March 4, 2018 Pastor Kenton Rahn
“Generous Like Jesus” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Gleaning from 2 Corinthians Series: Gleanings from Paul’s Epistles Background Information The city of Corinth: • • • •
Located in Greece, about 40 miles west of Athens Strategic harbors = wealth, commerce, culture, diversity Population = roughly 300,000 at the time of Paul Paul planted the church around AD 51 on his second missionary journey (Acts 18)
The date of 2 Corinthians: • • •
After writing 1 Corinthians, Paul visited Corinth again – called the “painful visit” in 2 Cor 2:1. After Paul left Corinth he wrote what is called ‘the severe letter’ (2 Cor 2:4, 7:8-9). We do not have a copy of that letter, but we know it was very sharp and seemed to have an effect. Many of the Corinthians repented, though some did not. Paul wrote the letter we call 2 Corinthians around AD 56.
Three main reasons Paul wrote 2 Corinthians: 1. To affirm his love for the Corinthians. (2 Cor 2:4) 2. To address the faction that was causing so much trouble.
Who were the troublemakers? • •
Jewish leaders (11:22) who taught that Christians have to obey the Mosaic law (11:20). Paul sarcastically calls them “super apostles” (11:5, 12:11) and “false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (11:17).
They accused Paul of: • Financial trickery (12:13, 16-18)
• •
Being unskilled in speaking (11:6) Being physically weak and unimpressive (10:10)
Realizing the gospel is at stake, Paul provides a defense of his apostolic ministry, which is the polar opposite of the “super apostles.” • He boasts in his weakness in order that Christ may be glorified (4:10). •
He provides his resume – his list of qualifications – several times in the letter (E.G. 1:8-9, 4:8-11, 6:4-10, 7:5, 11:21-30, and 12:7-10).
3. To give instructions about the collection for the church in Jerusalem.
Basic Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapters 1-7
Chapters 8-9
Chapters 10-13
The triumph of the true gospel in Corinth
The instructions for the Jerusalem Offering
The defense of Paul’s apostolic ministry
Key Verse: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Application: Chapters 8-9 are not just about money. They are about the gospel! (2Cor 9:15) Stinginess comes from a lack of understanding of the gospel, while generosity is an expression of the gospel. The gospel should transform how we live and give. 7 Principles for Giving (A.K.A. “How To Be Generous”) 1. Good intentions are not enough. (2 Cor 8:10-11) 2. God wants your heart more than your money. (2 Cor 8:5) 3. Everything you have comes from God. (2 Cor 9:8, 10-11) 4. Everything you have is temporary. (2 Cor 4:16-18, 5:1-2) 5. Anyone can be generous. (2 Cor 8:2-3) 6. You will reap what you sow. (2 Cor 9:6) 7. God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7)
Conclusion: “But since you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you --see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Cor 8:7, NIV)
Discussion Questions 1. Contrast the “super apostles” with Paul. What qualifications were on Paul’s “resume” that authenticated his ministry as an apostle? 2. How does the way we handle money reveal what we really believe about the gospel? 3. Which of the 7 Principles for Giving ministered to you the most, and why? 4. Whatever your main takeaway is from the message, how are you going to put it into action this week? 1.
Gleanings from Paul’s Epistles -- Next Week’s Reading: The Book of Galatians © 2018 Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA 93726 www.campusbiblechurch.com
