September 20

2 Samuel 16; 2 Corinthians 9; Ezekiel 23; Psalms 70–71

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

2 Corinthians 9: Giving for Glory

Previously Paul had rightly boasted about the Macedonian churches’ giving (8:15). Now he affirms the Corinthians’ giving, so as to delicately avoid playing one church off on the other (2). And now Paul is sending several brothers to Corinth ahead of another contingent of brothers, who would collect a gift that the Corinthians had previously promised (3-5). If this seems like a lot, it is, but Paul puts a high importance on two things when it comes to money and giving, especially with people like the Corinthians who are themselves so sensitive to money:

• That no one be embarrassed (4);

• That no gifts be exacted by coercion (5).

Paul elegantly exhorts their giving without emotional manipulation. Paul achieves this by exhorting them to give by faith (6). This verse is not what health and wealth prosperity preachers make it out to be: “Send me $50 and God will give you $500.” Not at all. Faith believes what it cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). Faith gives despite not seeing what will be returned as a reward for giving; faith trusts only in the promise.

Besides, the money is not going for a bigger jet for Paul. Nobody’s getting rich here. Paul’s great concern in the giving is that the spirit of Acts 2:42-44 would continue among all the churches. In this case, that means collecting from Gentile churches to bless the Judean churches, who were suffering a drought and famine.

So we are to give by faith, that we reap in proportion to what we sow (6). This faith produces cheerfulness in giving (7), as we see Him provide that which we give (8). The great reaping in all of it is the glory of God, displayed in the sacrifice that produces an “advantage” in others, not you (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1). Paul did this, not taking a salary when he came to the Corinthians, and now he imitates Christ, who glorified God by giving up himself for our eternal advantage (9).

In all of it, it’s God who will provide bread for those who are hungry (10-11), through the Corinthians. Their gift will meet needs and produce still more glory to God the Giver (12-14). Is this about giving or the glory of God? Yes. (15).