Scripture Reading : 2 Corinthians 8
Theme : A Model for Christian Giving
After the relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church had been restored, he could now discuss with them the issue of giving.
- The model for Christian giving (8:1-9). To stimulate the Corinthians’ giving, Paul first pointed out the example of the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea), who gave generously and sacrificially despite their deep poverty. This showed that giving is the behavior of devout Christians, which is motivated by God’s grace, is filled with joy and generosity, and performed as a sacrificial act of worship. But the greatest example of such love and sacrifice the world has ever known is the Lord Jesus Christ, who became poor to make unworthy ones rich.
- Giving with faithfulness (8:10-15). To further motivate the Corinthians, Paul reminded them that they were the first to start the collection for the Jerusalem saints a year ago (cf 1 Cor 16:1-4). However, after false teachers led a rebellion against Paul, the Corinthians temporarily halted their giving as they doubted Paul’s credibility. Now that most of the Corinthians have repented, Paul urged them to resume collecting the offering again in order to complete what they had started.
- Collecting with integrity (8:16-24). Because Paul’s enemies at Corinth had accused him of being in the ministry for money, Paul was careful to mention that God had put the same desire in Titus and an unnamed brother to ensure that the collection were handled with absolute honesty and integrity. The involvement of other godly leaders enhanced the project’s credibility and prevents false accusations that might discredit him further.
Praying the Scripture
- Despite their deep poverty, the Macedonian believers were amazingly generous (cf. 11:9; Phil 2:25; 4:15, 18). This is because they first give themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord, which is then followed by their financial giving to the church. Let’s pray that we will learn from the Macedonians’ example in giving as a demonstration of our love and worship to God.
- In the incarnation of Christ, the eternal God became poor by taking on human flesh and humbling Himself even to the point of death on the cross. By doing so, He defeated the powers of hell, accomplished the work of redemption God assigned Him and gave His people the priceless riches of salvation – forgiveness, joy, peace and eternal life. Knowing Christ’s sacrificial love should motivate us to give freely, sacrificially and generously to others. Let us thank our Lord Jesus Christ for His redemptive work on the cross and follow His example in giving generously to our brothers and sisters in need (James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17).
- Though Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give generously, he did not expect them to give beyond their means. At the same time, it is also wrong to use their lack of resources as an excuse not to give. The most important issue is not the amount, but the attitude of the heart. Believers are expected to give in proportion to their resources, not more, but also not less. Let’s pray that we will give careful considerations to our giving and give in proportion to our resources.
经文：哥林多后书8
主题：信徒奉献的模式
当保罗与哥林多教会之间的关系恢复后，他便能与他们谈论有关奉献的事了。
- 信徒奉献的模式 （8:1-9）。为激励哥林多教会奉献，保罗首先提到了马其顿众教会的榜样（腓立比、帖撒罗尼迦及庇哩亚教会），因为他们虽然贫困，还仍慷慨，舍己地奉献。这显示奉献是敬虔信徒的作为，是由神的恩典激发的，充满喜乐与洪量，是敬拜的舍己之举。但这世上，此爱与舍己最大的榜样是主耶稣基督；祂成了贫穷，叫不配的人成为富足。
- 忠心奉献（8:10-15）。为更加激励哥林多教会，保罗提醒他们说他们一年前是先开始为耶路撒冷的信徒筹款的（参：林前16:1-4）。可是，自从假教师领人对抗保罗后，他们便停止奉献，因为他们开始怀疑保罗。如今，因多数哥林多信徒悔改了，保罗鼓励他们继续筹款奉献，完成他们所开始的工作。
- 诚实募集（8:16-24）。由于保罗在哥林多的敌人控告他为钱作执事，所以保罗刻意指出神同样感动提多及另一个弟兄的心，要确保捐资过程是诚实并有诚信的。其他敬虔领袖的参与加强了捐资项目的可信度，也预防假控告再度升起。
用经文祷告
- 虽然贫困，马其顿信徒却格外慷慨（参：11:9；腓2:25；4:15,18）。这是因为他们先把自己献给主，之后在金钱上奉献给教会。让我们祷告我们会在奉献上从马其顿众信徒的榜样学习，表示对神的爱与敬拜。
- 当基督道成肉身时，永恒之神附上肉身，谦卑自己，甚至死在十字架上，从而成为贫穷。基督借此战胜了地狱的权势，完成了神委托祂的救赎工作，赐予祂子民救恩的富足：赦免、喜乐、平安及永生。我们若晓得基督舍己的爱，便当被激励向他人自由, 舍己及慷慨地奉献。让我们为主耶稣基督在十架上救赎的工作感恩，并效法祂的榜样，慷慨帮助有需要的弟兄姐妹（各2:15-16；约一3:17）。
- 保罗虽然鼓励哥林多教会慷慨奉献，却没叫他们赴汤蹈火，倾家荡产。同时，以不足资源为不奉献的借口也是错的。最重要的不是数目字，而是心态。信徒当根据他们所有的资源奉献，不多也不少给。让我们祷告我们在奉献时能留心思考，依照神给我们的资源奉献。
