2 Corinthians 8:1-7 – “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us — see that you abound in this grace also.”  NKJV

As I have traveled from church to church and preached, I have, at times, felt compelled of the Holy Spirit to “Touch the Taboo” and preach on giving.  When I was a pastor I had an evangelist tell me once, that he never preached on giving because that was the pastor’s job not his and he didn’t want to upset anyone.  I won’t say what I thought about portions of that statement but it was not totally complimentary.  As a preacher, I have always believed that I am to preach WHATEVER the Holy Spirit directs wherever and whenever and not be overly concerned about people being upset.  My assignment is not “ticking ears” but communicating the “thus saith the Lord” the Holy Spirit directs me to speak.

So, today I ask you to join me as we embark on a journey that I believe most pastors will thank me for and all who truly want to follow the Lord completely will give a resounding AMEN.  I want to broach the subject of Giving but beyond simply giving and enter the realm of GRACE GIVING.  I believe that it is impossible to study the Bible without being confronted with the subject of giving time and again.  In fact, one of the major thrusts of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey was comprised of receiving a special relief offering for the poor believers in Judea.  He had done that before in Acts 11:27-30, and now the Holy Spirit directs him to do it again.  I find it very interesting that Paul remembered the FORGOTTEN BEATITUDE, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  (Acts 20:35).

Before you assume this is another preacher trying to relieve you of your purse, I would suggest that as you examine what Paul did it was far more than just giving material assistance to the believers in Judea.  I believe there were at least three additional desires of his heart in this effort.

• He wanted the offering to strengthen the unity of the church as the Gentile congregations shared with the Jewish congregations.
• He wanted this evidence for the Jewish churches to prove that neither he nor the Gentile congregations were enemies of the Jews or Moses.
• He hoped that the generosity of the Gentiles would silence the jealousy and fear of the Jews toward them. 

          THE PROBLEM that Paul encountered and addressed was, the Corinthian believers were not doing their part.  They had made faith promises but failed to keep them.  In fact, Paul reminds them and us that an entire year has been wasted. [v.10].  I believe it would be good for us to ask, what caused the delay?  What was the problem?  I believe the answer, as Paul describes it was, ‘their spiritual condition.’  A Rule of Thumb that I have long believed is that when a church is not spiritual it is not generous.  When a person is not spiritual they are not generous and the converse is also true.   Another cause was the diabolical invasion of Judaizers, who siphoned off as much money as possible.  That leaves Paul with a dilemma.  He has to convince the Corinthian believers to participate but that will be difficult because of their spiritual condition.  I have often said, the churches that I love to preach to those who are enthusiastically with me or enthusiastically against me, but the apathetic are a nightmare.

Paul’s approach offers us insight as to how to address, identify, and enter into the Grace of Giving.  He lifts his appeal to the highest level possible and teaches a truth that far too many then and now never really grasps.  He teaches that Giving is an Act of Grace not just a response to an appeal.  I find it interesting to note that there are nine (9) different words used to refer to this offering, but the one used most is GRACE.  If you will note verse 4 you will see that giving is truly a ministry of Grace and Fellowship.  Paul pulled back the veil and helped them to understand the ministry of giving.

Time and space will not permit me to continue today so I pause here and we will consider some aspects of this GRACE next time.  Until then, may the Grace of God guard and guide you in all things and at all times.

          The abundant blessing of heaven is my prayer for each of you!