Ministry costs money. It always has, and it always will. To accomplish his work, God established a plan of support. Through the ages, God has relied on the faithful giving of his people to complete his plans. The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Corinth, outlined giving that honors God and carries on the ministry of the church.
Giving demonstrates sincerity (2 Corinthians 8:8-11)
Apparently, the church at Corinth had been involved in a special offering for believers in Jerusalem the year before Paul wrote his letter. Now Paul encourages them to complete the task (2 Corinthians 8:11). By doing so, they would show their sincerity. A proper gift to God’s service must be given with a sincerity of heart for God to bless the gift. Continuing the pattern of giving until the task was completed showed sincerity.
Paul also intimates the example of Jesus should cause giving for the right reason. No one could ever match the gift God gave when he allowed his Son to become a human, come to the Earth and die for our sins. Yet when one views the cross and considers the gift of God, it should inspire a desire to be obedient in all things.
If Jesus was willing to give his life as a ransom, then believers should be willing to give for God’s purposes to be realized. Paul’s appeal is grace (v. 9). Here Paul uses an interesting word—know (v. 9). There are two Greek words that translate to the English word “know.” The word used here signifies experiential knowledge. When one experiences “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 9), they are better prepared spiritually to give back to God’s work.
While not in the text, a word of caution would be in order. In this day of televangelists, scammers and schemers, there is a place where one can give to God’s work. It is the local church. The heart of Christian giving is the local church.
Giving meeting needs (2 Corinthians 8:12-15)
God’s plan for giving always has been equitable. The genius of the tithe is the percentage, proportional aspect of the gift. In like fashion, Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to give knowing, “the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have” (v. 12). This concept of giving is illustrated by the story of the widows two coins (Mark 12:41-44). Her gift was small, but it was all she had, and Jesus deemed it the greatest gift of all.
The modern church has much in common with the early church. As it was when Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, the world is full of need. In recent days, the news has been filled with stories of people whose lives were destroyed by earthquakes, flooding and other natural disasters. People in many places throughout the world will go to bed hungry tonight. God’s people are expected to respond to needs everywhere. Baptists know as they give through their local church some of their gift goes to meet needs at home and abroad.
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Giving benefits the giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
Paul describes the characteristics of a generous believer; “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (v. 7). True Christian giving involves direction from God’s Spirit, a gift given from free will and a gift given with great joy. The word “cheerful” (v. 7) has been accurately translated hilarious. Joy comes from giving.
God also promises he will reward giving. Paul says, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need” (v. 8).
A word of caution is important at this time. There is a movement that is becoming very prevalent, particularly in the American church. This movement has been labeled “prosperity teaching.” The basic tenet says the person of faith always will meet with God’s approval, and God will reward the faithful by supplying their every material need or want.
Nothing could be any more foreign to the New Testament church. Christians who give may live a life of poverty, the Jerusalem believers did. God grants spiritual blessings and often physical blessings to those who give liberally and hilariously.
Giving in the strictest Christian sense should never take place because of the promise of reward. Giving is an act of discipleship. Christians should give out of obedience to God, to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate (physically and spiritually) and as the fuel that drives all ministry in God’s name.
Conclusion
The grace of giving may be lost on some believers today. A 2007 LifeWay survey of adults who attend church once a month indicated 53 percent of Protestants give 10 percent or more of their pretax income to charities, churches or ministries. While those numbers my appear to be acceptable, nearly one of two Christians fail to experience the joy that comes from giving. The church must never shy away from encouraging giving. It still is God’s plan for reaching the world.
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