A brief Bible Study on Giving
To understand God’s view on giving, let’s review II Corinthians 8-9 in the New Testament. These two chapters - penned by Paul, the Apostle - are based on an historical event. Paul plans to travel south from Macedonia into Greece. He wrote the believers in Corinth, Greece about the generous offering that had been given by the Macedonian believers. He encouraged the believers in Greece to begin taking their offering so that it would be ready when he arrived.
As he wrote, Paul used unusual means to encourage Christian giving.
• He bragged about the generosity
of the Macedonians. They had given much even though they were poor. (There
was ancient animosity between Macedonia and Greece, and Greeks were often
contemptuous of the Macedonians, thinking of them as country bumpkins.(8:1-7)
• Paul tested the Corinthian’s love by comparing them to the sincerity shown
by the Macedonians, and to the gift given by Jesus Christ. (8:8-9)
• He asked them to “finish the work” they had started. He knew that neither
the Macedonians nor the Corinthians could give all that was needed. It would
take both groups giving generously. (8:10-15)
• Paul enlisted helpers to spread the word. He sent Titus and two other
men ahead. He wanted the Corinthians believers to not be “ashamed” by being
unprepared. (8:16-9:5)
• In chapter 9, verses 6-11 Paul states four important principles. First,
planting few seeds brings a small harvest. The reverse is true, also. Generous
gifts produce a rich harvest. Second, a believer should give only the gifts
that he wants to give. No one is compelled to give. Third, God can provide
for our needs. Fourth, God provides enough so that we will always have enough
to give. In providing for us, God may also provide for the needs of others,
if we share what He has given to us.
• Finally, Paul tells the Corinthians that if they will give, God will be
praised. Our gifts will lead others to thank God!
I think of these chapters as I give to my church, special offerings, ministry organizations, and secular groups that do good works. The scriptures deserve to be read, studied, discussed, taught, preached, and most all, applied. We haven’t received these Biblical chapters from the Apostle Paul, but through Paul from God.
How do you give?
Article written by Dr.
Bradley Dixon, Regional Vice President, Missouri Baptist Foundation
