Author: missionspaul

“So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 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 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ 

Paul urged Titus to finish what he had begun. Titus had been commissioned for a task in Corinth. He was to bring a report on how they had responded to Paul’s severe letter. Inspired by the church in Macedonia, who despite their poor and difficult circumstances entered into the collection for the poor in Jerusalem, he now says how the impact on him meant he had urged Titus to make sure the Corinthians also moved in grace. “Complete the task” was Titus’ responsibility and Paul urged him to do just that. 

Paul then begins to praise them for many things, faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love. They were excelling in these things. Quite a statement. He is leading to asking them to be involved in the collection but first he wants them to know he is pleased with everything else. He actually doesn’t ask them to give but masterfully tells them to excel in giving in the same way they have excelled in other areas. People who feel valued are more likely to be involved in the stretch of new areas. 

Some leaders simply demand more and make it clear they’re wanting more from those they lead. Paul wasn’t doing this. He cultivated excellence in people by helping them see they are of those who pursue it. There is a huge difference between demanding people do what you want and calling them to become all that they can be. 

For you, take a look at those areas you also excel in, maybe they are the same list as the Corinthians. How did you begin to be so good in those graces? Can you use the same commitment and the same desire to excel in the areas the Holy Spirit shows you?

Paul was collecting for missions work. It was for the poor in Jerusalem. When it came to the Macedonians they didn’t need to be asked, in fact, Paul wasn’t expecting them to give. But they begged to be included in the offering. Paul didn’t need to say anything for it was they who raised the issue of giving. 

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: they gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭5

How can we give beyond our ability to give? These Christians had been to the cross and seen what Christ had done for them. They had surrendered to Christ first and when we do that then we cannot hold back anything. Remember this is not some project around the corner. They are not giving to benefit themselves. This is for a group of people they have never met all the way over in Jerusalem. 

Grace travels miles. 

If we ever want evidence for the grace of God then it can be seen in the grace we share with others especially when it’s miles away and so unconditional. 

Today there will be an opportunity to give. When it comes think of the Macedonians.

So often what tries to influence our lives is possessions and circumstances. But the economy of the kingdom is different. This is what Paul encourages the Corinthian Church by focusing them on the Macedonians.

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭2

How can severe trial produce rich generosity? 

How can they have overflowing joy as well as being extremely poor? 

Only if true giving isn’t based upon whether circumstances are good or not. 

Only if true joy isn’t based on our possessions.

Christ changes perspectives on circumstances. As we follow Him we see the world differently. We are not immune to trouble but He gives us the victory.

When the grace of God is experienced then what follows is always overflowing and a welling up of generosity. 

We move into section of what has to be one of the most profound teachings on giving. Paul presents the whole subject not as some guilt-burden to carry but a grace to embrace into our lives. Paul directs the thoughts of the Corinthian Church to the Macedonian Church. Over the next few days we will dig into what he says.

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. ³ For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. ⁵ And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. ⁶ So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. ⁷ 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. ⁸ I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. ⁹ 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 through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Today people give but they want to direct their giving.
Today people give but they want to control their giving.
Today people give but they want to have some commission for giving.
Today people give but they want a moving story on a classy film to give.
Today people give but it’s more about them than the ones receiving the gift.

The only way we will enter into the grace of giving is if we first see the gift of Jesus.
These are the 2 key chapters in the NT on giving. Each of them point to Jesus.
He became poor for others like you and me.
He gave for the sake of others.
He gave till it hurt.
He gave with no strings attached.
He gave so that we can give, like Him.

This is the grace of giving.

This chapter holds beautiful language of a leader expressing why he was firm to his church and how their response encouraged him in his own faith. We have seen how people hurt people and the damage that is caused from the wounds that take time to heal. Paul and the Corinthian Church help us see what we can also do as Paul worked out their relationship together. So with these final thoughts in chapter 7 we see how we can make relationships work.

“In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. ¹⁴ I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. ¹⁵ And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. ¹⁶ I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” (2 Corinthians 7 v 13-16)

Last evening I spoke with a leader who at the start of the day had told me he had some ‘tricky’ meetings ahead. The relief in his voice as he shared how those meetings had gone really well was palpable. There is always a real sense of renewed hope and joy that comes through navigating successfully relational tension.

Paul had sent a severe letter to the Church which addressed serious issues within their community. Now through Titus he hears that those necessary words had brought about changes of heart and produced good results.

• We need people who can carry difficult messages with love and faithfulness. We need good people in the room addressing conflict issues, whether that is offering correction or bringing encouragement.
• We need people who are brave enough to receive difficult truths. Spiritual growth often comes through difficult conversations that have been given and received with grace.
• We need people who have a desire to build up, never to destroy a person, especially when bringing correction.

The Church always has an opportunity to demonstrate to a world divided and broken, that there is the possibility of reconciliation and restoration because of Jesus Christ.

We need people like that. We need to be those people.

“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.” (2 Corinthians 7 v 8-13)

So this ‘letter’ – it seems a bit awkward in v8 that Paul says he doesn’t regret writing such a letter that caused sorrow.

The truth is we need people in our lives who, without any form of abuse, speak into our lives, words that may wound us but not for wounding sake. The intention is not to damage but to lead to healing and change.

The truth is we need to respond so much more with godly sorrow, which knows how to acknowledge wrongdoing and truly repents from it. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, regret, hurt and importantly not moving to change anything.

The truth is we need people who can spur us on with:

Earnestness – a commitment to change for the better.

Eagerness – not excuses, but an eagerness to be changed.

Indignation – If we are going to be angry then be angry with our own sin.

Alarm – Be aware of what a lack of repentance produces.

Longing – Have a desire to be restored.

Concern – Be bothered with those that have been hurt by us.

Readiness – Be willing to accept the consequences of our actions.

The truth is we need people to correct us but with their own humility, grace and love, above leading us into joy and encouragement.

These are the keys to making relationships work.

People fall out don’t they? People hurt people. Mature Christians and even Pastors can damage friendships that were once beautiful and people in the pew can make it very difficult to be a person in the pulpit.

How do we make relationships work?

Paul and the Corinthian Church help us see what we can also do as Paul worked out their relationship together.

“Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. ³ I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. ⁴ I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7 v 2-4)

Division is generally created not only because of information received but the heart of a person becomes closed to the other. Trust leaves. The door of the heart shuts and a decision is made that closeness has finished. That person will never come near again.

You will know as many people as I do whose hearts are closed off to others. I know Christians of long-standing, people of influence, whose hearts are closed to one another.

• Paul had reached out to them with an open heart. Remember this, “O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open?” (2 Corinthians 6 v 11) If you want someone to be warm to you then you must be the first to reach out to them. It is easier to ask for open hearts when yours is already demonstrating it.
• Paul is confident in his conduct. He hasn’t wronged, corrupted or cheated anyone. He isn’t an abuser of his position. He hasn’t harmed anyone. Rather his love for them meant he would die for them. Examine your actions. If you’re confident of your behaviour then say so.
• Paul never minimised his approach to the church. When he spoke to them regarding the influence of the world by being unequally yoked, he realised this was with great frankness. When he spoke to others about them it was with great pride and all of it led to him being greatly encouraged. Such language makes the other feel important.

It all paves the way for the request to make room in their hearts, to trust him, to open their hearts and be positive towards him. Keys to any relationship.

So here are the 3 promises Paul reminds us of if we resist the threat of worldly influence:

God will walk with you. God will receive you. God will be a father and we will be His children.

So what will you do about these amazing promises?

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7 v 1)

So …

1. We remember these promises. Receive them, ‘have them’, own them and claim them as your own. Let these promises motivate you.
2. Have a greater self-awareness. Not just the outward behaviours but the inward thoughts and even asking the Spirit to reveal your blind spots.
3. Sign up for a lifetime of battling contamination. This isn’t something we just switch on in our lives. This is for life.
4. Make good choices until you perfect your character. Forgive and ask for forgiveness quickly. Love and show grace and mercy. Give and give again.
5. Focus on improving yourself. We can all improve other people. We can all see their faults. But no, we focus on ourselves.

3 promises.

God will walk with you.

God will receive you.

This now is the 3^rd promise for not being influenced by the world. God will be a father and we will be His children.

“And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6 v 18)

If we resist the influences of this world and if we remain in the presence of God as followers of Him then this third promise guarantees us our identity.

We are not merely forgiven nor are we simply followers, we are His children.

We are not following some rules and regulations, we have direct access and can call Him Father.

There is one final and absolute truth.

Can you see how Paul quotes using ‘the Lord Almighty’? Another translation uses the title, the Lord of Hosts. This title emphasizes God’s sovereignty over everything that comes against you. This all-powerful ruler of the entire universe is your Father who protects and provides for His children. Now that is a wonderful promise.