John R. Wible, 2014 1

Put Your Money To Work

2 Corinthians 8:10-15; 9:1-5John R. Wible

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Many Ways to Give

• The lesson is about giving our money today. • Before, let’s discuss other things than “stuff.”• Q: What can we give that is not stuff?• Q: Is there a way that we could involve other

classes in a ministry to consistently look after those of us who aren’t here every week?

• Gussie and caregivers, for example?

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Many Ways to Give

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Budgets

• A Budget is like a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight.

• Some can’t make it• Some make it but can’t do it• Some try and fail• A few succeed• Resolutions and budgets tell on us• This lesson gives a suggested system.

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The Point 2 Cor. 8:10-15;9:1-5

• We should be ready to give as the need arises.

• See picture, Page 44• Q: What’s the hardest part of budgeting?• See “The Bible Meets Life,” p. 45.• Q: Where do you fall on those scales?

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Review

• Good Work – work is a gift not a curse• We should work as unto the Lord• Give out of the proceeds of our work• Paul continues urging the Corinthians by

example of the Macedonians

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The Setting

• Macedonians collecting for Church in Jerusalem

• This was of great importance to Paul– Jerusalem was poor, but– Gentiles needed to be seen as caring

• The Church at Corinth was to participate, but needed encouragement

• Paul uses other Macedonian churches as an example of giving out of poverty

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Greece – Achaia and Macedonia

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2 Corinthians 8:10-11

10 Now I am giving an opinion on this because it is profitable for you, who a year ago began not only to do something but also to desire it.

11 But now finish the task as well, that just as there was eagerness to desire it, so there may also be a completion from what you have.

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I Wonder . . . ?

• Why is it hard to be generous over the long haul?

• What does Paul mean in v. 10 when he states that he is “giving an opinion?”

• If it’s his opinion, can Paul’s opinion be considered “infallible scripture?”

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John MacArthur Says:• “Generosity is impossible apart from our love

of God and of His people. But with such love, generosity not only is possible but inevitable.”

• Previously we learned giving springs from a heart transformed by the gospel of Christ.

• So, what about non-Christians who donate huge sums of money to benevolent causes like the “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation?”

• Can giving be considered an “investment?”3/23/2014

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Francis Schaefer states:

• Our society has lost its Christian base. Even we, who still hold to Christians teachings are affected. The Non-Christian worldview has two guiding principles, “personal peace” and a desire for affluence.

• Q: If that is the case, what do we say to the person, who when confronted to give says, “But if I give, I might not have enough for myself?

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2 Corinthians 8:12-13

12 For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

13 It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality—

(continued)

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2 Corinthians 8:14-1514 at the present time your surplus is available

for their need, so their abundance may also become available for our need, so there may be equality.

15 As it has been written: The person who gathered much did not have too much, and the person who gathered little did not have too little.

What is this passage about? 3/23/2014

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The Platonic Worldview• The passage is not about giving up all

wealth or redistributing it – Communism.• These ideas are not Biblical but grew up

later in the history of the church it adopted a Platonic ideal

• All things material are bad. All things spiritual are good, therefore, of all things material so as to inherit the things spiritual.

• That is to say we should become ascetics.

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But, Paul says . . .

• Paul quoted Exodus 16:18 urging “equality.”• That verse relates to God’s provision of

manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.• No matter how much or little you gathered, it

was “enough” but not “too much.”• What principles about healthy giving did Paul

communicate in this passage?”• Read: “Digging Deeper,” p. 49.

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Our Author says:

• There is a process of gracious giving in determining exactly how much we have to give—what one has.

• Two complicating factors:– Uncertainty and – Our tendency to compare

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The ProcessTwo great proponents of fair process:– Immanuel Kant and Nick Saban

• Another great philosopher, another “St. Paul,” Paul Bryant says of the process (plan)– First, Have a plan– Second, Work your plan– Third, Plan for the unexpected.

• Let’s apply this wisdom to the process of giving.

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The Process for Giving

• Give the tithe, then in a special need,• Remember 3 facts:

1. All we have is the Lord’s. 2. He knows what we have now and every

future need. He is loving, righteous, and trustworthy.

3. Following Him has no regrets.

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The Real Question• “What does God want us to give?” • Pray until you’re at peace with an amount.• Give it! And If we have a later need:• Blame God, begrudge it, recriminate, say

“woulda, shoulda,” or worry about it?• No, God will provide. He can “make love out

of nothing at all.”• If necessary, be humble and accept help.

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What is Your Legacy to Be?

• We can leave a legacy for succeeding generations to follow.

• Will they see us ready to give when the need arises?

• What, by our actions, did we teach them about it?

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2 Corinthians 9:1-3• 1 Now concerning the ministry to the saints,

it is unnecessary for me to write to you.• 2 For I know your eagerness, and I brag about

you to the Macedonians: “Achaia has been prepared since last year,” and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

• 3 But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said. (continued.)

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2 Corinthians 9:4-5

• 4 For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation.

• 5 Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as extortion.

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Key Words

• See key words on page 51. • Read, “eagerness is contagious. . .”• What will your example be? • Our good example can spur others to good

actions.• Conversely, our negligent actions can lead

others into likewise negligent actions.

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Accountability

• Is the wrong with holding people accountable? Should we send “duns” like the Methodists? How about a public statement of our intent to give followed by a public report? Anybody go for that?

• Note the author’s emphasis on accountability. See the paragraph that begins with “Holding others accountable also is acceptable” (BOOK, p. 52).

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The kind of giving God desires from His People

• Expects nothing in return.• We should desire to give:– because God has given to us, – because God leads us to give, – to meet the needs of other people, – To be a blessing to other people.

• See ‘Ready or Not,” p. 53.

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The India Quandary

• My Plan• My Commitment• Will You join?

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Will You Join in Our Crusade?

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Let’s Pray About it!

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