A broken kitchen cabinet. New landscaping materials for the backyard. The assignment at work that’s due tomorrow. Getting more exercise and eating less. What do the items on this list have in common? They all represent unfinished projects.
In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:7-8, 11-15, the Apostle Paul addressed the issue of an unfinished project that lay before the church. Already in 2 Corinthians, Paul had defended his apostleship and authority to the church. With 2 Corinthians 8, Paul began his plea for the Corinthians to finish the offering for famine relief going to the Judean believers. He said, “Now finish the work” (2 Corinthians 8:11).
Why give?
Local churches frequently are criticized for making financial pleas to the congregation in an effort to increase giving. Perhaps some of these criticisms are warranted. At the same time, there are genuine reasons to give money to the church. Paul illustrated these reasons in the 2 Corinthians.
(1) The work of the church is significant, and it matters (2 Corinthians 8:1-7). Early in my ministry, I was sensitive to the criticism of asking for money too often, so I was tentative in my financial appeals to the congregation.
Cecil Sherman, long-time pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, taught me that if the work of the local church was significant, if it mattered, if it was important, then the pastor never should be ashamed of asking for money. Ever since that truth was made clear to me, I never have wavered in my conviction to ask for money. The churches I have had the privilege to be a part of have done significant and important work.
If the work your church does matters and makes a difference in people’s lives, then give. Encourage others to give, too.
(2) Believers need to give, because Christ gave the ultimate example in giving (2 Corinthians 8:8-9). While he was rich in heaven, he chose to become poor and human in order that believers might become rich in salvation. Give because Jesus gave, and we want to be like Jesus.
(3) In the church, we give because others are counting on us to give (2 Corinthians 8:10-11). The Corinthians had pledged to give to those in need in Jerusalem. On the receiving end, the believers in Jerusalem were counting on the Corinthian believers to fulfill what they had promised to give.
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In the same way, every member of a local church is counting on others in the church to do their part to help the church meet its financial obligations. No one is exempt. Everyone should give, and everyone should give faithfully and consistently.
(4) An obvious reason to give is to help those in need (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). The power of the gospel clearly is on display when it is accompanied with a tangible manifestation of God’s love.
In John 6, Jesus saw that the multitude who came to hear him teach needed to eat. He miraculously fed the 5,000 utilizing one boy’s small lunch. Later in that same chapter, he taught the multitude he was the Bread of Life.
Our ministries need to meet both physical and spiritual needs. Remember that the word “ministry” often is code for “it costs money.” Evangelism costs money. We need to give so the good news can be spread to the world.
How should we give?
In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul described how believers should give.
(1) Believers give with determination (2 Corinthians 9:7). This determination should come from prayer.
Paul said believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14). That means that a legalistic 10% tithe is not mandated. What is mandated is that every believer must follow Jesus. That mandate will involve prayer, and prayer should address finances. Every believer should ask Jesus how much to give, and then make the determination to give that amount.
Let me be clear at this point. Freedom in Christ does not mean believers may give any amount they choose, for some may see a license to give very little. Believers who give obediently will pray diligently about how much to give, and I believe that their giving will surpass the 10 percent tithe from the Old Testament.
(2) Believers give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). If a believer has agreed with Jesus what to give, then giving that amount should not be a problem. It should be a joy to participate in God’s kingdom by giving.
(3) Believers give from what God already has given to them (2 Corinthians 9:8, 11). Every believer has the wealth that God has given them. From that wealth, there is an abundance to give to others. Believers should never say that they cannot afford to give. God supplies every believer everything needed in order to “abound in every good work.”
What are the results?
When believers give as they should, the results will be consistent and sure. First, needs will be met (2 Corinthians 9:12). Those who are in need will be blessed by believers who give obediently.
Second, when needs are met through giving, God will be praised. Those in need will send up a chorus of prayers filled with thanks to God for their brothers and sisters in the Lord. What a glorious time for God when he receives such prayers.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
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