FRAMEWORKS:
2 Corinthians 9
In
this ‘Framework' we use our usual text PLUS comment style to enable
you, as simply as possible, to catch the sense of his writing.
FRAMEWORKS:
2 Cor 9: More about the Collection
v.1-5
Further Comments on the Collection
v.6-15
Generosity Encouraged
[Chapter
Synopsis: The
chapter is in two parts: first, explanation of why the team is
coming and, second, spiritual principles of giving that will bless
the givers, the receivers and God and the church generally.]
v.1-5
Further Comments on the Collection
v.1
(I
don't really need to repeat myself) There
is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord's
people.
v.2
(I'm aware of
how eager you are to give, as I told the Macedonians) For
I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about
it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in
Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most
of them to action.
v.3
(I'm sending the
team of three to check that you're ready) But
I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you
in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready,
as I said you would be.
v.4
(we won't send
the locals because we don't want to be shown up after our boasting)
For if any Macedonians come with
me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would
be ashamed of having been so confident.
v.5
(hence I'm sending
the team to help out) So I thought
it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and
finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised.
Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly
given.
[Passage
Synopsis: he's
sending the team of three just to help out with last minute administration
of the collection before they take it to Jerusalem.]
v.6-15
Generosity Encouraged
v.6
(don't forget
the law – sow sparingly, reap sparingly; sow generously and you
will reap generously) Remember
this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows generously will also reap generously.
v.7
(give from your
heart, not legalistically) Each
of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
v.8
(and God will
reward you with all you need at any time) And
God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at
all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every
good work.
v.9
(just like it
said it I the psalms) As it
is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their
righteousness endures forever.” [Psa 112:9]
v.10
(so God who
is our provider will richly reward you…) Now
he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also
supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest
of your righteousness.
v.11
(… in order
that you can continue being a generous people) You
will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every
occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving
to God.
v.12
(this produces
not only material blessing but spiritual also) This
service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the
Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks
to God.
v.13
(because by
your giving others will praise God) Because
of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will
praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession
of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with
them and with everyone else.
v.14
(and as they
pray their hearts will go out to you) And
in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because
of the surpassing grace God has given you.
v.15
(so let's thank
Him that He is such a giver) Thanks
be to God for his indescribable gift!
[Passage
Synopsis: There
are spiritual laws for giving: if you give generously, God will
bless you, but give from your hearts, not by command and your
giving will be heard around the church and will result in praise
and glory to God.]
Chapter
Brief Summary/Recap:
Ch.
9: More about the Collection
•
Paul
explains why the team is coming – to help out with last minute
admin.
•
He spells out spiritual principles
of giving be generous and give from the heart – and that will
bless the givers, the receivers and God and the church generally.
Continue
to Chapter 10