January 29, 2006
ENRICHED IN EVERY THING
2 Corinthians 9:1-15

   Even as Paul admitted that "it is superfluous for me to write," yet there were still a few loose ends to be attended. Titus and two spiritual companions were on their way to help the church bring together their promised offerings. Paul let them know also that he had boasted about them to the Macedonians just as he had boasted about those saints to the Corinthians. Their preparedness would spare both them (and himself) embarrassment if the group headed for Jerusalem arrived at Corinth and found their funds uncollected.
   Paul exhort, "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor. 9:6). He stressed that the issue was one of purpose of heart. Giving to the Lord must not be "grudgingly or out of necessity," because "God loves a cheerful giver." Such is the reading of Proverbs 22:8 in the Greek O.T. text. Neither the need of the poor nor the duty of the giver should be the prime motive, but the overwhelming sense of God's overflowing bounty of His grace.
   "God is able to make all grace abound" to them (and to us) such that we'll have "an abundance for every good work"! The psalmist wrote, "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever" (112:9). This refers not to God, but the giver! And, God will "supply seed to the sower, and bread for food...," Who will also "multiply the seed...sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness."
   Our being "enriched in everything for all liberality...causes thanksgiving through us to God" (2 Cor. 9:8-11). And as these gifts meet the needs of recipients, they abound "through many thanksgivings to God... Through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God because of the obedience of your (the givers') confession of the gospel of Christ, that is, for your liberal sharing with them..." The receivers also pray for you, "who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you (expressed by giving to them)."
   Paul ends on the high note, already sounding from every quarter, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (9:12-15).

Ivan L. Burgener