lesson: A ministry of preparedness. 9:1-5 A ministry of generosity. 9:6-15

1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 4 Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NKJV)

5 His Was A Ministry Of Sacrifice 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 His Was A Ministry Of Sacrifice The Macedonians as examples: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 The particular churches were unidentified (but likely were Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Amphipolis, and/or other congregations nearby). Review the map of Paul’s third journey – –Ephesus, where he wrote the first recorded letter to the Corinthians – –Macedonia, where he met Titus and wrote the second recorded letter to the Corinthians – –Corinth, where he visited for about three months before returning to Jerusalem via Macedonia and Asia

6 3 rd Missionary Journey

7 His Was A Ministry Of Sacrifice 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 His Was A Ministry Of Sacrifice The Macedonians as examples: 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 The particular churches were unidentified (but likely were Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Amphipolis, and/or other congregations nearby). The “affliction” and the “deep poverty” of these churches were not allowed to interfere with the exercise of their great generosity. (v.2) – –The Macedonians did not let persecutions nor their very poor conditions keep them from making generous contributions for the welfare of others – –It was the grace of God that excited their spirit of liberality (v.1)

8 His Was A Ministry Of Sacrifice 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 The Macedonians in their generosity imitated Paul’s own character: – –They had genuine concern for the welfare of those who were in distress. – –They were willing to make personal sacrifices to assist those in distress.

9 His Was A Ministry Of Sacrifice 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 The Macedonians in their responsiveness demonstrated the results of Paul’s work: – –Their commitment to liberality moved them past their ability to give. (vs.3,4) – –Their totality of commitment motivated them to exercise their generosity. (v.5) –Paul was a firsthand witness that, “…they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” – –What an example for us today.

6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 10 Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:6-8 (NKJV)

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 11 Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:6-15 (NKJV)

13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” 12 Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:6-15 (NKJV)

13 His Was A Ministry Of Fairness 2 Corinthians 8:6-15 His Was A Ministry Of Fairness The Corinthians as examples: 2 Corinthians 8: He had been fair to give them the opportunity to become complete Christians. (v.7) 2. He had been fair to give them the opportunity to show love toward God. (v.8) 3. He had been fair in giving them responsibility according to ability. (vs.11,12) a. He measured their generosity by what they “had” to give. 4. He had been fair in expecting them to share burdens equally with brethren. (vs.13,14) a. God supplies the needs of others through us! (v.15)

14 His Was A Ministry Of Fairness 2 Corinthians 8:6-15 Paul was first to request the Corinthians to help the needy saints (1Cor.16:1,2); then, Titus reminded them of the need. (v.6) abound in everything; in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us” (v.7) Complete Christians “abound in everything; in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us” (v.7) Paul expected the Corinthians to prove the sincerity of their love as others had shown. (v.8) Paul expected the Corinthians to prove the sincerity of their love as others had shown. (v.8) The Lord Jesus was willing to become poor [His leaving heaven to come to earth] in order that He might benefit others. (v.9) The Lord Jesus was willing to become poor [His leaving heaven to come to earth] in order that He might benefit others. (v.9)

15 His Was A Ministry Of Fairness 2 Corinthians 8:6-15 They had started a year earlier but now they must complete the task. (v.11) They had started a year earlier but now they must complete the task. (v.11) If the heart is in giving, then the offering will be acceptable to God. (v.12) If the heart is in giving, then the offering will be acceptable to God. (v.12) He did not want them to think that others may slack off due to their efforts. (v.13) Paul wanted equality – one day they may be in the same shape as the saints in Jerusalem. (v.14) Paul applied Ex. 16:18 [the gathering of manna] to this situation – the distribution ended up equal. Paul applied Ex. 16:18 [the gathering of manna] to this situation – the distribution ended up equal.

16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 16 Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 (NKJV)

21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. 23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf. 17 Let’s read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 (NKJV)

18 His Was A Ministry of Honor 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 His Was A Ministry of Honor Titus and others as examples: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 The danger of the minister and his ministry being criticized always exists. (v.20) Paul was ever concerned that his ministry not be justly criticized. (v.21) Also, look again at chapter 6:3. Careful steps were taken to avoid criticism: brethren (plural) were sent to go with Paul, among whom were Titus and other unidentified but well-known men; the senders, not Paul, selected them to serve as messengers. (vs.19,23)