SESSION 3 WHAT WE WORK FOR 34 SeSSion LifeWay

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1 34 S e ss i o n 3

2 The Point Support God s kingdom work with your income. The Bible Meets Life Most of us were taught at a young age about the virtue of saving money. During uncertain economic times, this notion moves from being more than a virtue it is a necessity. The virtuous nature of saving, though, dissipates when we hold on to our money and assets at the expense of others. We do not earn money just to have money; we earn money to meet our needs and the needs of others. The Passage 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 The Setting The churches in Macedonia had been collecting an offering to help with the needs of the poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem. The church at Corinth was to participate in this offering, but Paul needed to encourage them to follow through with their gift. He used the example of the Macedonian churches, who gave out of their poverty, to challenge the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 35

3 What does the Bible say? Key Words Deep poverty (v. 2) Poverty in Macedonia was severe; among believers it was worse, made so by persecution for their faith. They were at rock bottom, destitute. Wealth (v. 2) Despite their destitution, Macedonian believers gave with a remarkable depth of generosity. Here, wealth refers to the spirit and sacrifice with which they gave. All diligence (v. 7) Literally, this phrase means haste or speed. It refers to something done quickly or promptly, as with eagerness, zeal, diligence, or earnestness Corinthians 8:1-9 (HCSB) 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God granted to the churches of Macedonia: 2 During a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity. 3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, 4 they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves especially to the Lord, then to us by God s will. 6 So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you. 7 Now as you excel in everything faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us excel also in this grace. 8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich. S e ss i o n 3

4 THE POINT Support God s kingdom work with your income. GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes DISCUSS: Invite your group members Notes to turn their attention to the image. Ask: What do you enjoy spending your money on? SUMMARIZE: Some things are worth every penny we pay because of the joy we gain from our purchase. In Paul s letter to the Corinthians, we ll study a group of Christians who pleaded for the privilege of giving to those who were in financial straits. They knew that giving leads to joy. GUIDE: Invite group members to share their initial reaction when they read The Point: Support God s kingdom work with your income. Explain that this key idea will drive our discussion. PRAY: Transition to the Bible study by praying for a better understanding of a biblical view of finances and how God desires us to steward all He s given us. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37

5 5 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Notes 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God granted to the churches of Macedonia: 2 During a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity. DISCUSS: Question 2: Generosity is a common term in Scripture and society. What has it come to mean to you to be generous? READ: Ask a group member to read 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 aloud. SUMMARIZE: Paul began his letter to the Corinthian church by sharing about the generosity of the Macedonian believers who were undergoing severe testing and trials of their own. Even though their poverty was severe and they operated out of rock-bottom destitution, the Macedonians were known for their generosity. TRANSITION: The Macedonians gave even when they didn t have much to give. They didn t own material wealth, but Scripture says they were wealthy with generosity. TIP: Let your tone and attitude create an environment where everyone feels free to add discussion. Stress that everyone s questions and ideas are worth hearing. 38 SeSSion 3

6 THE POINT Support God s kingdom work with your income. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Commentary Paul began the first verse of chapter 8 by imploring the Corinthian churches to fully comprehend the grace of God which was granted to the churches of Macedonia. A bedrock principle of Paul s writings revolves around God s grace being manifested in the lives of believers. This grace was most fully seen in the incarnation of God s Son Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15, 17). Yet God s grace can also come by hearing God s Word, through which the Father seeks to reconcile men and women to Himself (see 2 Corinthians 6:1). However, in this case the grace which Paul is referring to specifically is the sacrificial, freely given, spontaneous generosity demonstrated by the Macedonians. This type of grace testifies to the character and nature of God highlighted in and through the Macedonians desire and ability to contribute to the poor. In 8:2 Paul spoke of the deep poverty (bathos ptocheia) of the Macedonian churches. The Greek construction in this verse points to the very depth of the church s destitution. Conceptually, ptocheia literally means poor, miserable, beggarly, or impotent, or extreme or profound poverty. 1 It is because of this deep poverty that the churches in Macedonia had a special empathy with the poor in the Jerusalem church (see Romans 15:26). In spite of their deep poverty, the churches in Macedonia gave sacrificially out of their joy in Christ. Contrasting the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, Paul used riches or wealth (ploutos) to describe the nature of the Macedonians willing generosity. Paul used the noun to describe a generosity that is lavish or abundant in its wealth. It is vitally important to notice that Paul was not speaking of material wealth, for the Macedonian church had none. Rather, the wealth that Paul spoke of in the context was spiritual blessings. It is quite clear throughout Paul s letters that a Christian may experience unbounded joy in the midst of great persecution or poverty. Material wealth can and often does mask spiritual poverty (see Revelation 3:14-22). Clearly, in this case the wealth that Paul alluded to here is the depth of the Macedonians walk with Christ, leading to the depth of their generosity toward the Jerusalem believers. The idea of sacrificial generosity is amply illustrated by the second verse, where Paul stated, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity. It is notable that Paul took pains to point out the persecution of the Macedonian believers. Perhaps the social ostracism coupled with the ensuing economic disparity produced the severe testing by affliction of which Paul wrote. 1. William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, rev. F. Wilbur Gingrich and Frederick W. Danker, 2nd ed. (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1979), 728. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 39

7 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE 2 Corinthians 8:3-7 Notes 3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, 4 they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves especially to the Lord, then to us by God s will. 6 So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you. 7 Now as you excel in everything faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us excel also in this grace. READ: Ask a group member to read 2 Corinthians 8:3-7 aloud. SUMMARIZE: Verse 5 gives testimony to the heart of the Macedonian Christians and churches. After giving their hearts first to God, they gave themselves to the people by God s will. They gave: Willingly - They requested the opportunity to give. Sacrificially - They gave even when they had little to give. Supremely - Their gifts stemmed from an overflowing heart. SUMMARIZE: Paul then praised the Corinthian Christians excellence in faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, and love. He urged them to match these gifts with their giving. He called them to excel, or overflow, in their giving. DISCUSS: Question 3: Which is easier to excel in: speech, knowledge, love, or financial generosity? Why? TRANSITION: In the next verses, Paul discussed the relationship between our finances and our faith. 40 SeSSion 3

8 THE POINT Support God s kingdom work with your income. 2 Corinthians 8:3-7 Commentary Paul wrote that the Macedonians gave over and above their ability. Notably, the Macedonians begged insistently to contribute on behalf of the poor. The liberality of the Macedonians is evidenced by four major factors which Paul cited. First, he pointed out in verse 3 that the churches contributed much more generously than their financial means allowed. They gave beyond their ability. Second, it is noted that their giving was from the heart and not compulsory. They considered it a privilege of sharing. The Macedonians gave so freely that Paul did not even have to request of them a collection. Christians in the region of Macedonia gave of their own free choice as though they were giving to Christ Himself. Third, the Macedonians illustrated a magnanimous spirit by their very pleading to be involved with the Jerusalem church. Reading the context of the Corinthian correspondence closely, one notices that it is not the amount that the Macedonian church gave but their attitude and spirit in giving what they were able that Paul commended. Fourth, the Macedonians first gave themselves to Christ, then, in keeping with God s will, to Paul and his cohorts. To expand God s kingdom even further, Paul pressed the example of the Macedonian act of grace in verses 6-7. It appears that the Corinthian church had lessened their zeal in the ministry for the poor in Jerusalem. First, Paul made the point that he was sending Titus to further encourage the Corinthian church something that Titus had evidently done before. Paul s emphasis in verses 1-7 is highlighted in verse 7. This verse begins with a contrastive conjunction, yet it is the verb that paints the clear picture: Now as you excel in everything. The Corinthian church had excelled or overflowed in all kinds of gifts and talents as a church. By using the idea of excelling or overabundance, Paul was subtly drawing a comparison between the Macedonians (who overflowed with joy and generosity, v. 2) and the Corinthians. Indeed, the Corinthian church overflowed in spiritual giftedness. They possessed faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, and love. The Greek word that Paul used to denote diligence is spoude. It may also be translated as eagerness, earnestness, zeal, or devotion to a cause. In this particular passage, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to be zealous in their contribution for the poor. Keep in mind that Paul was not calling necessarily for a large monetary gift but rather diligently giving out of their life circumstances. Yes, the Corinthian church was a spiritually gifted church that unfortunately looked only inward and thus was weak toward those on the outside. If generosity flows from giving ourselves to Christ and His work (v. 5), then the Corinthian church needed correction. Paul took pains to point this out in the end of verse 7. While he commended the church for numerous things they did extremely well, he spurred the church onward. At issue here is this: a life centered in the fullness of Christ s teaching reveals that God s grace is active by reaching both inward and outward. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 41

9 20 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 Notes 8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich. READ: Ask a group member to read 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 aloud. DISCUSS: Question 4: Why do we sometimes see sharing as a burden instead of a privilege? SAY: Beyond what we profess to believe, our actions ultimately tell the complete story. According to Paul, the opportunity to help the Jerusalem Christians would reveal the sincerity of their love for God. SUMMARIZE: Paul reminded them that Christ s life was the ultimate demonstration of generosity. Christ left the riches of heaven so that humanity, poor and lost in sin, could become rich in the forgiveness and mercy He offers. DISCUSS: Question 5: What can we change in our community if we, as a group, give generously? DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity Afterwards, invite volunteers to share their responses as time allows. What Motivates Me?: Finish the following sentences. I pay my car payment because I pay my rent or house payment because I pay my parking ticket because I give to the needy because I give to the church because Considering all we ve discussed today, why should we give to the church? TRANSITION: A deep gratitude expressed in our giving bears testimony to who God is and what He s done. 42 SeSSion 3

10 THE POINT Support God s kingdom work with your income. 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 Commentary Paul sought to clear up possible misunderstandings at the very outset of his plea to the Corinthian church. In verses 8-9 he fully explained his reasoning in order that the Corinthian church might fully comprehend his theological rationale. First, Paul made it clear he was not making a command. Although his language up to this point had been direct and clear, he clearly stated that the preceding was not a command. In other letters (see for example 1 Corinthians 7:6,25), Paul mentioned commands coming from the Lord. However, in this case he took pains to help the Corinthians understand that it was in their spiritual interest to give freely out of Christ s abundant love. In sum, Paul did not give the Corinthians an order (as he could have). Instead he laid out the theological groundwork gathered from the Scriptures and encouraged their participation. In the latter half of verse 8, Paul told the Corinthians, I am testing the genuineness of your love. Three elements deserve a closer examination in this specific verse. First, Paul clearly stated that he was testing (dokimazo) the genuineness of the Corinthians love. The word testing in the Greek can be translated as examine, prove by testing, discern, accept as proved or approved, as well as be found worthy. Second, Paul wanted to test the genuineness of the Corinthians love as compared to the diligence of others. Once again he was alluding to the benchmark of the Macedonians faith, that he had already mentioned in the first part of this passage. If the Corinthian church embraced the example set by Christ (the very next verse in this passage), then they would follow the example set by the Macedonian churches in giving from their hearts. Third, Paul wanted to verify the genuineness of the Corinthians love. Interestingly, Paul did not identify the object of the Corinthians love. Grammatically, the love which Paul was writing about could be for Paul, Christ, or even fellow Christians. It is probably best to read the love here as the love of/for Christ but shown through their ministry to fellow Christians. It is obvious that the love which one has for Christ will empower one to overcome perceived barriers and obstacles. The barriers and obstacles of poverty and harsh circumstances did not hinder the Macedonian churches. Likewise, the barriers and obstacles of riches should not hinder the Corinthian church. The greatest reversal of status in history was mentioned by Paul as the example that the Corinthian church must follow. In verse 9, Paul began by noting, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Repeatedly in this passage Paul has held up the Macedonian gift; now he appealed to the ultimate incentive for grace giving the incarnation of Jesus Christ. At the heart of Paul s plea is the voluntary self-giving of a born-again Christian. He centered his plea strategically around the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Corinthians fully understood that Christ gave of Himself voluntarily and sacrificially for the benefit of humanity. Because of this selfless sacrifice, Paul urged the Corinthians to follow this model set for them by the incarnational life of Christ. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 43

11 5 minutes LIVE IT OUT SAY: In light of this session, how can you support God s kingdom? Notes GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study. Assess your outlook on money and possessions. Do you tend to view your resources as God-given tools to meet your needs and the needs of others? If not, ask God to help you view money and resources as He does. Say yes to one thing you know God wants you to do. Obedience to God in one area of life makes it easier to be obedient in other areas. Evaluate your financial management style to determine what it says about how you view God. Not the expression of gratitude you d like it to be? Consider making adjustments that will enable you to display His generous nature. Wrap It Up SAY: Because of His great mercy, God paved the way for what generosity looks like and has invited us to join Him in His work on earth. Giving may not be easy, but it will always be worth it. Get caught up in the joy of spending for God s kingdom. 44 S e ss i o n 3

12 My group's prayer requests LEADING A GROUP JUST FOR WOMEN, MEN, OR SINGLES? Get customized discussion questions & ideas at BibleStudiesforLife.com/blog. Spend Less, Give more Like many Americans, you may be feeling bruised by the nation s economic problems and may be less inclined to stick with a giving plan. It can be tough to think about writing a check toward charitable causes when you re struggling to pay monthly bills. Regardless of your situation, here are some tips that can help jump-start your giving plan. To continue reading Spend Less, Give More from HomeLife magazine, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/articles. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 45